Cheap guinea pig bedding ideas?

[pjlla]

Don't have time to read other responses, so sorry if this is a repeat.

We used CareFresh because it works GREAT for odor control and such.... but very pricey. So we started mixing it about 50/50 (or even 30/70) with shredded paper. We shredded our junk mail and newspaper and old phone books in a traditional office shredder. It worked just fine. I SWEAR they got used to the noise of the shredder meaning that fresh paper was coming and they would get all excited!. HTH.....................P

 

[luvthemouse71]

Don't use pine or cedar. It's toxic to them. I know Carefresh costs more but IMHO, it's silly to have a pet and not want to do the best thing for them.

Aspen is also fine.

 

[logan&tylersmama]

i have two rats and i use the shreaded paper from work -- Its free and works fine -- the rats dont seem to mind it -- they have a flease hammock they sleep in and a little house with the shreaded paper in it that they sleep in too -- i use it for DS's hamster too --- got to love FREE!!!

 

[RALuck]

We use the fleece bedding for our piggy. We have three different pieces that we interchange. The key is to make sure you do not use fabric softener when you wash the fleece or else it will absorb the liquid and the smell. We place puppy training pads under the fleece and change it once a week. We have been very happy and saved quite a bit of money over purchasing Carefresh bedding for our huge cage.

 

[jacksmomma]

We use the fleece bedding for our piggy. We have three different pieces that we interchange. The key is to make sure you do not use fabric softener when you wash the fleece or else it will absorb the liquid and the smell. We place puppy training pads under the fleece and change it once a week. We have been very happy and saved quite a bit of money over purchasing Carefresh bedding for our huge cage.

Please explain the fleece system to me. I think my piggies would like it.

 

[mad_for_mickey]

We played around a bit with bedding types trying to come up with the optimal mix of odor control and affordability. What works for us is a layer of aspen on the bottom with a layer of Care Fresh on top. Much better odor control than aspen alone (we can change the cage once per week instead of twice), but having a layer of aspen keeps it a bit more affordable that straight Care Fresh.

 

[walkdmc]

I SWEAR they got used to the noise of the shredder meaning that fresh paper was coming and they would get all excited!. HTH.....................P

LOL, I thought I was imagining that the GPs were getting excited over new bedding! As soon as I dump the new stuff in, they practically jump in it, like a kid in snow.

I did a lot of reading about the fleece lining. I gathered you should buy 100% polyester fleece (any fabric store will sell by the yard). Then, wash it 3x with just vinegar and water, in the machine. Don't use regular detergent or fabric softener. After you wash it 3X in the water/vinegar, it's ready for use in the cage (pre-washing lets the urine soak through, not sit on top). Under the fleece, you should have some absorbant layer. It seems like ZORB is a good choice. It can be cut to size and machine washed (with vinegar and water, no detergents no softeners). The fleece lining and ZORB need to be washed on a weekly basis. All washings should be done with vinegar...again, no softeners.

It sounds great, as if the only thing I'd need to do daily is get rid of the solid waste. I'd buy a handvac and dedicate it to that job. Seems so easy.

I tried to order ZORB from an online company that has a lot of issues and after filing a complaint with paypal, I got my money back and no ZORB. I don't know where else to get ZORB. (I may be wrong..it may be ABZORB?). Anyway, I'm still very interested in the fleece lining.

 

[Lassie Lynne]

The GP breeder we got our pigs from used horse bedding she got from a supply store, with a layer of carefresh on top, to cut down on costs.

We use layers of newspapaper and then carefresh. The carefresh is really good and soft, so better for the piggies feet, but that doesn't mean you can't use something cheaper in the bottom. Also, I always check out Petco for deals (BOGO) with free shipping.

 

[RALuck]

Please explain the fleece system to me. I think my piggies would like it.

Check out this link for complete directions: http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/bedding/21568-fleece-project-study.html

We actually bought our fleece at WalMart on sale, one piece was a remnant so really cheap! Once it was washed three times to remove the sizing it has worked really well for us. We do wash it with regular detergent but do not use fabric softener. We use puppy pads beneath the fleece but have used old towels as well. We have used old newspapers in an emergency but they are not good for odor control .

 

[niccikatie]

We use fleece for our GPs too. It's just like a giant cloth diaper. layer of fleece on top to wick away moisture, towels underneath to absorb. We wash once per week and sweep up poos and stray hay every night. I don't think it smells any worse than any other bedding. It's the poo that smells, to me!