So You Want To Use Fleece Bedding?

When done correctly, fleece bedding is much healthier for your piggies, but there is a lot that goes into it (that unfortunately, isn’t talked about enough…until now).
When fleece is not properly prepared or not used with an absorbent layer, it can actually be detrimental to your little ones’ health and can cause a boatload of problems such as bumblefoot, respiratory infections, etc.
First Thing’s First– What is fleece bedding?
Fleece bedding is an alternative to wood or paper shavings
Using fleece draped over an absorbent layer – While liners are much easier to manage, they may be out of the question due to an inability to sew or due to price from having them custom made. Another alternative would be to have the absorbent layer on the bottom of the cage (uhaul blankets, old towels) and drape a wicked piece of anti-pill or blizzard fleece over the absorbent layer fleece over the absorbent layer
HOW TO PREPARE FLEECE BEFORE USING
Before you can switch to fleece bedding, the fleece must be wicked
When it’s time to do a cage clean, follow these steps:
1. Take the fleece liner outside or over a large trash barrel and (we recommend and use a rubber bristle brush as it helps with getting more fur and hay off) shake the liner to remove as much debris as possible and brush as much hay and fur off as possible as well. We also strongly recommend using a fleece laundry bag to keep any excess hay or fur out of your washing machine. This bag from Wheeky Pets is wonderful!
2. Wash the fleece with warm water. Add your unscented and dye-free detergent and add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar (natural fabric softener and helps with smells and disinfects). If your washing machine supports this, add an extra rinse cycle.
3. Dry on LOW with NO dryer sheets.
4. OPTIONAL (But recommended by TNC): Test the fleece once it has cooled down with some warm water to ensure the fleece is still properly wicked. If the water goes in right away, it’s ready. If it pools on top, it CANNOT be used as your pigs will be standing in their own urine, leading to many health problems. If this happens, repeat the washing and drying process until properly wicked.
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