Guinea Diet

[Cozmo]

Had to take Phoenix to the vets last night for a minor emergency....and the vet told me he was over weight (he's 2 in May and weighs 1200g). Good job the vet didn't see my girls they are the same age but much bigger than him!

I've decided that maybe they should all go on a little diet...but do any of you guys know how I should go about it. My feeding routine is half a small measure of Super Guinea Excel in the morning, then a handful per pig of fruit and veg in the evening with hay. Should I maybe halve my portions or maybe just give them fruit and veg every 2 or 3 days...I'm a little confused.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

He sounds a very normal weight to me! Anything from 800g - 1800g can be perfectly fine. I have a pig who weighs 1590g and it's just the way he is. Overweight is only overweight if the belly touches the floor or drags when the pig stands tall or walks. If it doesn't, then it's pretty safe to say his size is just the way his body is built.

The diet sounds absolutely fine. Your pigs do have hay at all times? Veg still needs giving every day, it does nothing to the weight of guinea pigs - the dry feed is what tends to affect weight, and what you are feeding sounds spot on.
What about the cage size, and floor/run/exercise time? Aside from altering the dry feed (if applicable), those are the things you would change if a pig was in need of some weight loss.

 

[Cozmo]

Well they aren't having much exercise cuz of it being Winter...they are all indoors while its cold.

I will look into seeing how I can get them more exercise.

 

[Ms_Fi]

the vet told me he was over weight (he's 2 in May and weighs 1200g).

ummmm, my two older pigs are 29 weeks old and last Friday weighed 1179g and 1130g! I certainly wouldn't say mine are overweight and they're full of energy (especially at 10 everynight when they run around the lounge squeeking and popcorning!).

 

[Cozmo]

One quick question....can piggies have beet root?

 

[stargrrlclaire]

One quick question....can piggies have beet root?

they can,but shred it and limit it, also the leaves are poisonous to piggies.

 

[Goldie]

One quick question....can piggies have beet root?

Yes, great source of Vit C. Peel and slice but as stargrrlclare said, don't feed the leaves.

I personally would not say that 1200g is overweight. My Shaun weighs 1200g ... he is probably the biggest pig I have ever had but he doesn't appear fat.

 

[Cozmo]

Ok I've bought some beetroot but its in the purple juice stuff.....do i still need to peel it?

 

[Laura-CCC4]

I think it has to be fresh raw beetroot, found with the other fruit and veg. I'm not sure if the beetroot in the jar is cooked, treated or had anything added, so personally wouldn't use it.