Can i re use guinea pig bedding as a mulch for my garden.?

Question

i have 7 guinea pigs and really need to the darn mulch in my garden too.
i need some advice and ideas from any one who may have any suggestions or ideas on this one.
thanks so much
tonia

Answer 1

yes i had some pumpkins growing in my back yard and i used to dump the bedding stuff in with the pumpkins . I had the best looking pumpkins in the county . I never let anyone know what I used . good luck and I hope I helped.

Answer 2

if it is wood chip bedding, you have to break it down first or it will suck all the nutrients and nitrogen out of the soil where your plants are when it is trying to decompose. I would start a small pile somewhere out of the way and keep adding and turning the pile until bedding is at least semi-decomposed (compost pile). That way it will add to the garden, not take away. If it is paper bedding, it will be fine to use..just don't compact too much so water can flow through the paper to the plant roots below. Some mulch blocks water from getting to the plants if applied too thick.

Answer 3

Some people use wood shavings as small pet bedding. Be aware that decomposing wood shavings actually rob the soil of nutrients. Long composted wood shavings may add good structure to the soil, but much later.

Also, be aware that cedar or other very aromatic wood shavings are not recommended as bedding for small pets - the aromatic oils irritate their lungs -- chronic long-term effects.

Shredded paper is better and often people have shredders at home now or have access to an office that does. The unscented untreated wood pellets (in big bags for pellet stoves) may be useful as an absorbant layer under shredded paper, but best as a thin layer only, especially if the pet loves to toss bedding.

Answer 4

It's probably similar to rabbit manure, so it's OK. Just to be on the safe side, I'd keep it 3 inches from each plant to avoid any possibility of burning tha plants if you are not composting (aging) it first. It should also make an excellent addition to your compost pile.

Check out our website for more gardening ideas at-
http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.com/

Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

Answer 5

I used aspen wood shavings for my guinea pigs, and when I cleaned the cage I would dump the used shavings in a corner of my yard. I don't know how well they worked as mulch, but the shaving degraded very quickly. I'm sure I saved bags and bags of waste from being sent to the dump. :)

Answer 6

I would say definitely yes! Especially if the bedding is made from natural organic material. I would think there droppings would actual be better then miracle grow plant food.

Answer 7

I wouldn't without composting it first. Reason- uneaten seeds would germinate and you would have unwanted weeds in your garden.

Answer 8

I wouldn't. Their poop is prob. like rabbit poop and nothing grows under a rabbit hutch. Too much nitrogen or something lke that.