Guinea Pig Weight

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Bigsize9fot

Bigsize9fot

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Hi.
We are new pig owners and have just done our second weekly weight check. The pigs have put on 40g each this week. They are now 849g and 888g. They don't look overweight but is this weight gain too much? We've been giving unlimited hay, nuggets (20g each twice a day as on back of bag) and a lot of veg- probably more than they should have as we've been trying to encourage them to eat from our hands etc.
I was worried if I cut back their food this might be too quick. They are rescue Guineas so maybe they were too light when they came?
Any advice?
Thanks.
 
Well, when piggies are young they gain weight quickly. I believe adult males can healthily weigh up to 1200 grams. I'd say keep an eye on it, but of course if their weight shoots up, decreasing pellets/veg slowly may be an idea.
If you're really worried, you can weigh more regularly. I think piggies are only in danger of becoming badly overweight if they are severely overfed and don't have enough room to exercise.
 
I found that during their main growing phase (up to about 9 months old) my lot varied widely in their weekly gain.
Some weeks they shot up and gained 40 grams, and then other weeks very little, or even a small loss.
Overall if they are happy, active, and being fed a balanced diet (Unlimited, quality hay, complete nuggets, and a cup full of fresh per day) then I wouldn't worry.
At this point you are looking for a general pattern over time, rather than worrying too much about the individual weekly results (unless they are ill or their are other underlying issues of course).
 
Since you have only had them a couple of weeks you may find that their weight gain slows down as they adjust to a new (and improved?) diet.
The range of acceptable guinea pig adult weights is huge, so you may have just been blessed with petite piggies.
 
I've got 2 little boys approx 9 weeks I've weighed them for the first time tonight, we got them Sunday one weighed 305g and the other 280g is this too little?
 
They are a good weight, make sure you remember to weigh every week, then it's easier to keep a close eye on there weight. Except for the time they were new to you & there environment, there should be a steady gain.
 
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