How to Use Fleece Bedding in a Guinea Pig Cage

Most guinea pig owners use disposable bedding, like wood shavings or recycled paper products, in their guinea pigs' cages. But since guinea pigs need bigger cages than most pet rodents, using shavings can get expensive--not to mention messy!

Fleece is a cost-effective alternative to traditional bedding. The initial cost of fabric and towels might be higher than a bag of shavings, but it's not a continual expense the way disposable bedding is. Fleece works as bedding because it allows the urine to wick through to an absorbent layer underneath, leaving a dry surface for the guinea pigs to walk on. And, on cleaning day, you just have to bundle it all up and throw it in the wash!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 100% polyester fleece (polar or anti-pill is best)
• Fabric scissors
• Towels, mattress pads or puppy pads
• Binder clips or bricks to secure the fleece
• Vacuum cleaner
• Washer/dryer
• Plain white vinegar

Preparing the Fleece

1. Buy 100% polyester fleece from a fabric store. Have it cut to fit the dimensions of your cage, with extra room to spare. The fleece may shrink a little the first time it's washed, and it's better to have a little extra than not enough.

2. Wash the fleece with hot water and one cup of plain white vinegar and dry at least three times before fitting it to your cage. This allows the fleece to shrink a little before you start measuring it, and it also allows the fleece to get used to working with moisture. If it's not broken in ahead of time, the guinea pigs' urine will just sit on top instead of wicking through properly.

3. Measure the washed, dry fleece to your cage. Allow enough extra fabric on each side to tuck under so the guinea pigs can't burrow underneath it. If necessary, trim with fabric scissors.

Adding Bedding to the Cage

4. Line the cage with a couple of layers of towels, mattress pads or puppy pads. Since the fleece wicks away moisture, you'll need this layer to absorb the urine that passes through.

5. Lay the fleece on top and tuck the ends underneath the absorbent layer.

6. Secure with binder clips or bricks so that the guinea pigs can't burrow underneath the bedding.

Cleaning the Cage

7. Gather fleece and towels or mattress pads. If using puppy pads, simply discard them.

8. Take fleece outside and shake well or beat to remove all loose hair, hay and other debris.

9. Wash bedding in hot water, using detergent and one cup of plain white vinegar. Tumble dry.

10. Replace towels or mattress pads and fleece in the cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a broom, hand vac or a regular vacuum cleaner at least twice a day to spot clean and remove droppings and hay.
• It's best to have at least two complete sets of bedding, so that one can be in the cage while the other is going through the wash.
• Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets when washing fleece. They act as barriers and will actually cause the fleece to repel moisture instead of allowing it to wick through.

[AngelaDalecki]

on 12/22/2008 Hi karkee07,

Fleece needs to be changed often--at least once a week--to keep odor down. Plus you must spot-clean and remove poops every day. The smaller your cage is, the faster it will begin to smell.

I don't recommend spraying any air freshener near your piggie's cage...even if he's not there, it can linger and piggies have VERY sensitive respiratory systems. Air fresheners can make them very sick.

For more information on cages and using fleece, I highly recommend checking out the forums at www.guineapigcages.com. I hope this helped!

[karkee07]

on 12/22/2008 Carefresh works great, but is to messy and expensive, petsmart wants 25+ for the bigger bag!! Will the fleace help with oder control once attahed to puppy pads? I will not do this until I get an answerm but will arm and hamer pet oder spray be safe as long as the piggy is out and I wait until it drys to put back in??

[karkee07]

on 12/22/2008 Sooooo making a few of these....I just got my piggy and she kicks out the carefresh all over and when my kitten plays with the cage he drags out the bedding so I have a huge mess. Don't worry they two seem to like each other as long as they are between bars, lol.

[tigerstripes]

on 6/16/2008 Thanks for your help. I am also going to get some fleece. I do not like that carefresh stuff - very messy.

[AngelaDalecki]

on 6/16/2008 Hi Tigerstripes,

It's Coroplast---corrugated plastic used to make signs. It's relatively inexpensive and you can find it at any sign store. Visit http://www.guineapigcages.com/ to find out how to build a cage using this material.