Vet Bed

[Katiedid]

I have just moved my piggies from a Ferplast cage (yes I know - stupid inexperienced mistake) to a C&C cage. They had shavings in the C&C cage which worked fine. I know that they aren't idea but I used dust extracted ones as they were used to this in the shelter.

However on the correx it's like an ice rink when they do zoomies. Plus it's going to cost me a fortune each week in shavings.

So it thinking about vet bed. I'm not sure I want to use pure fleece - it's a step too far.

I have found some vet bed that I like. It can be washed at 90c.

My questions are - how often do you change it (daily, every other day, twice a week)

What, if anything goes under it? Newspaper an absorbent pad, a towel?

Is it safe - will they get their claws stuck in it?

Will it be too hot in summer?

Thanks and sorry for the stupid questions I'm new to all this.

Kate

 

[Stewybus]

When we used vet bed we changed it at least every 3 days. We laid newspaper down then a towel then vet bed cut to size on top.

If you like shavings but want to use something similar that's more safe you could try something like Auboise (from the hemp plant) or Raviera or Bliss (from oil seed rape straw). Best is to put a layer of newspapers down first, then the shavings or Auboise/Raviera etc then a sprinkling of hay. Depending on the size of run & amount of piggies you can get up to 7 days between full changes.

I had one bad incident of a piggy getting a nail stuck last year when Mousey broke a nail which did grow back eventually.

 

[Katiedid]

Thanks, if you don't use vet bed now do you mind me asking what you use now and why you changed?

 

[funnehmare]

I use both vet bed and fleece in my cages. My two pairs can last a little longer than my herd but I tend to do a full change three times a week. I've started using microfibre towels under my vet bed for the group and have to say it works brilliantly. I use a combination of inco pads and fleece for my pairs and would say that I prefer vet bed. I used to use newspaper and normal towels but found the newspaper kept getting stuck to the towels so I made the switch as microfibre towels can absorb several times the normal ones can. My neighbour also uses vet bed but she has a throwaway substrate underneath (it varies depending on what she can get hold of, usually fitch or auboise) which she spot cleans and then does a full change when needed and washes her vet bed as and when needed.

I haven't had any issues with claws getting stuck but I do have a pig that likes to pull the fluff out of the vet bed when he gets frustrated with the girls (he is a bit special, lol) so it might be something you have to watch out for.

 

[piggyfan]

I use vetbed and I love it. It does not get too hot in the summer so no need to worry there. I have a layer of towels underneath and change it all every three days. I wash mine at 60 degrees. I have never had a piggy get their nails caught.

 

[Katiedid]

I suspect it is funky vetbed and microfiber towels here we come thank you all.

 

[Stewybus]

Thanks, if you don't use vet bed now do you mind me asking what you use now and why you changed?

I'm currently using Bliss Basic. Here's a link to someone selling it on ebay but it's best if you can find a local supplier as shipping probably will more than double the cost:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bliss-bed...d=100011&prg=9701&rk=3&rkt=10&sd=351039353816

 

[petmat]

If you want to try vetbed we have got some great value vetbed here - we sell cut to size and rolls of vet bed.

We also have offcuts and clearance that are great value and often used when people start using them - http://www.petnhome.co.uk/veterinary-bedding-clearance-c-11_36.html

 

[Katiedid]

Thank you, I hate to say it but I can get it cheaper than you are offering.