Gaining And Losing Weight

[JCJ]

I rescued three female guinea pigs two months ago. They are sisters and as far as I know have always lived together although previously in a very small cage. They now have a 5x2 C&C cage with a 1x2 loft and they get at least one hour of floor time each day in an area that measures 4 metres by 1 metre. The lady that rescued them had been feeding them Burgess pellets so I started them on those and have gradually changed over to JR Farm grainless pellets. They get two small handfuls of those per day, have unlimited hay and vegetables morning and evening.
I have weighed them a few times since they arrived. Overall Cinnamon and Pumpkin have put on 100g each, Daisy also originally put on weight but is now almost back to her original weight. I'm not sure whether I should be more worried about the rate two of them or putting on weight or the fact that one of them isn't. Daisy is in the middle in the pecking order and they have two food bowls and lots of hay areas so I don't think access to food is a problem for her. Their weights are below.
Daisy: 29/2/16 945g, 4/4/16 1005g, 21/4/16 960g, 22/4/16 965g, 24/4/16 955g, 25/4/16 955g
Pumpkin: 29/2/16 845g, 4/4/16 950g, 21/4/16 965g, 25/4/16 985g
Cinnamon: 29/2/16 880g, 4/4/16 915g, 21/4/16 940g, 25/4/16 980g

 

[Wiebke]

I rescued three female guinea pigs two months ago. They are sisters and as far as I know have always lived together although previously in a very small cage. They now have a 5x2 C&C cage with a 1x2 loft and they get at least one hour of floor time each day in an area that measures 4 metres by 1 metre. The lady that rescued them had been feeding them Burgess pellets so I started them on those and have gradually changed over to JR Farm grainless pellets. They get two small handfuls of those per day, have unlimited hay and vegetables morning and evening.
I have weighed them a few times since they arrived. Overall Cinnamon and Pumpkin have put on 100g each, Daisy also originally put on weight but is now almost back to her original weight. I'm not sure whether I should be more worried about the rate two of them or putting on weight or the fact that one of them isn't. Daisy is in the middle in the pecking order and they have two food bowls and lots of hay areas so I don't think access to food is a problem for her. Their weights are below.
Daisy: 29/2/16 945g, 4/4/16 1005g, 21/4/16 960g, 22/4/16 965g, 24/4/16 955g, 25/4/16 955g
Pumpkin: 29/2/16 845g, 4/4/16 950g, 21/4/16 965g, 25/4/16 985g
Cinnamon: 29/2/16 880g, 4/4/16 915g, 21/4/16 940g, 25/4/16 980g

Do you have an idea just how old they are? They are all within a decent adult weight range.

The weight loss is not yet so dramatic that you need to worry, but it is enough to monitor it and - if it continues - to see a vet for a check-up.

What I would try in your place is to feed veg and pellets 2-3 times a day in small portions that can be eaten on the spot, in a bowl for each of ther girls, ideally spaced a bit apart from each other. That way, you can make sure that they get all the same amount, so you can see whether that makes a difference.

I would also switch to weighing weekly at around the same time, just before you serve dinner; that gives you a more steady weight picture. The more often you weigh, the greater the daily fluctuation, which can be up to 30g.
The Importance Of Weighing - Ideal Weight / Overweight / Underweight
Early Signs Of Illness

 

[JCJ]

Thank you very much for your answer. They are around two years old.
I will try your suggestions.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you very much for your answer. They are around two years old.
I will try your suggestions.

All the best! You are a very caring and observant owner!

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