Fleece: Fleece Bedding (Underbedding)

[tony891031]

I am currently using kiln-dried pined shavings but, I would really like to switch to fleece. I have already read all of the stickes about the procedures of switching to fleece. I understand that towels are the most economical and common underbedding but, I am wondering if there are alternatives. I live in an apartment and is simply impossible for me to wash the towels in a public washing machine or hand-wash them for that matter. I have heard of mattress pads as an alternative and sadly, I have no idea what they are. If anyone has good underbedding ideas, please reply. Thanks in advance.

[Milkingit]

Some people use mattress pads, but thats washing as well.

Some use puppy pads but this can get expensive after a while.

[akstrohm]

If you have no way of washing towels, I'm guessing you have no way of washing the fleece either. Unless you do, loose bedding is probably the best for you.

A mattress pad goes over the mattress and underneath the sheets. But they are used in the same way as towels, so they still must be washed. The only disposable things I can think of are puppy pads and newspaper. Newspaper is not a good option as it will smell quickly and stick to the fleece. Puppy pads work fine, but you still must wash the fleece on a regular basis.

[lissie]

This is what I use under my fleece.
Amazon.com: Prevail Underpad, Super Absorbent, 10 Underpads (Pack of 10): Grocery

I get the subscription to save 15% off. The whole box contains 100 pads. I use about 3-4 pads per week in my 2x6 cage.

My fleece is sewn onto mattress pad, incontinence pads are only for backups, they rarely get wet. I guess you can use them alone and change them more often.

There's an instruction on how to hand wash fleece, but it looks like hard work to me.
http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/...tml#post414139

[MissFormosa]

I bought some pet pads from Opportunity Development Centers. This is a "green" choice, because you are re-using something, rather than using something disposable. Also, it helps disabled persons gain work skills and maintain regular employment.

The pads are great because they hold a lot of pee and are very absorbent which is what you need under fleece in order for the fleece to wick the moisture quickly.

And affordable! A two-pack is $4.00. The pads are generally 30 -35* square, so two fit nicely in my 2x4.

Here's the link:
ODC Merchandise - Pet Pads

[lissie]

Thanks for the link. That's a really good deal. Do you use the pet pad alone or add fleece on top?

[MissFormosa]

Originally Posted by lissie

Thanks for the link. That's a really good deal. Do you use the pet pad alone or add fleece on top?

I use fleece on top. Everyday, I change the under pads. I just brush the top of the fleece off, lift it up and stick new pads under. To clean takes about 10-15 minutes. I wash all the dirty under pads about every 3 to 4 days, and the fleece every week. So far this has worked well for me.

[eschimpf]

I use puppy pads as I buy them from petsmart for around $35 CAD for 150 pads. With 6 pigs it last me about 2 to 3 months. I change them out every 3 to 4 days. Some people use newspaper as well but I found that this sticks to the fleece and make a mess.