Components of a healthy, balanced diet are fresh vegetables (e.g. turnip greens, cucumbers); small amounts of fresh fruits (e.g. kiwi, papaya, strawberries); and vitamin C-fortified guinea pig The guinea pig or domestic guinea pig, also known as cavy or domestic cavy, is a species of rodent belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. Despite their common name, guinea pigs are not native to Guinea, nor are they biologically related to pigs, and the origin of the name is still …Guinea pig
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and l-ascorbic acid, is a vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. It is used to prevent and treat scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several enzymes and is important for immune system function. It also functions as an antioxidant.
What extra stuff should I Feed my guinea pigs?
What Should I Feed My Guinea Pig Daily?
- Vegetables. Apart from an unlimited supply of timothy hay, grown-up guinea pigs need raw and fresh vegetables and fruits, rich in fiber and vitamin C.
- Fruits. Fruits shouldn’t be given too often since they have a much higher level of sugar and acid. ...
- Pellets. ...
- Things You Should Avoid Giving Your Guinea Pig. ...
What do you do for new baby guinea pigs?
Ten tips for introducing a new guinea pig
- It is easier to introduce younger guinea pigs to one another. ...
- If you have an older piggy, it is best to add a baby. ...
- Only put one male in with females. ...
- Before introducing a male to a female, make sure they are neutered. ...
- Make sure there is enough room in their crate. ...
- Only buy hiding houses with two entrances. ...
What's the best food for pigs guinea?
Good fresh foods to feed your guinea pig include:
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Green peppers
- Parsley
- Green and red leaf lettuce
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
How do you care for a baby guinea pig?
- Let your pig get used to the harness. Leave it by their food bowl, let them sniff it.
- Put the harness on your pig for no more than an hour
- Do this daily, but extend the time they have the harness on by a few minutes a day.
- After they seem comfortable with it, take your pig on a walk. Let them lead you.
- Take them for a walk, but you lead them. ...
What should I feed my nursing guinea pig?
Guinea pigs 6 months or less (or pregnant or nursing) may be fed pellets with some alfalfa. Guinea pigs over 6 months should be fed timothy pellets. Pellets containing alfalfa contain a large of calcium (alfalfa is calcium-rich).
How do you take care of a guinea pig mother?
Providing extra vegetables and treats can help her get her energy back, and may serve as the pups' first introduction to solid food. You should also provide alfalfa hay, which has extra calcium both the mother and the young guinea pigs will need.
How long do baby guinea pigs need to stay with Mom?
four weeksMale guinea pigs can become sexually active at 3 weeks (with minimal effectiveness but no less a nuisance). Female guinea pigs need to stay with their mother for four weeks.
Do baby guinea pigs need mothers milk?
Since guinea pigs are mammals, they'll drink their mother's' milk for the first few days of their life before gradually moving on to solids. If you're unlucky enough to have a very young baby guinea pig rejected by its mother then you'll need to hand-feed it.
What do you do with newborn guinea pigs?
To care for baby guinea pigs, get a roomy cage and make sure they can't slip through the spaces between the bars. Feed the pups twice a day, provide a constant supply of fresh water, and handle them often so they can get comfortable with human interaction.
What do newborn guinea pigs eat?
Your baby guinea pigs will start to nibble solid food from only a few days old. You can start introducing them to timothy and oaten hay, pellets, as well as small amounts of green vegetables and water in a shallow dish from when they are born, but this does not mean they are ready to be weaned.
How soon can you pick up baby guinea pigs?
Baby guinea pigs should not be held at all for at least one week after birth, and must always be handled very gently.
What milk can baby guinea pigs drink?
Baby guinea pigs can easily inhale the liquid in the syringe by accident and choke. Use full-fat goat's milk, or prepare a milk mixture of half water and half evaporated milk. Soak brown bread in the milk, and offer this to the baby GP on a teaspoon - they'll suck the milk out.
Can newborn guinea pigs survive without their mother?
Newborn guinea pigs, called pups, are fully furred with eyes open and able to stand shortly after birth. Even so, they cannot fend for themselves and should be nursed for at least 5 days. Guinea pigs make the best mothers and give the pups the best chance at survival.
Can I touch newborn guinea pigs?
They will be feeling a bit tender and very protective of their babies after the birth, so it's best to leave them alone for a month afterwards too. Baby guinea pigs should not be held at all for at least one week after birth, and must always be handled very gently.
How do you look after baby guinea pigs?
0:103:30How To Look After Baby Guinea Pigs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs they can produce more so make sure you are responsible with this baby guinea pigs will reallyMoreAs they can produce more so make sure you are responsible with this baby guinea pigs will really need their diet really filled with lots of healthy snacks and treats lots.
When can baby guinea pigs be separated from their mother?
You can start separating and weaning the babies by the age of 2 weeks, if they weigh enough. At birth, guinea pig pups weigh between 2.4 and 3.5 ounces, or 70 to 100 grams. Guinea pig mothers don't care if you handle their offspring, so you can and should weigh the babies regularly.
Can the father guinea pig be with the babies?
Male guinea pigs should be separated from their pups, at least for most of the time, simply because the little ones have to be with their mothers. Newborn guinea pigs can meet their fathers, but only if their mothers aren't around. Don't allow female pups to encounter their dads once they're 21 days old, however.
What do guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs rely on fresh vegetables and fruits for their daily needs of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. While leafy greens should comprise the main part of their daily intake of fresh produce, fruits are generally considered treats because of their high sugar contents.
What to use to keep guinea pigs clean?
Fresh, clean water. Guinea pigs need constant access to fresh, clean water. We recommend using water bottles made from glass because they’re easier to keep clean, but a small ceramic bowl could work too. Don’t forget to empty and refill daily, and keep the bottle clean at all times.
What is the best hay for guinea pigs?
While high-quality Timothy hay should make up at least 80% of your guinea pigs’ daily diet, fruits and vegetables are highly necessary to provide them with their much needed vitamins and other nutrients. As part of a healthy guinea pig diet, it is recommended to offer a mix of healthy fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.
Why do guinea pigs need Timothy hay?
The reason why Timothy hay is preferred, is because of its low calcium content. If you want to learn more about hay, check our article on the best types of hay for guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs produce their own vitamin C?
According to this article from VCA Hospitals, authored by Laurie Hess (DVM) and Rick Axelson (DVM), guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C. A lack of vitamin C makes them more prone to infections, skin problems and other diseases, which is why their diet must contain sufficient amounts of vitamin C.
Do guinea pigs eat vegetables?
Guinea pigs cannot hold themselves back, and they’ll eat whatever is offered. As they’re prone to weight problems, it’s your responsibility to keep their diet properly balanced. That means no excessive feeding of vegetables and fruits, the only thing they should have access to 24/7 is fresh water and hay.
What do guinea pigs eat?
Diet plan. Hay, vegetables, fruits, branches, herbs and other plant. There is very much you can feed your Guinea Pigs. Cavies listen to their natural instinct and really like to eat what grows on ground – raw. Most of all feed hay!
What fruit should I feed my guinea pig?
Fruits for Guinea Pigs. Fruits should be handled as sweets for cavies and not to be provided too much (may be once a week) because of its fructose and fruit acids. Fruit. Hints / notes. Apple. Do not feed if one of your cavies has lip grind. Banana. Rich in sugar. Do not feed if one of your cavies has Diabetes.
How to keep cavies soft?
At winter season you should replace grass with fresh vegetables to keep them healthy with a diet rich in vitamins.
How to care for guinea pigs in the evening?
Fresh hay has to be provided all time. Water has to be filled up from time to time. Only use clear and fresh water. There is no reason to provide special “rodent-water” from the pet shop if you take care about the food for your Guinea Pigs.
What is the best food for cavies?
Cucumber. Very popular food for cavies. Endive. rich in vitamins and minerals / appetizing. Fennel. rich in vitamins and minerals. Can take on color on urine. Helpful by digestive complaints. field salad.
What foods can you feed a da?
Feed carefully because of it oxialic acid. May take color on urine and feces. Can be provided with the green. Broccoli. High amount of vitamin C. Contains oxialic acid. Provide it increasing. Carrot. Rich in calories. Do not feed every da.
Can guinea pigs eat vegetables?
Vegetables for Guinea Pigs. Vegetables should be the main fresh food in their nutrition plan at the winter season if/and there is no way to get fresh grass. Of course vegetables does not replace hay. Fresh hay has to be provided permanent. All green marked vegetables can be used for proper diet. Vegetable.
What are some good foods for guinea pigs?
Raspberries, Strawberries, Cranberries, Blueberries and Blackberries. Berries are tasty and unproblematic treats. They also have high levels of Vitamin C which can be very beneficial for your guinea pig and give them that extra boost of vitamin C they may otherwise not get with only hay and vegetables daily.
What vegetables can guinea pigs eat?
Fennel: A very filling and stomach-friendly vegetable. It has no sugar, low amounts of fat and a good amount of vitamin C. Celery: You can feed both the leaves and the stalk to your guinea pig, but you should be wary that it contains high levels of water, so it should be given in moderation.
What are pellets for guinea pigs?
Together with other quality food, pellets can be a convenient way to assure that your guinea pig is getting the necessary quantity of nutrients and remain healthy. Choose specially designed guinea pig pellets that have vitamin C in it.
How much food should guinea pigs eat a day?
Guinea pigs should get at least 10% of their body weight in vegetables a day which is around one cup per day per guinea pig. If your pigs have never eaten any veggies, you can start off with carrots since they are usually easy to digest.
Why is hay important for guinea pigs?
Quality hay is the foundation of any guinea pig’s diet because they need its fiber to have healthy digestion. But also to wear down the continuous growth of their teeth.
What are the benefits of guinea pig fibers?
The long-standing fibers, low protein, and low calcium make sure that your guinea pig’s digestive and intestinal systems are healthy. The high- fibers also lower the occurrence of intestinal gas and bloating.
Do guinea pigs have vegetables?
Since they can provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins (like vitamin C) for a well balanced healthy diet. If your guinea pig has never had any vegetables in the past or very little, which is often the case when you purchase a guinea pig from a pet store since they only feed pellets and vitamins.
What do guinea pigs eat?
What to Feed Guinea Pigs. We’re going to go over the different kinds of foods your guinea pig can and cannot eat. The most essential food in the cavy diet is hay. In fact, 80% of their diet should be composed of hay—Timothy hay is usually best. Vegetables and herbs make up 10%-15% of their diet, and pellets about 5%-10%.
What vegetables are good for guinea pigs?
Cucumber. Zucchini. Broccoli (small amounts or they might become gassy) Celery leaves. Kale. Cilantro/coriander. Mustard greens. All of the above vegetables are high in vitamin C, which is an essential vitamin for guinea pigs.
Why are guinea pigs called pigs?
And then secondly, they are not related to pigs in any way. It is believed that they were named “pig” because of the cute little squealing noise they make that sounds somewhat piglike. Your guinea pig’s diet, like with any pet, is of the utmost importance. You want to be sure that you’re fulfilling your cavy’s daily dietary requirements and ...
Can you give a cavy a lot of food?
You should avoid giving your cavy any food that will cause gas, such as cauliflower and cabbage. Iceberg lettuce can cause diarrhea, onions (and anything in the onion family) can lead to a blood disorder, garlic is toxic, and avocado is too high in fat.
How to take care of a guinea pig after giving birth?
1. Replace the cage bedding regularly. Now that your female guinea pig has pups to care for, her cage will probably get messier than usual; however, she may be too exhausted to take care of all of her motherly duties after she has given birth. Initially, remove the contaminated bedding where the births took place.
How to keep guinea pigs hydrated?
Position a lower water bottle for the pups. Both the mother guinea pig and her pups will need to stay well hydrated. Since the pups are so small, you will need to give them their own water bottle that will be low enough for them to sip from easily. The pups’ water bottle will probably be too low for their mother to sip from, so you should purchase another water bottle and position it at a higher height for her.
Why are guinea pigs furred?
Since baby guinea pigs are born fully furred and ready to go , the mother guinea pig is at increased risk of experiencing health problems during and after pregnancy. For example, the mother guinea pig may experience a difficult birth and end up with a prolapsed uterus.
How big should a guinea pig cage be?
1. Check the size of the mother guinea pig’s cage. On her own, the mother guinea pig needs a cage that is at least 7.5 square feet. [1] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source.
What is it like to see a guinea pig with a baby?
Seeing your female guinea pig with her babies (pups) can be heartwarming. As with any new mother, she will be very busy attending to her pups’ needs and finding time to take care of herself.
Why does my guinea pig's milk look bluish?
If the mother guinea pig’s mammary glands feel hard or painful to the touch, or look bluish, she probably has mastitis. Check the milk as well. Off-colored or clumped milk are often associated with mastitis. Mastitis is a bacterial infection.
When should guinea pigs be separated from their mother?
Not only does the mother guinea pig need to be protected from the male pups, but the female pups need protection as well — the male pups could even try to impregnate their sisters! Male pups should be separated from the mother and female pups at three weeks of age (right after nursing).
How to feed a baby guinea pig?
Begin with bell peppers, cilantro, lettuce, and slowly transition to other veggies. Baby guinea pigs can munch on vegetables when they reach 4 weeks old, and their stomach gets stable enough to digest vegetables in small amounts. Fresh vegetables will also control the size of their teeth as their teeth keep growing.
What to feed guinea pigs at 3 weeks?
Fresh hay and water are essential foods in those early days. Baby guinea pigs require high protein, thus offer them pellets and dry alfalfa grass. Your baby guinea pigs will stop drinking mother’s milk once they are three weeks old. You can consider adding a small serving of fresh veggies at this stage.
What are the main foods that guinea pigs eat?
The three main foods of guinea pig’s diet are pellets, hay, and fresh vegetables. If we get to draw a chart of guinea pig’s diet, then hay would be written as the most important part followed by vegetables and pellets. That is because the digestive passage of guinea pigs is designed to absorb fiber found in dry grass.
How old do guinea pigs need to be to drink water?
Until baby guinea pigs turn 3 weeks old, they get hydration from their mothers. As they grow, baby guinea pigs need to drink more water as they eat lots of solid food. So drinking water becomes essential for them to be healthy. However, not all guinea pigs are able to drink from bottle at such an early age.
Why are my baby guinea pigs so energetic?
Baby guinea pigs will feel energetic at times, but they will require constant short naps. Due to the lack of a proper diet , you may find your guinea pigs lazier than normal. Observing a guinea pig’s poop discharge is a way to know about their health conditions and especially their digestive system.
How long does it take for a guinea pig to grow?
The first six months of your guinea pig’s life is crucial for their longterm health. In this primary stage of their growth, a guinea pig undergoes some physical changes continuously. Their diet plan must consider their growth.
Do guinea pigs sleep on hay?
This will help you to ease the transition of your guinea pigs to timothy hay as they grow up. Other than this, be sure that the cage of your guinea pigs is full of hay. They will sleep on hay, and generally, they will be surrounded by this. It also means that they will eliminate a lot of waste in their hay.
What is the best milk for guinea pigs?
We recommended the Wombaroo Guinea Pig Milk. It is a premium product that contains vitamin C (which is very important for young guinea pigs). It comes as a powder which can be mixed with warm water to make the milk for the babies. All the mixing instructions are on the box.
When do guinea pigs start eating?
Your baby guinea pigs will start to nibble solid food from only a few days old. You can start introducing them to timothy and oaten hay, pellets, as well as small amounts of green vegetables and water in a shallow dish from when they are born, but this does not mean they are ready to be weaned.
What does it mean when a guinea pig ignores her litter?
If the baby’s tummies are round and full-looking, they are active and bright, warm and chatting away, making little noises, then the mother guinea pig is likely feeding them.
How many feet do baby guinea pigs jump?
Baby guinea pigs are wiggly and unpredictable. They jump suddenly and unexpectedly. A drop of only one or two feet can be fatal, so make sure they are being fed and kept in a safe environment.
How long does it take for a guinea pig to start eating?
Guinea pigs are born being able to walk, see and hear, and most of them will start nibbling on solids within a few days , as well as drink milk from their mum.
How to get rid of guinea pigs smell?
Once they’re clean, rub your hands in some clean, fresh hay and on the mother guinea pig’s fur to scent your hands.
When can guinea pigs be rehomed?
Baby guinea pigs can then be rehomed to new families by eight weeks of age, as long as fully weaned and eating solids well on their own. It is a good idea to have the babies examined by a guinea pig vet prior to sending them off to their new forever home.
