Re: Cell-Sorb
Hi Megan,
It's really great to see you here. What a pleasure!
About the Cell-Sorb, first of all, you probably need to find a local source. I always buy the big 40# bags. They cost me approximately $20. I use an entire bag in a 2x4 grid cage. So, in a 2x3 grid cage, I use about 1/2 to 2/3 of a bag, depending on how deep you make the bedding. My norm is about 2/3 of a bag. If you haven't used Cell-Sorb before, it is a pelleted bedding that is definitely harder than CareFresh. But, of course, it lasts longer and you never get that ammonia smell. Although it will get yukky if not cleaned appropriately.
You could use a smaller amount as a base and put CareFresh on top. Once in a while I've done that if I've run out of CS and have CF. CF is definitely easier to find in the stores.
I also am very generous with the hay on top of the CS. When I refresh cages--every 2-3 days, I take off the top layer of hay and CS, stir it up, take out clumps, and maybe add a little fresh CS. We completely clean the cage (depending on size and number of pigs) once a week to occasionally a week and half, so 7-9 days average.
Hope that helps,