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Nick G

Nick G

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hi. Having read up prior to getting our pigs 6 months ago we read that a few vegetables can be fed as needed, with no upper limit on the amount given. For example, and still ensuring an endless supply of fresh hay and water, I read that make can be given without limit, but reading the forum feeding guide it should be a twice a week treat.

Up till now we have been feeding a decent handful of kale each day and on alternate days feeding a quarter of a cucumber sliced then the slices cut in to strips. Again, this is on top of the Nuggets we measure according to the feeding guide on the bag and with loads of fresh hay. Is this wrong then and have we been over feeding?

Both male pigs are healthy and happy, just want to ensure we don't make our pigs have health issues as a result of well meant intentions. Thanks
 
Have a read of this Recommendations For A Balanced General Guinea Pig Diet it will clear everything up for you.

The recommended ratio of food groups:
- ca. 80% hay
- 10-15% veg and fresh herbs (ca. 1 cupful / 50g / nearly 2oz)
- 5-10% pellets (amount depending on the age)
- plenty of fresh water daily

Aim for 1 cup of mixed veg split into breakfast and tea. Unlimited hay at all times and a small bowl of pellets morning and night.

Diet should be 80-85% good quality hay, 10-15% veg, 5% pellets

We feed typically

Morning: Cucumber, Celery, Red/green/yellow pepper (deseeded)

Tea: Cucumber, Lettuce or Coriander alternative days and occasionally substitute this with Parsley or Cabbage of some sort, and add carrot, broccoli, spinach occasionally

We will feed melon, tomato, grape as a treat every few weeks
 
Hope that helps a little
 
It does thanks. Measuring in cups puts in to perspective for me, I'm about right on the cucumber. Just the kale I'm still confused about, will read the link now to see if I'm okay with what I've been doing so far. Thanks for the share
 
We do a handful of kale for 2 pigs. It is a high calcium food so would suggest once a week for it as a frequency
 
That's what I've been doing wrong then. We did read it was a veg that could be fed freely :/

We have also been adding a vitamin c supplement to their water as recommended by pets at home manager. On readING the link it suggests just straight water as best. Hmmm
 
:) Not to worry, it wont have done any harm, we all learn from experience... I dread to think how much Parsley I fed our first piggies and the huge veg amounts.

No need for vit C supplement buddy, veg will have enough. Give a slice of bell pepper a day that is great food for them high in Vit C and low in calcium and they love the Red and yellow ones, de-seed it first.
 
I've only given a Vit C supplement to poorly piggies. If they are having a bit of pepper/broccoli or other Vit C rich veg each day they should get their necessary amounts. But it won't harm them in the water. I just think it degrades Quickly so often has little benefit to the piggies.

My first piggies years ago were really fussy but loved Kale so my first piggies ate loads of it. I only learned about the high calcium content through bitter experience at the vets. So I now limit kale and my piggies only get it once a week. But there are loads of veg that they can have regularly so don't worry too much.
 
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