He's very picky

Status
Not open for further replies.
VeggieChompers

VeggieChompers

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Oct 30, 2012
Messages
44
Reaction score
0
Points
120
Location
USA
Hi

My guinea pig Rumplewicks (7mths, male) is super picky when it comes to snacks. He loved loved loved carrots for a month or two, and now doesn't even like them. His new favorite is sugar snap peas, but I can tell he's getting tired of those too. He's only been consistent about eating lettuce. The only problem is he hates trying anything new, and often downright doesn't like what I give him! Any suggestions on snacks or veggies I can give him?
Also; a flavored/colored wooden strawberry came with the grooming package I bought and he loves to gnaw on it...is this a safe treat for him in addition to his veggies?

Thanks!
VeggieChompers
(Guinness and Rumplewicks)
 
My boy Hazelnut has been a picky eater from day one. I went through a fortune in fruit & veg trying everything until I found out what he would eat consistently. (At least I ate healthily during that period as I ate everything he refused!) The only things he eats are grass, dandelions, carrots, parsley and any kind of lettuce I can find (although I do refuse him iceberg). Fortunately I can get cos, red oak, green oak and butternut lettuces to offer variety.He is now over 2 years old so I have given up trying new things. I got his cagemate Peanut Butter when Hazelnut was 7 months old. Peanut Butter was willing to try any food but would soon stop when he realised Hazelnut wasn't eating it. (Supposed to work the other way round, picky eater imitates other piggy out of jealousy). So, now he eats the same as Hazelnut. Since it is a limited palate, I try and offer variety by giving different things at different times. The coloured/flavoured wooden thingies should be safe if they are marketed for rodents, rabbits or birds. My boys occasionally like to chew on them but prefer the inner carboard tube from loo rolls.

This link gives a list of all fruit & vegies they can be tried on. http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?42-Guinea-Pig-Shopping-List
 
My two girly pigs are incredibly picky about what they eat. Have you tried fresh herbs to grow in the garden? I found fresh basil leaves go down really well or really icy cold kale cabbage or carrot tops or beetroot leaves.
 
Have you read through this thread - http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?42-Guinea-Pig-Shopping-List?

I would feed in rotation the veggies he does like alongside new things and as someone else said if he likes lettuce try a variety of leafy greens (shred them and mix them up if needs be), obviously be careful not give him too much of things he's not used to though. You could also try feeding him things out the cage or through the bars of the cage just to mix it up a bit.

Also, the little wooden thing should be fine, willow sticks and apple sticks are also good for chewing. :)
 
Just read the above shopping list - did make me laugh on the foods to avoid danger list - tea coffee cola cake cookies ! Ha ha I hope there is no one that silly to think of giving those to a guinea pig !
A very good list of foods to try tho :)
 
kimlou5288 said:
Just read the above shopping list - did make me laugh on the foods to avoid danger list - tea coffee cola cake cookies ! Ha ha I hope there is no one that silly to think of giving those to a guinea pig !
A very good list of foods to try tho :)
Click to expand...

You'd be surprised! Often warnings are posted only after someone silly has done the thing to be warned bout.
 
Thanks so much to everyone! That list looks so helpful - I'll def take the time to read through the whole thing soon...but at least I've never (and never will) feed them anything like cake coffee cookies etc.! Lol!
Maybe I will see about growing parsley this spring because he likes that at least....

Thanks again!(:

VeggieChompers
Guinness and Rumplewicks rolleyes
 
I found that chopping new things into very fine strips helped with one of my piggies who wouldn't touch anything other than lettuce. She now eats most things but still only likes a piece of carrot in a very fine baton.

When mixed up with the veggies they like I think they eat the new thing accidentally and then realise that they are OK :)

I only ever introduced one new thing at a time and in very limited amounts but it seemed to work with mine. Keep going with new veggies.

Jo x

Edited to say I only give my lot a small amount of carrot twice per week - they would certainly not eat them if I gave them everyday.
 
Thanks! Maybe I'll try that (:
It's turns out he LOVES parsley stalks!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top