carefresh/newspaper/fleece liners?

[geraldinemoo]

so i just adopted my chin...the shelter was using newspaper and they recommend it because its economical...
when i brought her back...i bought carefresh beddings...
i lined the base with newspaper and then top it up with carefresh...

personally, i think she doesnt really like carefresh because i see her pushing them away and sleeping on top of the newspaper...
theres no carefresh at her fav corner and inside her house...just the newspapers...that she shredded..

should i continue using carefresh...or just stick with the newspapers?
or should i get the fleece liners?
if i do get the fleece liners...how do i do it?
just line the base with the liners?
how do i clean it? and how often?

 

[threewingedfury]

Take the newspaper out and just use the carefresh. Or you could use KD-pine shavings, which are much cheaper than carefresh. Fleece liners would work also. You just take a liner, lay it in the empty cage. When it's dirty, shake it out and then throw it in the wash and put it back in when it's finished. Thats why it's best to have 2 liners so you can throw one in while the other is in the wash.

 

[Essentia]

I couldn't use carefresh with my chins because they were always trying to eat it. I know it doesn't have anything to do with the thread, but I wanted to put it out there.

As for newspaper, it would work, but it probably wouldn't smell great. In the long run I think it might actually cost you more than just using a more conventional bedding. Pine is crazy cheap if you can buy it in a huge bag from your local feed store.

I, personally, use fleece liners. They are soft on the paws and pay for themselves in the long run because I just have to wash and reuse. I shake mine out every few days to remove the poo, and wash once a week. The cage I have my chinnie pair in needs to be washed a little more often because their cage tends to get stinky. You just line the bottom of the cage, and when it is soiled, you take it out, beat it against something to remove the hay and poo (like a tree, banister, anything you can beat). I then throw it in the wash with an unscented detergent. I also put in a cup of vinegar to neutralize any odor (though I have washed without it and they smelled fresh anyway).

It's best to have two liners so that you can put a new one in there while the other is being washed.

Also, I have a litter box with a bit of pine shavings on the bottom for a pee area. Chula uses it religously. The other two boys, not so much. If your chin will use her litter box for urine, you don't have to wash the liner quite as often.

 

[jmdebb]

You shouldn't use the newspapers because of the ink on them.[chin will eat it]

Maybe she needs time to get used to the new bedding if she's not used to it. If that is it, make sure she doesn't eat the carefresh when/if she does get used to it. My chins liked eating it and I don't trust it that much.

Other choices are kiln dried pine shavings and aspen, and like you suggested fleece liners.

As to which you should use is really up to you and your little chin. [by little chin i mean if she really doesn't get used to the carefresh, not that we let them chose..].

I have used shavings and fleece and to be honest there are pros and cons to each and I think it just depends on which are the pros and cons for "YOU".

People in the forum sell the fleece liners. YOu can look in the classifieds section.

As for cleaning the cage, usually I think most people give them a good cleaning once a week. Also clean the dishes and water bottles once a week. Personally I spot clean almost every day. To clean the cage, white vinegar mixed with water is great for taking stains off and I just read that it also kills bacteria. [that part i didn't know]. Other people use other cleaners, but I'm not sure what, I'm sure they will inform you.

I hope I answered all your qusetions.

 

[Essentia]

You shouldn't use the newspapers because of the ink on them.[chin will eat it]

99% of newspaper uses soy based ink, so it is actually safe for them to eat (the ones that do use soy based ink). I just find that any type of paper just smells really bad when peed on, no matter what kind of animal it is.

 

[geraldinemoo]

cool!
i think i should get 2 sets of liners so that i can swap them out to wash...
maybe i'll try to finish the carefresh first...haha...

unless anyone in the SF bay area wanna takeover...i dont mind trading for toys/chews and other things...hahaha...

 

[jmdebb]

99% of newspaper uses soy based ink, so it is actually safe for them to eat (the ones that do use soy based ink). I just find that any type of paper just smells really bad when peed on, no matter what kind of animal it is.

I never knew that..THanks.

 

[Ash]

Another issue with newspapers is that when wet, the ink can leak off onto the chin. Then you just get a "painted" chin...

 

[mishellyshel]

I, personally, use fleece liners. They are soft on the paws and pay for themselves in the long run because I just have to wash and reuse. I shake mine out every few days to remove the poo, and wash once a week. The cage I have my chinnie pair in needs to be washed a little more often because their cage tends to get stinky. You just line the bottom of the cage, and when it is soiled, you take it out, beat it against something to remove the hay and poo (like a tree, banister, anything you can beat). I then throw it in the wash with an unscented detergent. I also put in a cup of vinegar to neutralize any odor (though I have washed without it and they smelled fresh anyway).

It's best to have two liners so that you can put a new one in there while the other is being washed.

Also, I have a litter box with a bit of pine shavings on the bottom for a pee area. Chula uses it religously. The other two boys, not so much. If your chin will use her litter box for urine, you don't have to wash the liner quite as often.

that is my exact situation! right down to the litter boxes. one of mine onlys uses his box the other 2.....not so much!!
i just put litter boxes in the cages for the 4 new ones but i dont think they have really caught on.