bedding question

[robintz]

I realize this subject has been dealt with extensively, and I've searched through many posts, but can't find the exact answer I'm looking for.

I also realize that people have individual preferences- but in general- what kind of bedding is best for reducing odors? I'm less concerned with cost and mess and more concerned with how smelly the cage gets.

I've tried Aspen and then switched over to Carefresh on the advice of my vet (while treating for mites shortly after we got him). The cage seems to smell worse and need changing more frequently with the Carefresh, which is a pain because it's not cheap. I wouldn't care about the price so much if the cage didn't stink so bad! I am changing it every other day at this point because the newspapers underneath are just soaked with pee.

I was thinking of switching to fleece after reading all the posts, but then someone said something about it smelling worse. Auugggh! I can't imagine it being worse!

If I put down a layer of newspaper under the fleece, does the newspaper need to be changed daily, or less frequently? How often does the fleece need to be changed? Is that a daily thing?

Thanks so much for any advice! I'm so glad I found this forum!
Robin

 

[Percy's Mom]

The problem is the newspaper, not the Carefresh. Newspaper gets extremely wet and smelly very quickly when used as the only thing under bedding. If you want something under your Carefresh to make it easier to clean up, try puppy pads. They are absorbant, have a waterproof backing and generally neutralize most of the odor. As far as fleece goes, I have towel and puppy pads under my fleece and it takes several days before I notice any odor at all.

 

[PiggieMom]

I use fleece with several layers of towels and then a foam mattress pad. I vacuum up poops twice a day and wash the bedding once a week. I has never smelled. In my quarentine cage I just have towels and fleece and it starts to stink after a few days. I'm going to a dollar store to buy another foam mattress pad. I can get a queen sized one for nine bucks and then cut it to the shape of my cage. I also have a hayloft filled with 2/3 aspen shavings 1/3 Ultra Carefresh. I keep all their food and water up there. It cuts down on the pee on the main level quite a bit. I spot clean the hayloft when I vacuum and then completely change it over once a week.

 

[robintz]

Thank you for the quick reply!
I'm still browsing around the forum....

Now why didn't my vet tell me that? And she is an exotic animal vet. Oh, well. I will go get puppy pads today and switch over.

Thanks so much- I think I'll use up the carefresh and then switch over to fleece. Looks cozier and more comfy too.

Robin

 

[katiecavyNC]

We're in our 2nd week of switching to fleece from aspen. I use cat litter pans with bedding in them under their hidey huts - cut a 'U' shape out of one end so they can easily get in and out. I have just used up all the aspen leftovers and have switched to 'yesterdays news' because it doesn't stick to the fleece like the aspen. I'm very happy with the change over to fleece and the piggies seem to like it as well.

It is MUCH less mess as there is nothing for them to kick out as they go up and down their starwells, and quieter too as they run around.

I vacuum the poops every day with my hand vac and change out the litter in the pans 2x per week. So far, the fleece over pads has lasted 1 week, although it definately is ready for a complete change out at the end of the week. I have 3 boars and 2 sows living in a 3 level 2x5 (separated by a grid).

How large is your cage?? That also may make a difference - the larger my cage got, the less odor there is as the urine is spread out and absorbed better the more space they have to urinate. I also found the larger the cage the easier to keep it clean.

 

[katiecavyNC]

PS - I don't really like carefresh myself. I have used it in my hamster and mice cages but I find it doesn't kill the odor like Aspen does either. And, it is very expensive comparatively.