Fleece or Vetbed

[Dindypig]

I have finally decided to stop using shavings for Dindypig but I can't decide wether to use fleece or Vetbed. I've checked the initial costing so there is no worry there. What experiences have you all had that might help me?

 

[CandyFloss]

I started off with vet bed and I really liked it but the hay and poop really sticks to it. I then moved to fleece and liked it but it didnt have the comfort of the vet bed....... so I use both now! Fleece on top (3 layers sewn together) with vetbed underneath - its easier to shake the poop and hay off the fleece before washing than it was with vetbed ..... I had thought of sewing the fleece to the vetbed but some of the piggies like lying / burrowing in between the layers so the vetbed still does get some poop on it but not as much.
Id be interested to hear the other replies too....

 

[flips]

I've only tried fleece but am wondering whether to get a small piece of vetbed to make a more snuggly area in the C & C for when winter comes round (thinking ahead).

 

[Sarah from Chucklebunnies]

I've never used vet bed but I use fleece on top of absorbent mats (like bathmats) or just towels. The fleece wicks away the wet better than the towels so that the piggies don't get soggy. You can also shake it more easily. I don't know if vet bed stays dry, if it doesn't then I'd go for fleece.

 

[Dindypig]

Forgot to mention, Dindypig lives inside. Will Vetbed make her too hot?

 

[katiepops]

I used fleece on top of towels for a while then switched to vet bed which I think is great. Much easier to wash and dry and keeps the piggies dry. Poops shake off ok and I use a brush to get any remaining hay off. I think fleece is easier if it's likely to get lots of hay on it.

 

[skrikopanik]

I use both! Fleece for the hayloft and cage, and vetbed on top of the fleece in their "cave" (area under the loft). They LOVE to lounge on the vet bed (I bought the grey IKEA one) but having it in the whole cage would mean more bulk to haul to the laundry. I prefer to keep the vetbed away from the hay too because I think it sticks more to vetbed than fleece, especially the seed parts.

For wicking abilities I think they are interchangeable. I don't know about it being too hot for summer... I haven't yet had summer with piggies . If it is, I guess I could just use regular fleece for the summer months.

 

[garfieldette]

I've had both. I started with vetbed with newspaper underneath in their hutch but when I built the 4x3 c&c for them I decided to switch to fleece with inco pads underneath.

This was because 1) my correx only has a 3 inch high sides and the vetbed is quite deep so they kept kicking all their poop out and 2) vetbed comes in standard widths which would leave me with lots of joins which they always manage to get all their poop stuck down.

In my experience they both have pros and cons. Vetbed does seem harder to get the bits off expecially hay and tomato pips but its easier to handle as its cut into manageable strips. Fleece is easier to brush down but you have to take the lot out in one piece and I do find their hairs stick to it like mad no matter how much you brush.

I have tried vetbed with fleece on top but have found the inco pads last much longer and prevent smell more.

I now have oilcloth (wipeable pvc) at the bottom, inco pad then fleece on top and they can go a week on that without problems and minimal smell.

A lot depends on how big your cage/hutch is.


Beki
Lara, Melody and Mo (awaiting the arrival of Colby in 5 days time!)

 

[missy]

I now have oilcloth (wipeable pvc) at the bottom, inco pad then fleece on top and they can go a week on that without problems and minimal smell.

Is your oilcloth lining actually attached to the cage itself? If so, what did you use to stick it down? Just wondering...thanks!

 

[missy]

Like others, I've also used both - vetbed first then switched to fleece. There are pros and cons to both, as already mentioned.

I agree that hay (especially seeds) gets stuck into the pile of vetbed - I found it hard work (and impossible) to get everything out of the vetbed prior to washing, even after beating and hoovering it, but it is extra comfy for the piggies. If you're looking at the official genuine Vetbed (by Petlife), then the Vetbed Gold also has the added protection of an antibacterial/fungal substance built into the fibres. I used this and it was great but I now use fleece as I find it much easier and lower maintenance, although I also find that hairs really stick to it.

All things considered, I'm glad I switched. Compared to fleece, I'd say the genuine Vetbed is a bit more effective at wicking away moisture and keeping piggies drier for longer but as long as you have something absorbent under fleece and change it often enough you'd never really notice any difference. I also sometimes put a piece of Vetbed in their "bedrooms" for extra cosiness and the best of both worlds, especially if they're ill. I also like treating them to nicely patterned fleeces (whereas their Vetbed was plain and boring) although that's more for me than them!

 

[garfieldette]

Is your oilcloth lining actually attached to the cage itself? If so, what did you use to stick it down? Just wondering...thanks!

Hi
No, I just put it in loose on the bottom. With everything else on top it doesn't move and I have it just in case anything makes it through the fleece and inco pads, just to protect the correx.