Feeding young pigs

[Eviolus-]

I've been a little worried about Coca and Pepsi's eating, not because they aren't eating enough, its more that they seem to be devouring the older pigs veg, before I was feeding just over 2 cups to make up for the little ones but as they start eating more and more I don't know how much to add. I considered giving 2 and a half cups but if they ate even a quarter of a cup each it's around the same size as them so it feels like overfeeding. Also, as they get older, around teenage, should I feed them as if they are adults or do they need less? Thanks in advance

 

[Eviolus-]

I've been a little worried about Coca and Pepsi's eating, not because they aren't eating enough, its more that they seem to be devouring the older pigs veg, before I was feeding just over 2 cups to make up for the little ones but as they start eating more and more I don't know how much to add. I considered giving 2 and a half cups but if they ate even a quarter of a cup each it's around the same size as them so it feels like overfeeding. Also, as they get older, around teenage, should I feed them as if they are adults or do they need less? Thanks in advance

Also wondering on pellets, I usually feed unlimited pellets but I've noticed them eating up to a cup a day so I'm starting to reduce them despite the desperate wheeking as if I'm starving them. Should I add a tablespoon for both babies, a spoon for each or just feed as if its just the adults?

 

[Wiebke]

I've been a little worried about Coca and Pepsi's eating, not because they aren't eating enough, its more that they seem to be devouring the older pigs veg, before I was feeding just over 2 cups to make up for the little ones but as they start eating more and more I don't know how much to add. I considered giving 2 and a half cups but if they ate even a quarter of a cup each it's around the same size as them so it feels like overfeeding. Also, as they get older, around teenage, should I feed them as if they are adults or do they need less? Thanks in advance

Hi!

Please have a look at our detailed diet guide with a sample diet; please be aware that the recommended amount of veg and pellets is being downgraded to encourage guinea pigs to eat as much hay as possible.
You feed babies fully from 2 weeks onward because that is when they switch to a solid adult diet. The gradual weaning process is starting very soon after.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

 

[Eviolus-]

Hi!

Please have a look at our detailed diet guide with a sample diet; please be aware that the recommended amount of veg and pellets is being downgraded to encourage guinea pigs to eat as much hay as possible.
You feed babies fully from 2 weeks onward because that is when they switch to a solid adult diet. The gradual weaning process is starting very soon after.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

Okay, I think they will definitely be eating more hay now I've stopped trusting them with the pellets, does that mean I should continue feeding a little extra to make up for what the babies are eating until they reach two weeks? and also is there any way to give them alfafa hay without the other two getting to it? I've noticed them eating the majority of it before the babies find it and their pee is looking quite white so I'm worried

 

[Siikibam]

The guide says you can feed 2 tablespoons of pellets for babies up to 4-6mths. Maybe have 3 bowls and portion accordingly. Then if you can, direct the babies to their bowls and the adult to theirs.

As for separating the hay, it’s difficult if they’re in the same cage as the adult piggy. I’m not sure how you’d do it. Unless there’s a way to make an enclosure (from box or something) which only the babies could get into. Then you could put alfalfa in there for them that the adult couldn’t access.

Do you have three bowls? Then you can split the veg (and pellets) up that way. I’d split the pellets/veg up into two feeds a day. Take the bowl out after a while so they eat hay, and return later for the second feed.

Hopefully others will have some suggestions for you as well.

 

[Eviolus-]

The guide says you can feed 2 tablespoons of pellets for babies up to 4-6mths. Maybe have 3 bowls and portion accordingly. Then if you can, direct the babies to their bowls and the adult to theirs.

As for separating the hay, it’s difficult if they’re in the same cage as the adult piggy. I’m not sure how you’d do it. Unless there’s a way to make an enclosure (from box or something) which only the babies could get into. Then you could put alfalfa in there for them that the adult couldn’t access.

Do you have three bowls? Then you can split the veg (and pellets) up that way. I’d split the pellets/veg up into two feeds a day. Take the bowl out after a while so they eat hay, and return later for the second feed.

Hopefully others will have some suggestions for you as well.

Thank You I'll try guiding them to separate bowls and use a box with a small entrance for the hay

 

[AutumnThePig]

Is there anyway you could make a divider in the middle of the cage to separate the two piggies, but still have them be able to see the adults (like a C&C Cage)? Or, maybe you could take the two piggies out for floor time and have them eat their own portion of veggies/pellets.

 

[Eviolus-]

Is there anyway you could make a divider in the middle of the cage to separate the two piggies, but still have them be able to see the adults (like a C&C Cage)? Or, maybe you could take the two piggies out for floor time and have them eat their own portion of veggies/pellets.

Not sure about a partition but I could definitely to floor time or I have another cage if it's only temporary. I'm more concerned about the portion for the babies since they aren't fully weaned but they seem to be eating a lot of the pigs food

 

[AutumnThePig]

Not sure about a partition but I could definitely to floor time or I have another cage if it's only temporary. I'm more concerned about the portion for the babies since they aren't fully weaned but they seem to be eating a lot of the pigs food

If you end up doing floor time, let me know how it works out.

 

[Eviolus-]

If you end up doing floor time, let me know how it works out.

Will do