Is it Bad if Guinea Pigs Eat Newspaper?
Like 2 Dislike 0 Published on 10 Feb 2016
Is it bad if Guinea pigs eat newspaper?
They need fiber, but you should be giving them carrots and lettuce and spinach to nibble.
The newspaper lines the cage. In a way, I've already given it to her.
The newspaper is chewed because it is there, and not covered with hay and wood chips. I know it is convenient, but the ink isn't good for the critter.
It is all black and white. I know the colored inks can be dangerous.
The black ink can be toxic, too. It is mostly soy based ink these days, but still not good, but colored ink is toxic over time.
So what do I put in the cage instead?
You could use saw dust to absorb all the pee. Get willow branch balls for the pet to chew on.
Those things are expensive. Could I make my own?
Yes, with a tangle of branches. Or put a wooden block to chew on to keep the teeth from getting too long, as long as it isn't cut off a piece of painted or treated furniture wood.
Is he eating it, or is he just chewing on it like gum to keep the teeth from getting too long?
Either or both. Guinea pigs do have the ability to digest cellulose, though it isn't their first choice.
My pet seems to prefer newspaper over the carrots and seeds I put in. He even eats the newspaper after eating food.
There are people who like the paper after breakfast, but that's ridiculous.
What else could I do?
Put Timothy hay in the cage for the pet to eat so get enough fiber or wood blocks that are untreated by chemicals.
I hope the kids do not hear this and give the kids wooden toys and toothpicks to eat.