What bedding should I choose for a guinea pig cage?

It's normal that it's expensive and you have to change it often, but hemp isn't necessarily the most practical solution for controlling odors. You could try mixing a few different things instead of relying on just one type of bedding. The classic combo that works well is putting a layer of compressed wood pellets (like the stuff for wood stoves) underneath - it absorbs really well - and hay or sawdust on top so your guinea pigs are comfortable. The pellets cost three times less than hemp and you don't have to clean as often because of it.

As for odors, honestly, there's no secret: the better ventilated the cage is and the more regularly you clean the spots where they do their business, the better it goes. Try removing the dirty spots every day, it's 5 minutes and it makes all the difference. Some people use newspaper under the bedding too, it absorbs moisture. If you've got space in your cage, two separate litter trays is even better - they'll use one specific spot for their business, so you can isolate the mess.

Hemp is still a good option if you find deals or buy in bulk, but honestly for two guinea pigs and keeping your place fresh, go with hay + compressed pellets + daily cleaning of the dirty spots. It costs less, it's effective, and you won't have that smell hanging around everywhere. Good luck with your two little ones ;)

Hemp's alright but honestly, try mixing some quality hay with a bit of corn bedding or wood pellets - it actually absorbs moisture and smells way better, lasts longer and it's cheaper! After that you just need to change it once or twice a week max depending on your cage size and how many guinea pigs you have, but your two little guys should be totally fine like that.

The real key to avoiding bad smells is changing the bedding regularly AND making sure the cage is well-ventilated - it's not just about finding some miracle material. I've noticed a lot of people dump way too much bedding in at once thinking it'll last longer, but it's the opposite: it creates wet spots and smells even worse. Better to go with a thinner layer that you change more often.

Budget-wise, wood pellets (non-coniferous, that's important!) are genuinely a solid foundation. They're cheap compared to hemp and they actually absorb moisture really well. You can also try mixing pellets with good-quality hay for more comfort - your guinea pigs will nibble the hay anyway so it's cost-effective. Just make sure the pellets aren't chemically treated though, because some types aren't suitable for small animals.

What doesn't get mentioned as much is the cleaning system. If you just spot-clean the top and add fresh bedding on top of that, you're leaving a damp base that'll rot underneath. Better to do a complete clean-out at least once a week, let the cage air out a bit, then put down a fresh layer. That really makes a difference with the smell.