As a guinea pig owner, you need to provide your pet with a litter box. A litter box will help your guinea pig stay clean and help to keep their cage clean. But, can you use a DIY homemade litter box for a guinea pig?
You can use a homemade guinea pig litter for guinea pigs. You can use a cardboard box, coroplast sheet, plastic containers, and other household items to make the littler box. However, make sure that the litter box is made of safe materials for guinea pigs and that they can access them easily.
In this article, I will explain things to consider before using a DIY Guinea Pig litter box, why the guinea pig’s owner needs a litter box for them and how to make them at home.
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12 Best Homemade DIY litter Ideas for Guinea Pig
Here are some DIY ideas to make a litter at your home for your guinea pigs.
1. Litter Box made of a cardboard box
One simple way to make a litter box at home is to use a cardboard box. All you need is a cardboard box that is big enough for your guinea pig to move around in and some bedding material.
Cardboard is easy to find and safe for your guinea pigs. Moreover, it is also biodegradable. So, if you are looking for an eco-friendly way to make a litter box, this could be it.
How to make it?
You will need:
-1 cardboard box
-Tape
-Scissors
-Bedding (such as hay, aspen shavings, or recycled paper pellets)
Instructions:
1. Cut a hole in one side of the cardboard box. The hole should be big enough for your guinea pig to fit through.
2. Tape the edges of the hole to make sure it is secure.
3. Place the litter box in your guinea pig’s cage.
4. Add bedding to the litter box. We recommend using Aspen or Carefresh litter because it is soft and absorbent.
5. Change the litter and bedding every week.
2. Coroplast litter box
Next thing, you can try to create a litter box out of Coroplast. It is quite easy and simple. You will only need a Coroplast sheet and some bedding material.
Additionally, you can also use some Velcro strips to make it more secure. If you are also using coroplast liners, it will also complement it.
How to make it?
You will need:
– Coroplast sheet
– Tape measure
– Permanent marker
– Ruler or a straight edge
– Sharp knife or box cutter
– Duct tape and some Velcro strips
Instructions:
– Start by measuring the size of your guinea pig’s cage. You’ll require a 16-inch square sheet of coroplast for a 12-inch-square litter box.
– 2 inches in from each edge, draw straight lines with a knife.
– Next, cut through the top layer of plastic using a knife or box cutter to score them. But, make sure you avoid doing it on the bottom layer of plastic.
– After that, when you turn the sheet over, fold the sides up to form a box with a waterproof interior that is continuous. Make sure to cut smoothly and evenly. If your guinea pigs find it difficult to pass through the threshold, you may remove part of one side to make access easier.
– Use duct tape to secure the wires at the corners of the box.
3. Plastic vinegar bottle litter box
You can also recycle a plastic vinegar bottle to create a guinea pig litter box. It is one of the inexpensive ways you can try.
How to make it?
You will need:
-A plastic vinegar bottle
-A knife
-Wire cutters or Scissors
-Tape
Instructions:
1. Cut the bottom portion off the plastic vinegar bottle with a knife.
2. Cut a big opening in one side of that bottom part of the bottle for your guinea pigs to enter and exit.
3. Don’t use hot glue to cover the sharp edges. Make it smooth using a knife or scissors as much as possible and cover the age with tape.
4. Put bedding or little materials
5. Place the litter box in your guinea pig’s cage.
4. Litter made of newspaper
Using a newspaper is the simplest way to make litter for your guinea pigs. This is also free of cost and readily available.
Just make sure that it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or guinea pigs don’t eat the paper with ink.
How to make it?
You will need:
-2-3 layers of newspaper
-Tape
-Hay
Instructions:
1. First, take 2-3 layers of newspaper.
2. Next, tape the newspapers together.
3. Then, place the papers in a corner of the guinea pig’s cage and tape it with the liner of the cage. It works better for the cage if you use coroplast liner.
4. Finally, put some bedding materials such as hay or Carefresh on the litter.
5. Litter made of newspaper and cardboard box
Another great way to make a litter for your little piggies is by combining both newspaper and cardboard boxes.
With the cardboard box, you can use a newspaper sheet or shredded newspaper.
How to make it?
You will need:
-1 layer of cardboard
-2-3 layers of newspaper
-Tape
-Scissors
-Shredded newspaper
-Hay
Instructions:
1. Begin by folding the cardboard in half lengthwise.
2. Next, take the newspapers and fold them in half lengthwise as well.
3. Once you have both the cardboard and newspaper folded, begin taping them together at the seam.
4. Once the cardboard and newspaper are taped together, begin cutting out a hole in the center of the long side of the cardboard.
5. The hole should be big enough for your guinea pig to fit through easily.
6. Once the hole is cut out, your litter box is finished!
7. Make some shredded newspaper using a shredder machine, or if you have it, take those.
8. Put shredded newspaper and also put some hay on the little box.
9. Place the little box in the cage.
6. Litter Box made of a shoebox
Just like any cardboard box, you can use a shoebox to make a litter box for your guinea pig. It’s readily available and you can do it for free. But, one problem is you have to make sure it’s big enough for the guinea pig.
How to make it?
You will need:
-1 shoebox
-Scissors
Instructions:
1. First of all, remove the lid of the shoe box.
2. Next, take the scissors and cut a hole in one side of the shoe box.
3. The hole should be large enough for your guinea pig to easily fit through.
4. Once the hole is cut, your litter box is finished!
7. Litter Box made of a plastic container
Using a plastic container, you can make a similar type of little box that you get from the market. Moreover, this is easy to get and cheap as well. However, you have to put some effort as you have to do it on your own. But, the method is quite simple.
How to make it?
You will need:
-A plastic container
-A knife
-Wire cutters or scissors
-Tape
Instructions:
1. First of all, take the plastic container and cut the top off with a knife. If it has a lid, take it off.
2. Next, use the wire cutters or scissors to make a hole in one side of the container.
3. Make sure the hole is big enough for your guinea pig to fit through.
4. Once the hole is cut, smooth the sharp edge and use tape on the edges.
5. Your litter box is now finished and ready to use!
8. Litter Box made of a plastic storage box
Another way to make a litter box on your own at home is by using a plastic storage box. All you need to do is give it a shape as a litter box or pan for guinea pigs.
How to make it?
You will need:
-A plastic storage box
-A knife
Instructions:
First, take the lid off of the storage box if it has any. Then, take the plastic storage box and cut a hole in one side of it.
The end goal is to make an opening for them. The opening should be big enough for your guinea pigs to get in and out of the box easily.
After that, put some bedding material in the bottom of the box. You can use hay or any other type of bedding material that your guinea pigs like.
Finally, place it in your guinea pigs’ cage.
9. A casserole dish litter
A casserole dish can work as a guinea pig litter box. However, you must ensure that it is large enough for them. This is also a good idea for a temporary solution.
How to make it?
You will need:
-A big casserole dish
-Litter scoop
-Shredded paper
-Hay
Instructions:
1. Line the bottom of the casserole dish with shredded paper.
2. Fill the rest of the way with hay.
3. Place the casserole litter box on the floor of the cage.
4. Change the litter every day or as needed.
10. An old laundry basket litter
Another option can be an old laundry baster litter if it fits your guinea pigs. Moreover, it’s cheap and readily available.
How to make it?
You will need:
-An old laundry basket
-A piece of fleece or any other soft fabric
-Paper towels
-Hay
Instructions:
-First, take the laundry basket and cut a hole in the side for your guinea pig to enter and exit.
-Line the basket with paper towels and then add a layer of hay over it.
-Cut the fabric into a square shape and place it over the hay.
-Add another layer of hay over the fabric.
11. Litter Box made of a plastic tub
Another DIY item or alternative to a guinea pig’s litter box is a plastic tub. It’s easy to clean and reuse.
You should use a rectangular plastic tub to give the proper shape to the litter box. You need to place the box without a lid if it has any. However, make sure the sidewall isn’t so high.
12. A foil tray litter box
You can use a foil tray as an alternative to the guinea pig litter box. It’s readily available. But, you need to make sure it’s stable and big enough for the guinea pig.
What to put on the DIY little box for guinea pigs?
You can use the bedding material to make a guinea pig litter box. But, make sure that it’s an excellent absorbent.
You can do this by simply putting aspen or pine shavings.
However, it’s better to line it first before using bedding. You can use a newspaper sheet, shredded newspaper, cardboard, or a puppy pee pad to line it.
Then, after putting bedding over liners, place some hay over it to attract the guinea pig and help them do the work.
Why do you need a litter box for guinea pigs?
Let’s take a look at the 10 causes why you need a litter box for guinea pigs.
1. Cleaning up guinea pig poop
If you don’t want to clean up guinea pig poop all over the floor, you need a litter box. A litter box will help contain the poop so you can easily clean it up.
2. Reducing bad smells
Guinea pigs are known for their odor. By having a litter box, you can help reduce the bad smells in your home.
3. Keeping your home clean
Guinea pigs are very active and playful animals, so they need a place to play and explore without getting dirty.
A litter box can help keep your home clean. You won’t have to worry about guinea pig poop all over the floor. It can prevent the mess in the cage.
4. Keeping your guinea pig healthy
A litter box can help keep your guinea pig healthy. It will provide a place for them to go to the bathroom so they don’t have to go anywhere else. This can help reduce the risk of them getting sick.
5. Potty training your guinea pig
A litter box can help you potty train your guinea pig. They will know where they are supposed to go to the bathroom and won’t have to go anywhere else.
It can also help avoid accidents. If your guinea pig has to go to the bathroom, it will know where to go. This can help prevent them from going into your home.
6. Keeping cage dry
The litter box helps you keep your guinea pig cage dry by controlling moisture. It absorbs moisture from urine and poop and prevents their bedding from getting wet.
7. Reducing the spread of germs
A litter box can help reduce the spread of germs. If your guinea pig has a cold or other illness, you don’t want them to spread it to you or your family. By having a litter box, you can help contain the germs.
8. Reducing stress
A litter box can help reduce stress for your guinea pig. They will know where they can go to the bathroom and won’t have to worry about going anywhere else. This can help them feel more relaxed and comfortable.
9. Creating a natural environment
A litter box can help create a more natural environment for your guinea pig. This can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
10. Avoiding diseases
By having a litter box, you can help avoid diseases. If your guinea pig has a disease, you don’t want them to spread to you, your family, or to other guinea pigs. By having a litter box, you can help contain the disease.
Things to consider before using a homemade DIY litter box for guinea pigs
There are many types of litter boxes available for guinea pigs, but you can also make your own at home. Here are some things to consider when making your own litter box for guinea pigs:
1. Choosing the right size
The size of the litter box should be appropriate for the size of your guinea pig. Guinea pigs come in different sizes, so you need to make sure the litter box is not too big or too small.
2. Considering the type of litter
The type of litter you use is also important. There are many types of litters available, but not all of them are safe for guinea pigs. Avoid using clay-based litter or litters that contain perfumes or other chemicals.
3. Choosing the safe materials
You also need to choose a material to make the guinea pig’s litter box that is safe for them. Make sure that you don’t use wood shavings such as soft pine or cedar shavings in the litter box. These contain aromatic oils that can be dangerous for their health.
4. Ease of cleaning
The litter box should be easy to clean. Guinea pigs are very clean animals and they will use the litter box more often if it is easy to clean.
5. Placement of the litter
The litter box should be placed in a safe place. Guinea pigs are very curious animals and they may try to explore their environment.
You can place it in the corner of the cage or near food and water.
Make sure the litter box is placed in a safe place where your guinea pig cannot escape or get hurt.
6. Litter training your guinea pigs
Unlike other little pets, it hurt to litter train some guinea pigs. So, make sure that your guinea pig can use the litter box. To do this, you have to train them and try different approaches or litters.
Making your own litter box for guinea pigs is not difficult, but it is important to consider all of the factors listed above.
Conclusion
A litter box can be a great addition to your guinea pig’s cage. It has many benefits, such as reducing stress, preventing diseases, and creating a more natural environment. When making your own litter box, make sure to choose the right size, type of litter, and material. You should also make sure the litter box is easy to clean and placed in a safe location. Litter training your guinea pigs may be necessary to get them to use the litter box.
By taking the time to make a litter box that is safe and comfortable for your guinea pig, you will provide them with a clean and healthy environment.
