Hay And Puppy Pads

[Nicola_]

I know some people use hay as a bedding, I'm just wondering if it's ok to use puppy pads underneath it or if I should use newspaper or something else instead?

I've been really struggling with spot cleaning the new 120 cage, I hadn't appreciated to the full extent just how large their other cage is and therefore how widespread the mess is! The spot clean in the 120 is a must but is taking me forever to do so I'm thinking it'll be just as easy to do full cage clean every 2/3 days using hay as the bedding instead. I also noticed today that there was a little grumble over the hay tray and I think that's because they usually have space for a pile of hay next to their tray and so don't need to share such a small hay space together; I'm thinking by removing the hay tray altogether and having the hay as bedding this will alleviate that problem. I'll make sure to put the hay rack on so they always have fresh hay (though knowing my boys they won't utilise it!).

Thanks in advance for any advice/recommendations

 

[Stewybus]

When using hay as bedding, it's essential you have something else under it to absorb wee etc. A lot of people still use shavings including rescues even though they're not now generally recommended. There are several similar products, the best being the ones made from the core of the hemp plant eg Auboise or from oil seed rape straw eg Raviera or Bliss. These are all relatively cheap from about £7.50 to £14 for a 20 Kg bale which for a 120 cage would last at least 2 months, probably longer. I put a layer of full newspapers opened out as the bottom layer then about 10mm to 15mm layer of the Auboise, Raviera or Bliss then a thin layer of hay on top with larger amounts at one end. You can buy at least one of these products from most farm stores but if you need to buy on line then the price will double with delivery charges on top. I get about a week between full changes in a 6x2 (85"x28.5") c&c run but you may have to change in less days in a 120 cage. If you need any more info please ask.

 

[Nicola_]

Hmm. Thanks for the advice. As much as it loathes me I might just have to go with a layer of shavings underneath the hay. They're only in this cage for a few weeks so I don't want to buy a huge bale of bedding that I'll not get through. I do have fitch but I'm reluctant to use it if I'm going to be cleaning it out every couple of days, it's just too expensive to go through it at that rate. I need a cheap and easy option to get me through the next few weeks. I'm sure I've heard from people who use hay alone on top of newspaper - is there any particular reason this wouldn't work? Bearing in mind I'm planning to change it every couple of days.

 

[Hannah86]

I use puppy pads with hay as bedding without any problems. Like you, the spot cleaning takes for ever and I find it's easier to just pick the whole lot up every other day and put it straight in the bin. I have a layer of newspaper first (for extra insulation as mine live in the garage), then puppy pads, and then hay throughout. I did try fleece but my OH wasn't keen on it being constantly put in the washing machine and my little pigs love running aroung in their hay with extra hidden in loo roll inserts and a food ball!

 

[Nicola_]

I use puppy pads with hay as bedding without any problems. Like you, the spot cleaning takes for ever and I find it's easier to just pick the whole lot up every other day and put it straight in the bin. I have a layer of newspaper first (for extra insulation as mine live in the garage), then puppy pads, and then hay throughout. I did try fleece but my OH wasn't keen on it being constantly put in the washing machine and my little pigs love running aroung in their hay with extra hidden in loo roll inserts and a food ball!

Thanks! Good to know it does work. If my boys really protest I'll sort something else out but given their obsession with hay I can't see it being a big problem for them! (The transferring back to fitch after might be though!) It's just frustrating that despite my saying for the last few years can we try time the roof work outwith my study period and of course they've kicked it off right at the height of my studies! And seeing as I'm nocturnal I have no idea how I'll get any sleep over the next week!