Guinea pigs spend a lot of their day resting, and they love doing it somewhere soft and sheltered. While bedding covers the cage floor, a dedicated bed gives your piggies a cozy, secure place to nap and snuggle. Here is what to know about choosing the best guinea pig bed.
Do Guinea Pigs Need a Bed?
Strictly speaking, guinea pigs need bedding and hiding spots. In practice, most guinea pigs are much happier with a soft bed too. A good bed:
- Helps them feel safe. Guinea pigs are prey animals and relax best in snug, enclosed spaces.
- Cushions their feet. Hard or rough surfaces can contribute to sore feet, a condition called bumblefoot.
- Gives them a cozy nap spot. Guinea pigs take many short naps throughout the day and night.
- Keeps them warm. A bed lifts them off cool floors.
Bedding vs. Beds: What's the Difference?
Bedding is the material that covers the cage floor, like paper bedding or fleece liners. It absorbs urine and keeps the cage clean. Beds are soft spots for resting, like cuddle cups, nests, and pads. Your guinea pigs need both.
Types of Guinea Pig Beds
Nest Beds and Cuddle Cups
Round beds with raised sides are a guinea pig favorite. They can curl up and lean against the edges, which feels safe and secure. Our Bunny Dream Bed is a nest-style bed that is popular with guinea pig owners, too.
Flat Pads
Soft pads work well in larger cages and for piggies who like to stretch out. A Bunny Bed Pad also makes a cushy floor inside a hidey house.
Hidey Houses and Tunnels
Covered hideouts are a must, with at least one per guinea pig. Many owners put a soft bed or pad inside for the best of both worlds.
What to Look for in a Guinea Pig Bed
- Soft, breathable fabric: Natural fibers like cotton are gentle and comfortable. Our beds are handmade from organic cotton.
- Machine washable: Guinea pigs are not litter trained, so beds need regular washing.
- The right size: Big enough to curl up or stretch out. If two piggies like to cuddle, choose a bigger bed or a Duo Dream Bed.
- Durable stitching: Check for loose threads or stuffing your guinea pig could chew.
- No small decorations: Avoid beds with buttons, beads, or glued-on parts.
How Many Beds Do Guinea Pigs Need?
Plan on at least one bed and one hideout per guinea pig, plus a spare. Guinea pigs can be territorial about their favorite spots, and having enough beds helps prevent squabbles. Having extras also means you always have a clean bed ready while the other is in the wash.
Where to Put a Guinea Pig Bed
- In a quiet corner of the cage, away from the busiest area
- Away from the spot they use as a bathroom
- Out of direct sunlight and away from drafts
- Near, but not on top of, their hay
How to Keep Guinea Pig Beds Clean
Shake out hay and droppings daily and machine wash beds at least once a week with an unscented detergent. Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets, and make sure beds are completely dry before putting them back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can guinea pigs use rabbit beds?
Yes. Many small rabbit beds are a perfect size for guinea pigs. Just make sure the bed is washable, sturdy, and free of small parts.
Do guinea pigs like fleece or cotton beds?
Both are popular. Cotton is breathable and natural, and fleece is soft and wicks moisture. The best choice is whichever your guinea pigs use and do not chew apart.
Why won't my guinea pig use their bed?
New items can make guinea pigs nervous. Try placing it inside or next to a hideout, adding a little of their hay, or moving it to a quieter corner.
The Bottom Line
Guinea pigs do best with soft, washable beds in addition to their bedding and hideouts. Pick a cozy nest or pad in natural fabric, give every piggy their own spot, and keep a spare for laundry day.