How To Make A Fleece Bedding For A Guinea Pig?

A guinea pig is found as a common pet in western countries. With a life span of 4 to 6 years guinea pigs are considered to be an ideal pet. They are very popular due to their cuteness and adorable character.

If you are excited to have a guinea pig in your life, you have to know everything about them. Before keeping any pet, you have to plan out its living space. It is as essential for them as it is for us humans.

As a pet owner, you should provide your pet with the best comfort. You will not give the same kind of space to your guinea pigs as you have given to your dogs. It is also necessary to keep in mind that they are small and timid animals.

So, the living space of your guinea pig should be well-protected and comfortable.

You can buy a cage and bedding for your guinea pig from the local pet store but there is also the option of making one by yourself at home. This article is going to help you make a fleece bedding by yourself for your little friend.

The fleece bedding made at home ensures the same level of comfort as a store-bought one but at a much lower price.

Types Of Bedding For A Guinea Pig

There are few kinds of bedding appropriate for a guinea pig. You should make sure you are not using cedar, pine, corncob, straw, wire floor, cat litter, etc. Some popular types of bedding are:

1. Paper Bedding

This bedding is very smooth and soft. This bedding also soaks up water quickly. Paper bedding also controls the smell.

2. Aspen Bedding

Aspen is a favorite tree kind. This is the only wooden bedding that is allowed for guinea pigs. It does not absorb like paper and is very light and cheap.

3. Mixed

This is the mixture of paper and Aspen bedding and allows smooth absorption of water like paper bedding. Another advantage of using mixed bedding is that is also cheaper than paper bedding.

4. Fleece Bedding

This is a soft fabric and is 100% synthetic.

How To Make Guinea Pig Fleece Bedding?

For guinea pigs’ bedding fleece bedding is quite popular. Don't worry! You don't have to squander a lot on it. This can easily be made in the comfort of your home. To make fleece bedding, you need the following things:

Fleece fabric: It is a soft fabric used for warm clothes. Don’t let the name fool you. It is a hundred percent synthetic fabric. Buy two different fleece fabrics.
Absorbent pads: These pads will help the bedding to absorb water. It is vital as guinea pigs poop and pee in their cages frequently.
Scissor, threads, sewing machine, etc. are required to tie everything together.

The Procedure To Make The Fleece Bedding:

Buy two different fleece fabrics.
Start the procedure by washing the fabrics even if the fabrics are new. It helps the fleece to let water pass through it. Two to three wash will make your fleece absolutely ready for use. You can also use detergent or vinegar to wash it.
Estimate the length and the width of the cage of your guinea pig. Otherwise, it will not be proper.
Then cut the fabric according to measurement. Remember to keep 1 inch extra for seam allowance. While cutting, maintain caution. This fabric is stretchy. You can use a rotary cutter or scissors.
Now, cut another fabric as side fabric and sew it to the four sides of the previous fabric.
Then pin the two fabrics together with office pins.
After pinning there should be hollow place between two pins. Bring out the inner clothes by pulling them between the two pins.
Insert absorbent pad in the middle of two fabrics like a sandwich.
Now sew it from the four sides, and your bedding is ready.

How To Make Fleece Bedding Attractive?

Buy colorful fabrics to make your bedding attractive.
Buy two different fabrics for your bedding. It will be easier to make the bedding.
Buy fabrics with polka dots. It looks very cute.

How To Wash Fleece?

Fleece is not a low-maintenance fabric. It has to be cleaned regularly. You should use hot water to wash the fabric. Use detergents for the pores to be thoroughly cleaned. You can also use white vinegar while washing. It will wipe the germs away.

Do not use anything to soften the fabric. Also, do not use an excessive amount of detergents or vinegar. You can also use bleach, borax, vinegar, baking soda, etc. to reduce the bad smell.

Pros

Fleece is very comfortable for bedding purposes
It also looks very nice
Fleece keeps the guinea pigs warm
Fleece bedding is free of dust.
The onset of germs is less
Makes for an eco-friendly bedding
Fleece bedding soaks water easily

Cons

Fleece bedding requires a regular wash which is time-consuming
Maintenance of fleece is difficult

Conclusion

There is nothing called the best bedding for a guinea pig. There will be things which you won’t find in fleece bedding, and there will be points beneficial about fleece bedding. You should understand your priority well.

If you are looking for bedding which will be very absorbent, then paper bedding is your answer. You should go for Aspen bedding if your budget is minimal. If you do not mind spending a little more, then I’d suggest you buy fleece bedding.