Fat Piggys

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Bugs

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Hello Everyone

I'm not going to pretend i know the first thing about guinea pigs, my girlfriend wanted them and after 2 years i ran out of excuses not to.

We have 2 silver aguti piggies and they are kind of adorable but I'm very worried about how much they eat.
My other half thinks there isnt a problem (shes had piggies most her life) but along with the bowl of food in the evening and some ready grass they also get a massive load of hay as bedding.

Its the hay that concerns me as they eat it all every night. I am worried that this is way too much food for them.

Can anyone tell me if this is ok? do they always munch on the bedding? it just seems like a massive load of food for some rather small animals (they are fully grown apparently)

Any info would be great.

Bugs
 
I am also not an experienced piggie owner but have learnt an awful lot on here. The one thing I have learnt is they can have an unlimited amount of hay. In fact they need it. Someone more experienced will be able to tell you why they constantly need to munch on hay but rest assured the one thing they do need is a constant supply of is good quality hay.
 
Its normal for them to eat hay all they time. They are like horses they always need to graze. It wears their teeth down and stuff.
 
Just as an add on again I have learnt on here that guinea pigs do not manufacture their own Vitamin C so need to get it either from their dried food or fruit and vegetables. They need a varied diet of different veg and fruit. There are threads on here that can give you lists of the veg and fruit that is good for them. Fruit I think is mainly as a treat. Again someone more experienced on here might be able to help you with links. Its good that you are taking an interest in them even though you were kinda forced to have them. Piggies just end up taking your heart when you least expect it. My husband is daft about them now.
 
Appreciate the replies

We give them a very varied diet so they definately get enough vit c etc.

I shall let her keep feeding them then it just seems a completly unatural ammount of food for such little animals.

I may take an interest but they sure are annoying when they are being so noisy and I'm trying to write an essay.
 
mine are always eating something :)p they have breakfast followed by hay & dry food then when i get home tea & more hay then if hay looks low before i go to bed i fill it again xx
 
Guinea pigs need to eat hay near enough constantly! no need to be worrying about them eating hay. It is a good idea to weigh them weekly so you can keep an eye their health
 
aww,their little wheeks are their way of saying "good luck with the essay daddy, can we help?" they sound like gorgeous piggies, i want to see pigtures! x
 
The constant intake of food is balanced by the constant output at the other end. My husband describes them as small composting machines (it's doing our allotment the world of good).

Don't let them help you with your essay though, no good will come of it.
 
Sunshine said:
The constant intake of food is balanced by the constant output at the other end. My husband describes them as small composting machines (it's doing our allotment the world of good).

Don't let them help you with your essay though, no good will come of it.
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lol,you never know! x
 
You get less energy out of grass, so you need to eat a lot more than a cat or a dog who mainly live off high-protein meat.

All grass eaters are walking composting machines - from elephants down to guinea pigs!

Ideally, hay (and in summer, grass as well), should make the biggest part of a pggy diet; veg and pellets should be less than half. You gf is doing every thing right and seems to be a very caring owner.

Sadly, many people neglect their guinea pigs through ignorance by not giving them enough, or the right amounts/kind of food!

You and your friend are very welcome to join us here and share your joy of your guinea pigs with us!
 
Here is a pic of them when they were a lot smaller, i dont have a current photo.

Bert and Stanley the noisy little things that you just have to adore.
 

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Wiebke said:
You get less energy out of grass, so you need to eat You gf is doing every thing right and seems to be a very caring owner.
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Alas there is no fear of ill treatment in this household she LOVES them, i am now second best and play second fiddle to the piggies.

I feel a bit guilty about doubting her now its just as i have no experience whatsoever i just thought it was too much.

Nice forum you have here and i very much appreciate the replies.

Bugs
 
Bugs said:
Alas there is no fear of ill treatment in this household she LOVES them, i am now second best and play second fiddle to the piggies.

I feel a bit guilty about doubting her now its just as i have no experience whatsoever i just thought it was too much.

Nice forum you have here and i very much appreciate the replies.

Bugs
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It's better to come and ask than let it fester between you and your friend, so it becomes a source of friction!

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. the more you know and understand about guinea pigs, the more fascinating they become!

I love your pair of boys - they look very sweet!
 
Hi Bugs :)p

I think it's great that you care enough (despite your little protest :(|)) to find a piggie forum and ask questions about the boys' care. They obviously mean more to you than you'll ever admit (*grin*) - you ought to meet my husband! He moans and carries on about a house filled with dogs, rabbits and very soon, piggies too - but he's the first to shed a tear when someone passes to the Bridge.

You sound like a very nice Piggy Daddy.
 
Haha Busted!

Yes, perhaps they have had a bit of an effect on me.

I do care very much, if you have pets you need to do everything you can to make sure that they are ok and well looked after.

My girlfriend goes away from time to time so I'm chief piggy sitter so i need to know whats being done is right as if i did anything to hurt then (completly unintentionally) i would never forgive myself.

Mackers your avatar is awesome, perhaps a relative of mine ;)

Bugs
 
It is normal for the to eat hay all day. Apart from in their sleep guinea pigs chew for the whole of their lives!
 
Great that you wanted to make sure they were okay. They are lovely by the way and obviously think the world of you if they are trying to get your attention when you busy :(|)
 
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