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Bedding Cheaper alternative to Carefresh?

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AllThesePiggies

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I was just wondering if there is a cheaper alternative to Carefresh out there that is just as good. I recently made a small bin type thing out of coroplast to go underneath the hay bag, so I use much more bedding than I did before.
 

CavyMama

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Aspen is less expensive than Carefresh. Fleece is another option.
 

AllThesePiggies

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I'd rather not use fleece as the hay gets stuck to it so easily. But I'll look up aspen, thanks!
 

Artista

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I don't know if Aspen controls odors but Planet Petco recycled paper pellets for small animals is what I use for the kitchen since that's the only place my gp pees and does most of her pooping.
 

cheesypuffpea

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If theres a Walmart in your area, they sell Boxo bedding, its pretty much just like the Carefresh natural. i find that it kinda depends on the bag, sometimes it may be dustier than normal bags! works quite well.
 

aeiou

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I get my carefresh here!
https://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=25435
If you get the "basic blend" its carefresh (the brown kind) mixed with aspen shavings and its only like $11 for the 60 liter bag. It is cheaper (I've calculated it) than most aspen shavings, with the odor control of carefresh and its less dusty because of the wood shavings.

ETA: right now its on sale for $8.39 lol
 
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AllThesePiggies

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Oh wow, thanks everyone! I have heard about the paper pellets as well, but it was still a bit on the expensive side for me. :eek: I have never heard of the basic blend carefresh before, that's interesting! [MENTION=26216]aeiou[/MENTION] thank you for posting, I think I'm going to try that! :D
 

Artista

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I also use Atlas Pellet Fuel which is safe wood pellets. $6.50 for a 40 lb bag. Found it at OSH thanks to Lissie here. Works great too!
 

AllThesePiggies

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I also use Atlas Pellet Fuel which is safe wood pellets. $6.50 for a 40 lb bag. Found it at OSH thanks to Lissie here. Works great too!

Wow, that sounds awesome! Is it good with odor control? Does it soak up urine well? And is it dusty at all?
 

Artista

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Wow, that sounds awesome! Is it good with odor control? Does it soak up urine well? And is it dusty at all?

It's good with odor control and absorbs well. You can tell where the gp pees because that area turns to dust. My gp does fine with it. I do partial changes daily with scooping up the pee/dust areas. It's a price that I don't think can be beat.
 

AllThesePiggies

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It's good with odor control and absorbs well. You can tell where the gp pees because that area turns to dust. My gp does fine with it. I do partial changes daily with scooping up the pee/dust areas. It's a price that I don't think can be beat.

Alright, thank you! I agree, the price is awesome, especially since I'm on such a low budget right now.
 

aeiou

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Glad you found something that worked! I can't use the pellets because my guinea pigs can't tell the difference between bedding pellets and food pellets..You'd think they'd realize the taste difference
 

Mastershroom

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Aspen and kiln-dried pine are both safe for guinea pigs and significantly cheaper than paper-based bedding. Carefresh also makes a cheaper product that's a mix of their paper bedding and wood shavings.

If you do go the wood route, make sure it's not pine that isn't specifically kiln-dried, or cedar wood. Those have oils that have been known to cause respiratory issues in small animals.
 

Kelly9

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I try to get recycled material Carefresh-type bedding. Unfortunately, that is more expensive. Kaytee brand (which I really don't like in general) has some for $14/50 liter at Pet Supply Plus. They often have it on sale for $11. While not recycled, it does not have much dust which I am allergic to. I find that PetSmart is much more expensive. I'll have to check out Walmart, but i hate that store.
 
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