Bedding switch

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DM090121

I have used fleece bedding for both of the guinea pigs I’ve had, but I’m considering switching back to wood shavings. I’m not allowed to wash guinea pig related fabrics in my apartment’s laundry, so it’s getting really expensive, and I’ve noticed it’s starting to get stiff in places, which is a new problem since I switched from homemade liners to ones I purchased from a website called piggy bedspreads. Also, during a recent vet appointment I was advised by the vet not to use fleece, although he wasn’t very clear on why. I just want to do what’s best for Kiwi, and I could use some advice.
 
Why are you not allowed to wash it in the apartment's laundry? Is the issue that there ends up being hay in there? If so, you could use a horse wash bag which traps the majority of hay and hairs. Otherwise I don't know why a vet would say fleece isn't suitable...

It's up to you what bedding you use really. Mine now live outside so I can't use fleece (won't dry in winter). I use woodshavings for their bedding now.
 
Siikibam said:
Why are you not allowed to wash it in the apartment's laundry? Is the issue that there ends up being hay in there? If so, you could use a horse wash bag which traps the majority of hay and hairs. Otherwise I don't know why a vet would say fleece isn't suitable...

It's up to you what bedding you use really. Mine now live outside so I can't use fleece (won't dry in winter). I use woodshavings for their bedding now.
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Anyone with an ESA in my building can’t wash animal related bedding in building washers in case of allergic reactions.
 
Sorry, what is an ESA? I also notice you only mention one. Does she have a friend or are you planning to find her one? They're highly social and shouldn't be kept by themselves.
 
Hi @Miss_marie!
Do they live outside?
I switched to fleece in the summer but have had to switch back to wood shavings as fleece doesn't provide as much warmth and simply doesn't dry as the air is full of moisture during winter.

Personally I think it is a good idea to use wood shavings in the colder, wetter months. Then, if you want to you can switch to fleece in the warmer months. (Using fleece can reduce the cost as you won't have to regularly buy more wood shavings and it can also be more eco friendly to use fleece.)

As already suggested you can use a horse wash bag to wash fleece in to stop the washing machine clogging up. A cheaper alternative is to use an old pillow case/duvet cover as it still does the same thing.

Hope this helps!
 
I would ring the vets and ask him to clarify why he's said not to use fleece, it's very odd (to me anyway) why he's said that as I've found with my piggies that they prefer fleece as its softer and more comfy to sleep on and they don't sneeze as often.

With regards to your apartments laundry if you use pet laundry bags then there won't be any hay or hair in their washing machines and dryers. I have an orange one from amazon which wasn't very expensive and as of yet I've got no hay or hair in my washing machine.
So anyone NOT on ESA can wash pet bedding in the communal washing machines? So if I was in universal credit or was a paid employee I could? I have a long haired German Shepherd puppy (amongst other pets) who sheds like anything so I get hairs in the washing machine from just our normal everyday wear so what would that mean for the communal machines? Just throwing questions out there as it seems ridiculous to me 🤷‍♀️

If you do need to switch to wood shavings I'd suggest something like hemp shavings or at the worst kiln dried pine shavings as those not kiln dried can cause irritations to the guinea pigs as I found out. I now use hemp shavings in the hay boxes and with my pet rats as it's the one that causes the least irritation to them.
 
I presume you share washing facilities and are only aloud to keep animals if they are an emotional support animal (ESA).

Have you been washing their bedding at a friend or relatives house or using a laundrette? My boys love fleece and it works for me but you can use wood shavings as long as it's kin dried pine (not softwood shavings or cedar or normal pine)

also Guinea pigs need to be kept in pairs or groups. You can only register one as an ESA so this may cause problems if you are only aloud to keep ESAs but sadly this is a non-negotiable part of owning piggies.
 
Siikibam said:
Sorry, what is an ESA? I also notice you only mention one. Does she have a friend or are you planning to find her one? They're highly social and shouldn't be kept by themselves.
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Sweet Potato said:
I presume you share washing facilities and are only aloud to keep animals if they are an emotional support animal (ESA).

Have you been washing their bedding at a friend or relatives house or using a laundrette? My boys love fleece and it works for me but you can use wood shavings as long as it's kin dried pine (not softwood shavings or cedar or normal pine)

also Guinea pigs need to be kept in pairs or groups. You can only register one as an ESA so this may cause problems if you are only aloud to keep ESAs but sadly this is a non-negotiable part of owning piggies.
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she will be getting a friend as soon as I graduate in the spring. I know I’m a terrible pet owner but I’m trying my best. None of my resources were clear on needing a companion, and the vet I had access to said it would be fine. Once I moved to the city and joined some forums I learned otherwise. I’m sorry I already feel awful about it ok?
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You know now so don’t feel bad. Unfortunately some people (including vets) aren’t aware of their social needs. They really need company of their own kind and you’ll be doing that for her when you graduate. You’re looking out for her welfare rights which is all that any animal wants...well that and unlimited veg 🤣

When the time comes you’re best off taking her dating at a rescue. Being able to pick their own friend is the best way to secure a good bond. If you go ‘off piste’ and just get her another girl to live with, always have a plan b in case it doesn’t work out.

You’ll really see her character come to life even more when she has a friend.
 
It's good to hear that you're trying to get her a companion. Have you tried speaking to your landlord to see if some allowance could be made on the basis that one of your piggies is an ESA and they require companionship of the same species. I have had to sign extra paperwork saying that I will get the house professionally cleaned when I leave just to keep the landlord happy. Keep a close eye on her and provide lots of enrichment. Although it's not easy you may need to consider rehoming her if she shows any signs of being depressed or lonely.
 
Sweet Potato said:
I presume you share washing facilities and are only aloud to keep animals if they are an emotional support animal (ESA).

Have you been washing their bedding at a friend or relatives house or using a laundrette? My boys love fleece and it works for me but you can use wood shavings as long as it's kin dried pine (not softwood shavings or cedar or normal pine)

also Guinea pigs need to be kept in pairs or groups. You can only register one as an ESA so this may cause problems if you are only aloud to keep ESAs but sadly this is a non-negotiable part of owning piggies.
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I'm not too familiar with the rules in the UK, but here, there is no official ESA registry. An ESA is prescribed by a doctor. I believe that you can even have multiple (if your doctor deems that it is necessary). :)
 
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