Expert: Greg - 5/8/2005

Question
Can we add guinea pig wastes to our compost pile for our vegetable garden?  We use a mix of pine and cedar chips in their cages and don't know if these and their waste are safe for veggie gardens.  Thank you.

Answer
Hello Patty

Animals are classified into 2 different groups as far as Gardening and Composting go. Carnivores, and Grazers. You should NEVER add a Carnivores waste into a Compost Pile <that includes Humans> because of an enzyme that is present in our bodies to help digest Meat. That enzyme can transfer into Compost and cause a Disease.

Now to answer your question, I have never had posed to me if a Guinea Pigs waste is safe for a Vegtable Garden. I would classify a Guinea Pig as a Rodent. The same as a Rabbit, since they are related, and as close as I can come to a like type. So it should be safe. But I HAVE to be cautious here, because I cannot be 100% sure. I can tell you that it would be safe for a Flower Garden.

Im sorry but thats the best I can give you.

The Best of Luck

    Greg