Is it safe to use shredded paper for your guinea pigs cage?

Question

Money is tight right now and bedding is expensive so I was wondering if I could use the shredded paper that I have. I shred my mail as it comes in and things with my name and such. I know newspapers aren't safe becasue of all the ink they use and magazines aren't safe either. But what about just regular everyday junk mail. Or does anyone have other suggestion for bedding that is cheap or free for an adult guinea pig?

Answer 1

Most newspapers are actually safe. Call the newspaper and ask if they use soy-based inks. The only drawback is that newspaper ink tends to rub off, and may discolor your guinea pig's fur.

Answer 2

No newspapers--yes, this is true and no magazines either, for the same reason--it's the ink. If you mean things like old/shredded phone bills, power bills, credit card bills, I think this would be alright, but I'd check with my vets office or the SPCA before doing it. Another good/FREE source would be to call a couple of the local elementary schools (k - 5th or 6th grade) because the schools MUST use paper, pencils, crayons, chalk, etc. that is totally NON-toxic to a child, so I am sure it would be fine for your little critter. Also, If you have a local newspaper that is printed right there in town, give them a call and ask them if they sell roll ends. I only know this because I used to work at our newspaper here. The roll ends are simply the ends of a roll of the paper that is too small (there's usually 6 - 8 inches on it) that has not been printed on. These things are very cheap. Take them home and run them thru your shredder. You won't believe how much paper you can generate from these roll ends. Good luck.

Answer 3

Newspaper is not a substitute for hay. I don't know about rabbits, but guinea pigs need unlimited grass hay in their diet. Newspaper would be ok for a bedding temporarily and is safe for guinea pigs to eat but it's not proper food and you'd have to change it every few days.

Answer 4

You can go to like a farm and Tack store and buy a big bag of wood shavings for $5 it will last you guinea pig several months. Litter train you Guinea Pig. Lay newspaper on the bottom of the cage.I have never heard newspaper was bad. Cedar shavings is bad for any animal, get regular wood shavings.

Answer 5

I know normal newspaper or white paper is generally safe to use but can't comment on other types. Newspaper isn't as absorbent as some of the other bedding options although if you can get it for free then it should be fine is changed regularly and kept clean.


regards
jess

Answer 6

You can use shredded paper, but quite frankly it's useless. Shredded paper is not very absorbent, and if you want to keep the smell in the cage low and the pigs in a good environment, you'll have to change it every day.

Answer 7

I'm sure it'll be fine coz I always see shredded paper in rabbit and guinea pigs home at my local SPCA. How about your own backyard grass dried in the sun to become homemade hay? Anyway, have a good time and good luck!

Answer 8

I HAVE 3 SOLUTIONS
i use nothing but newspaper they eat it and they have lived for 3 yrs tho if you are worried bout the ink paper will still be fine, when fish and chips first came out they were wraped in newspaper and no1 died from it, or you can use buthers paper.

Answer 9

To be honest with you i kept mine in a cage on the ground . They loved to dig around and escaped then i moved them to cage and i made the bedding out of hay and grass, Some they ate and the rest they used to make their nests

Answer 10

hey i always have used shredded paper or paper or sawdust it all works the same and i havent had any problems