Bedding Sand...

[Genipher]

We live near the coast and just brought home 2 guinea pigs. Can anyone tell me if sand is okay to use as bedding?

 

[Ly&Pigs]

It is not suitable for any animal as bedding. Please don't use it.

 

[wigglesgiggles1]

Some alternatives are fleece and care fresh.

 

[VoodooJoint]

As has been said, sand is not acceptable. It is actually extremely dangerous as it will cause severe intestinal blockage if ingested, it harbors bacteria and mold and will also cause respiratory, skin and eye issues/injuries.

 

[Genipher]

Thank you everyone! Our piggies are new to us and we're still learning. I wanted to double-check before sticking anything in with them.
I'm glad I found this forum!

I read that some people have one cage with shavings and another with dirt so they can have different terrain types. The book said that the dirt can also help wear down their nails. Any advice on that? Is dirt an okay option?

 

[lissie]

Please don't use sand. Here are lists of safe bedding:
Bedding
https://www.guinealynx.info/bedding.html

You might also want to check this out:
https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/bedding/21568-fleece-project-study.html

 

[Genipher]

Hmmm. I tried posting yesterday to say thank you for the heads-up, but it looks as if it didn't go through.
So, again, thanks y'all! I want to double-check everything before sticking it the cage. I was thinking of trying dirt, as one of the books I read said it's good for filing down their nails. But since then I've been checking out the fleece stuff and I think we'll try that instead.

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

You need to physically trim their nails about every 3 to 4 weeks. Dirt is not going to help. Many books out there are outdated and wrong.

 

[frillint]

Fleece is AMAZING!!