Why Do Mushrooms Grow In Guinea Pigs' Cages? Let's Find Out -

Many guinea pig owners report that they have noticed mushrooms growing in their cages, so I did some research to find out why this happens.

Why do mushrooms grow in guinea pigs’ cages?

Mushrooms grow in guinea pigs’ cages because of poor cage hygiene, and that’s not good at all. Accumulation of urine and poop from guinea pigs leads to the growth of mushroom-like fungi that can cause health problems.

In today’s article, you will find out what are the causes of this phenomenon and what to do, as well as the dangers and side effects that your guinea pigs may have.

Table of Contents show

Why do mushrooms grow in guinea pigs’ cages?

If you do not pay attention to the hygiene in the cage of the guinea pigs, then mushrooms and other plants may appear, which are dangerous for their health.

Any neglect to clean the cage and leave the guinea pigs peeing and pooping can lead to mushroom growth. Of course, they will not appear in one day, but if you do not clean the cage for several days, then their appearance may occur.

Fungal infestations lead to the appearance and growth of mushrooms in the cage, especially if the substrate or bedding in the cage is wet.

Mushrooms in order to grow require a surface where there is more moisture, which in the case of guinea pigs is their poop and pee.

Mushrooms do not need sunlight to grow and reproduce, in fact, they feed on organic materials that are in the process of decomposition.

Sometimes the guinea pig bedding itself can contain mushroom spores if it is not properly sterilized, so always use commercial bedding designed for guinea pigs.

Mushroom spores can also be brought from outside into the cage of guinea pigs, for example through clothes, shoes, or something similar.

Do you need to remove the mushrooms in the guinea pig cage?

If you notice mushrooms in your guinea pig’s cage you should react immediately and remove them because they are not safe for them.

They can be poisonous and if guinea pigs eat them they can get sick and have serious health problems.

If you do not remove the mushrooms from the cage of the guinea pigs, poisoning and fatal consequences can occur for your pets.

In such situations, the quick detection of mushrooms and their removal, as well as taking the guinea pig to a veterinarian, is crucial to save your pet.

If you notice symptoms of lethargy, lack of appetite, and similar symptoms, you should immediately take the guinea pig to a veterinarian.

What problems can mushrooms cause in the cage of guinea pigs?

The appearance of mushrooms in the cage of guinea pigs can cause many problems with the health of the guinea pigs.

The following problems may occur with guinea pigs.

Poisoning and the occurrence of infections

Food poisoning, eye and ear infections, and diarrhea are some of the problems that guinea pigs can get if there are mushrooms in their cage.

These unwanted consequences appear as a result of unhygienic conditions in the cage and of course from the mushrooms that will be present.

Bacteria

When there are mushrooms in the cage of the guinea pigs, there will be an appearance of bacteria, because the lack of hygiene takes its toll.

Guinea pigs will get sick from bacteria and parasites which is very dangerous for their health and life.

What to do to prevent the appearance of mushrooms in the cage of guinea pigs?

In order to prevent the appearance of mushrooms in the cage of the guinea pigs, timely cleaning and maintenance of hygiene in their cage is necessary.

Here are some tips to prevent mushrooms from growing in your guinea pig’s cage.

Cleaning the cage

You should clean the cage of the guinea pigs at least twice a week to prevent the appearance of mushrooms.

After all, cleaning the cage is also necessary in order to be able to remove all waste from the pooping and peeing of the guinea pigs.

I clean my guinea pig’s cage every day, but if you don’t have that much time then at least twice a week is a must.

You can only use water to clean the cage, but if you want you can also use disinfectants or make your own using vinegar and water in a 50-50 ratio.

Cleaning all items

When you clean the cage of the guinea pigs, it is not enough to just change the bedding on which there is waste from pooping and peeing the guinea pigs.

All objects and toys such as the water bottle, food bowl, and toys that you use in your pet’s cage need to be thoroughly cleaned.

This cleaning will ensure that there is no debris or fungus that can expand and multiply into mushrooms that will then be poisonous to the guinea pigs.

Sufficient cage ventilation

If there is not enough ventilation in the cage of the guinea pigs, then the appearance of mushrooms can occur.

That is why it is necessary to always have sufficient ventilation in the cage or in the space around the cage.

Ventilation allows for to reduction of the level of humidity and prevents the creation of moisture and the appearance of mushrooms.

Are mushrooms poisonous to guinea pigs?

Wild mushrooms, as well as other types of mushrooms, are poisonous and dangerous for the health and life of guinea pigs.

However, we must mention that there are also mushrooms that are not poisonous and are nutritious for your guinea pig.

Mushrooms of unknown origin are risky for guinea pigs and should not be attempted at all.

In any case, it is best to avoid giving mushrooms to guinea pigs, especially since they should not consume cooked mushrooms.

The digestive system of guinea pigs is not adapted to process cooked mushrooms or any other cooked food, as it can cause them stomach problems and illness.

FAQs

Can I put plants in my guinea pig cage?

It depends, there are many plants that are safe for guinea pigs, but there are also those that are not at all safe for them and they should not eat them. That’s why you should first find out which plants are safe for your guinea pig.

How do I know if my guinea pig has worms?

When guinea pigs have worms symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, and other symptoms appear. If you notice these symptoms then you should take your guinea pig to a vet to have it checked for worms.

What do mites look like on guinea pigs?

Mites are small and therefore very difficult to notice, but when they are present on guinea pigs, it can be noticed by their skin, which will have yellow or brown spots.

Conclusion

The appearance of mushrooms in the cage of guinea pigs is not good at all and can cause diseases and threaten the life of your pets.

Mushrooms appear in the cage of guinea pigs due to unhygienic conditions, that is when the cage is not cleaned regularly.

It is necessary to clean their cage at least twice a week to prevent the appearance of mushrooms. Fungi thrive when there are moist conditions and dirt in the guinea pig cage.

Finally, maintaining the hygiene of the guinea pigs’ cage is one of the most important things to prevent the appearance of mushrooms and protect the health of the guinea pigs.