11.06.2013

How to Choose and Buy the Right Fleece

Article 3 of 7 from Guinea Pig 101: Fleece Bedding Guide.

How to Choose and Buy the Right Fleece

So you've decided to give fleece bedding a try. Hooray!

But wait - what kind do you need and where do you find it? Not all types of fleece will work as guinea pig bedding. Some varieties won't wick moisture away, leaving your wheekers with wet rumps. Sad panda.

Here's what you need to know before heading to the store.

WHAT TYPE OF FLEECE

Look for 100% polyester anti-pill fleece. This type is best suited for use as guinea pig bedding. Blizzard fleece is another good option but can trap hay more easily.

Avoid wool blends and glacier fleece, which will remain damp instead of wicking liquids away.

WHERE TO BUY FLEECE

You can purchase fleece by the yard at fabric stores, craft stores, and home goods stores.
We go to Joann Fabrics or Hancock Fabrics for our cavy bedding needs. Walmart also offers a limited selection.

CHOOSING FLEECE

Now comes the fun part: picking it out! With so many colors and patterns to choose from you're bound to find something that catches your eye. A few ideas to get you started:

  • Opt for fleece in seasonal colors or patterns to include your pigs in the holiday spirit. Christmas, Easter, Halloween, winter, autumn - get creative!
  • Go with a theme: polka dots, nautical, floral, animals, Hello Kitty, etc.
  • Select varying shades of the same color. Check out this cage for an example.
  • Let your piggies show their support for your favorite sports team by picking fleece in team colors. 

TIPS
  • Poops are more visible on solid colored brights and pastels. Makes them easier to see so you don't leave any strays while cleaning.
  • Dark colors and busy patterns camouflage beans for a cleaner appearance. 
  • Sign up for emails from fabric stores like Joann to save money when fleece goes on sale.
  • Purchase a little more than you need. Extra fabric can be draped over a corner of the cage to form a hideaway tent or used to make accessories. 

This is the third article in a multi-part series about using fleece bedding for your guinea pigs.

13 comments:

  1. Flannel won't work well as a top layer - it unravels easily, pigs can eat/chew on the strings, or get tangled in them (safety hazard!). Most importantly, it doesn't have the same moisture wicking properties as fleece so it will remain damp. In this case it might be best for you and your piggy to stick with traditional bedding.

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  2. A member of my household has a strange allergy to polyester fleece so I am wondering how well does cotton flannel work?

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  3. Blossom Smith-BourqueDecember 2, 2013 at 2:41 PM

    I always raid the remnant tables at our local thrift stores and have found loads of fleece blankets in every pattern and color imaginable as well as terry cloth towels and flannel top sheets that i use under the fleece in my cages and of course since everything is second hand its very inexpensive

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  4. I tend to get bummed at the lack of selection in anti-pill, at least at some stores I shop at, so I started expanding into blizzard fleece and have been happy with it - but then again we always use a curry comb on our pads before washing so that helps get rid of any hay.

    I also get super cute fleece for a good price on fabric.com!

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  5. I recently bought some fleece, and got a yard of microfleece. It was such a cute pattern, but I suspect it won't wear well in the cage (and will probably be a hay magnet!)

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  6. No problem, glad the fleece worked out! I'm sorry to hear about Pepper - it sounds like he may have an upper respiratory infection (URI). You can find more info about it on GuineaLynx: http://www.guinealynx.info/uri.html


    Thankfully you got him to the vet. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

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  7. Hi! I wanted to let you know I got the kind of fleece you said to get! Thanks for your knowledge and care. :) Pepper had to go back to be seen by the vet. Say a little prayer. He was breathing funny and had a crackling sound. They will let me know later today what is wrong and how long to recover. Has this happened to any of yours? We miss him! :(

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  8. Thank you for the kind words Regina! You made my day. Sending a big hello to Pepper, Tobey, and Mellow.

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  9. I saw what you said after I placed my comment. Thank you for responding and I wanted to tell you how much I love your blog! Its so uplifting and really creative. I love it! My piggies are babies and I am only beginning, so thank you. They are Pepper, Tobey and Mellow.

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  10. Like I mentioned below, flannel won't work well as a top layer - it unravels easily, pigs can eat/chew on the strings, or get tangled in them (safety hazard!).


    Most importantly, it doesn't have the same moisture wicking properties as fleece so it will remain damp, creating an unhygienic environment for your guinea pig.

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  11. Would flannel work? I am using my son's old twin flannel sheet for bedding and it seems to be good. What is your take on it?

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  12. i need some help. Im getting a guinea pig, but I can't find the right fleece! What other fleeces do you suggest me getting?

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