Fleece bedding

Question
QUESTION: I recently started using fleece bedding for my guinea pig (he lives in a 6x2 C&C cage and the carefresh bedding was getting to be too much).  To your knowledge, could these be dangerous or unhealthy for them?  If it is safe to use, any recommendations on how often to wash?
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


C&C cage   ANSWER: I don't think there's any reason to worry about the fleece bedding. I know many people who use it and have no problems. The issue of washing is going to be determined by how fast it gets wet and smelly. Some pigs will use just one corner of there cage for potty needs. Others, like many of mine, just go wherever they happen to be.

It might be a good idea to have five or six changes available, then you're not washing every day. As far as what to wash them in, I think just your own regular detergent is fine. If you're concerned about the detergent just give it an extra rinse.

Here's a picture of another C & C cage that belongs to another cavy friend.  She is also using fleece.  It's a very popular alternative for those whose pigs live indoors and don't want shaving flying all over the house. I love these setups.  The options are endless as to how to arrange them.

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QUESTION: Thank you!  Mine tends to just use one area for his potty.  I have towels under the fleece, and they soak up moisture keeping the fleece dry.  He goes to the bathroom quite a bit, however.  I know it's hard to tell without seeing my cage etc, but with that in mind, do you think I should change at least that part of his bedding daily?  Thanks again!

Answer
You're lucky your pigs have better hygiene habits than mine.  As to how often to change the fleece really depends on your own observation. If you smell it, it needs changing. That's a no brainer. Different materials are going to absorb in different ways. Some may take more moisture than others.

Cavies seem to put out more waste than any animal I've ever seen. You're right, they go a LOT. When you have babies in the cage it's worse. They're like human babies. They eat constantly and they pee constantly, making cage cleaning more frequent.  You might find it easier to just spot clean the area he uses the most every day.  That way you don't have near the laundry to do.  

I find there's no absolute answer to how often to clean and change cages and bedding. When your animals are outside they don't seem to need it as much.  Airflow has a lot to do with it, as does temperature and humidity.  So as much as I wish I had a definite answer about frequency, that's really something you have to make work for you.