Fleece & Mattress Pads

[Barb1222]

So, after reading about all the wonderfulness of fleece, I have decided to convert (and the fact that I seem to be somewhat allergic to the Aspen bedding). I was looking at walmart for prices and found that they have fleece for $4.44 a yard. Or you can get a fleece blanket (one of those rolled up ones) for like $9 or $10. First, I was wondering if that was reasonable (I don't know much about fabric pricing).

Second, I also read that mattress pads are one of the best things to use under the fleece because it absorbs odors the best (this is just what I've been reading in the forums). How many mattress pads do I need under the fleece? I bought a twin size one from walmart for about $7. It seems a bit thin to just have a layer of fleece and then a layer of mattress pads, but if that's how it's supposed to be, then so be it!

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I got another guinea pig to go with the one I have now. I was told to quarantine him for three weeks, so I figured I could try out the fleece when I am able to put them together (since I was also told to clean out the cage before putting them together).

Sorry this post is so long & thanks for your help!

[starshine123102]

if you go to Jo Ann fabrics fleece is usually $12 or so a yard, so yeah, thats a good price. I just can't stand Walmart, or their itiful fabric selection, but for that price it's totally worth it.

I use one towel under my fleece. Right now I only have on pig so that's all I need but when get my second piggie (I got my second job so right after the new year I'll be getting a buddy!!) I will use one or two more towels. If that doesn't work I'll try more layers of different materials.

Good luck with your intros when quarantine is over! And good luck with the fleece!

[internetjunkey]

Everything seems about right here. if you feel the mattress pads might be a little thin, it's up to you if you wanted to add some more. I Use towels under mine and It seems just fine to me, But it's up to you!! And I know the fleece can seem like a mini fortune, However, I Find it the most Economical! I just started hand washing mine because of the costly Washings and Dryings in my complex. But Make sure that you have A "Kitchen area" For the potty, and foods and Drinks, It will help keep down on the changing of the fleece. And If you allergic to Aspen You could try using Carefresh, I was using that for a while and ... Yes again it's expensive, But I feel ya on the whole allergy thing!!

As to quarantine Def. Three weeks and the minimum. You see... I was kinda dumb when I introduced my piggies, I figured that all would be well... Turned out my new addition may have only been a few weeks but he carried a lot of little illnesses. Which made my other piggie sick. And vet bills aren't cheep. So please keep them separate! Oh!! And also, Make sure you handle your new piggie either with an apron on or just handle him last to prevent "cross contamination" ( ha ha ha...) I always have a seperate cage just incase things don't work out, or if there is an illness that develops.. I like to call it a Hospital Cage, and basically everyone else does too!!

I know i was worried with Fleece when I started out, but my piggies, and my pocket book just love it!!


Happy Trails!

[Barb1222]

I would love to use carefresh but it would be way too expensive. I was going to look at a feed store in my area to see if they had any big bags (someone on this site also mentioned that). I just figured fleece would be easier & cheaper in the long run.

I actually just put in a cat litterbox under the hay rack on the second level and I was planning on using one of my store bought cages for a kitchen area (found that idea here). There is also a spot my piggie likes to poop a lot, so I was gonna put something removable there too. I'm hoping all of that will help with the cleaning. I'm so excited! I get so many great ideas from this site! I'm addicted!

Thanks for your input!

[akstrohm]

I use one layer of mattress pad, and it works fine. But my pigs are also very good about using the litter box. If I were you, I would start with one layer, and if you notice a smell, add more layers later. Hope this helps!

[Barb1222]

What kind of mattress pad? I know cotton is more absorbent but all the ones I found have a polyester fiber fill. Would that still work? Here is one I found at Target: 300-Thread-Count Mattress Pad - White : Target

[shamrockmommy]

That looks good to me, I went to walmart and got a "cotton rich" mattress pad. Cut off the elastic and it works great.