How do I get my guinea oig a pellet free diet

Black piggies said:
Just out of curiosity, how would your piggy signal to you? And what happens to Peanut if you're unwell?
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And of course I do have my significant other who is the only other person in contact with her who could take care of her if I am in the hospital
 
Did the doctor mention any other rodents to be good service animals?

I know gerbils were used in an airport decade's ago, they can detect adrenaline, they trialed them out to see if they could pick out terrorists, but they couldn't detect the difference between a terrorist and a nervous flyer.
 
SkyPipDotBernie said:
Did the doctor mention any other rodents to be good service animals?

I know gerbils were used in an airport decade's ago, they can detect adrenaline, they trialed them out to see if they could pick out terrorists, but they couldn't detect the difference between a terrorist and a nervous flyer.
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Haha yes all rodents actually I just chose the one with the best fit for me
 
Curiosity killed the cat! 😁 how can your piggy ‘sense’ that you’re seriously ill, or will be shortly? And if she is to do that, doesn’t that mean she has to be near you constantly? Sorry, just trying to figure it out in my head.

You really need to expand her space as well. The minimum is 2x4 c&c (or 120x60cm) cage for one, or two females. I hope that you will really look at getting a friend in for her as soon as is possible. If space in the cage is lacking, you could potentially set up a permanent play pen around the cage, which they’d have 24/7 access to. Then when the new cage comes in (sizes as above) you could then put them in there after bonding in the play pen/cleaned out cage area. Do you have any rescues near you?
 
Siikibam said:
Curiosity killed the cat! 😁 how can your piggy ‘sense’ that you’re seriously ill, or will be shortly? And if she is to do that, doesn’t that mean she has to be near you constantly? Sorry, just trying to figure it out in my head.

You really need to expand her space as well. The minimum is 2x4 c&c (or 120x60cm) cage for one, or two females. I hope that you will really look at getting a friend in for her as soon as is possible. If space in the cage is lacking, you could potentially set up a permanent play pen around the cage, which they’d have 24/7 access to. Then when the new cage comes in (sizes as above) you could then put them in there after bonding in the play pen/cleaned out cage area. Do you have any rescues near you?
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She would only be with me at home I dont get that sick in just one day shed be able to notify me in the morning and all animals are able to sense illness in humans some like rodents however are just a lot better at it
 
Does that mean she would be out of the cage daily? Sorry if I’m misunderstanding. And what does the training involve? Have you heard of other service guinea pigs?
 
Siikibam said:
Does that mean she would be out of the cage daily? Sorry if I’m misunderstanding. And what does the training involve? Have you heard of other service guinea pigs?
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She would be allowed out daily yes and she is going to have free range to run around my house by to.orrow when I finish guine pig proofing it the training is simple really I have special cell cultures that I made in my lab that are not contagious but she will be trained to react to the unhealthy cell culture with the bell and yes I actually do know of a few for similar conditions as well as for many other things
 
And is it the smell of the cells that she will be reacting to? Sorry I’ve derailed a little but I’ve got it in my head now so need to get round it! 🤦🏾‍♀️
 
Siikibam said:
And is it the smell of the cells that she will be reacting to? Sorry I’ve derailed a little but I’ve got it in my head now so need to get round it! 🤦🏾‍♀️
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In a way yes it is the smell it's a natural brain function for most animals to identify whennsometjing is healthy or sick
 
I’m sorry, maybe I’m being ignorant but I really don’t agree with this.
It doesn’t sit right with me at all.
 
Spoink said:
I’m sorry, maybe I’m being ignorant but I really don’t agree with this.
It doesn’t sit right with me at all.
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I'm sorry I just dont agree I am giving her a happy healthy and loving home and in return she is helping to save my life by telling me when my body is shutting down on itself. And as I've explained a few times already she would never be at risk for illness herself because my condition is genetic and not contagious. She will be 0erfectly safe and lived just like any other pet she would just be helping me more than most people pets would
 
Peanut the pig said:
I'm sorry I just dont agree I am giving her a happy healthy and loving home and in return she is helping to save my life by telling me when my body is shutting down on itself. And as I've explained a few times already she would never be at risk for illness herself because my condition is genetic and not contagious. She will be 0erfectly safe and lived just like any other pet she would just be helping me more than most people pets would
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I don’t agree with you.

It seems to me that you have done little research into guineapig care before getting your little darling. I’m sorry to offend you but I think you have chosen a guineapig on the care that she can give to you as opposed to the care you can give for her.

While yes, it is good that she can help you, I cannot help but wonder what happens to her if you were to be hospitalised. Guineapigs themselves can become very ill very quickly and need around the clock care. I’m holding your piggy in my thoughts. Please get her a friend and put her first before yourself.
 
Spoink said:
I don’t agree with you.

It seems to me that you have done little research into guineapig care before getting your little darling. I’m sorry to offend you but I think you have chosen a guineapig on the care that she can give to you as opposed to the care you can give for her.

While yes, it is good that she can help you, I cannot help but wonder what happens to her if you were to be hospitalised. Guineapigs themselves can become very ill very quickly and need around the clock care. I’m holding your piggy in my thoughts. Please get her a friend and put her first before yourself.
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I can assure you that I've done plenty of research I'm in veterinary school currently and am more than qualified to take care of her and her needs are before my own that being said so much of what you bring up has been answered previously she has care for if I am sick she has a bigger cage a 4 by 4 and free range in my house which is more than enough space for a guinea so long as I am supervising her and she will have a companion I came to this forum for advice on some things from people who have experience owning guinea pigs not just treating them not to be told that I am not taking proper care of my pet plenty of people have what is considered unusual service animals and thay are perfectly happy and healthy as mine will be i encourage you to ask whatever questions you may have about the process because there seems to be so much misunderstanding about what I am doing. I'm sorry if any of what I said may have offended you or anyone as well I just feel as if iam constantly repeating myself in defense against ridicule
 
While your doctor was correct in that some rodents have an incredible olfactory system there is a huge difference between the species. Studies showed that Guinea Pigs have appox 796 olfactory receptors. Rats who are more commonly used in medical scent detection have 1,207 OR which is a considerable difference. Also rats are incredibly human orientated, raised well they can be incredibly confident and not affected by the same kinds of handling and enviromental stress that a nervous animal like a guinea pig is disposed to. Whilst I admire the ability of service animals and believe they do an incredible job I think we owe it to them to consider their needs above our own. I really don't think a Guinea Pig is the right type of animal for this.
 
amy104 said:
While your doctor was correct in that some rodents have an incredible olfactory system there is a huge difference between the species. Studies showed that Guinea Pigs have appox 796 olfactory receptors. Rats who are more commonly used in medical scent detection have 1,207 OR which is a considerable difference. Also rats are incredibly human orientated, raised well they can be incredibly confident and not affected by the same kinds of handling and enviromental stress that a nervous animal like a guinea pig is disposed to. Whilst I admire the ability of service animals and believe they do an incredible job I think we owe it to them to consider their needs above our own. I really don't think a Guinea Pig is the right type of animal for this.
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Rats ate known carriers of a specific bacteria that if I get into my system would kill me in days guinea pigs carry a lot less of these bacteria and there wouldnt be any extra stress for her just the normal handling she would recieve from any owner she would have and tes thank you the OR is exactly the reason she was a good option the guinea pigs OR though not as great as a rat as you said is still far better than most other larger animals which also makes her fat more apartment friendly as well I promise her needs are always met first and her training isnt extensive just about an hour a day of treat training like you would with most other animals and she us adjusting very well to the training already she only messes up maybe once or twice after her training is complete which at this rate should only take a week or two she will be just like any other pet guinea pig and because I've recieved quite a bit of backlash from it I am also providing her with a companion I'll be going on my day off this week to pick out another guinea pig
 
Peanut the pig said:
Rats ate known carriers of a specific bacteria that if I get into my system would kill me in days guinea pigs carry a lot less of these bacteria and there wouldnt be any extra stress for her just the normal handling she would recieve from any owner she would have and tes thank you the OR is exactly the reason she was a good option the guinea pigs OR though not as great as a rat as you said is still far better than most other larger animals which also makes her fat more apartment friendly as well I promise her needs are always met first and her training isnt extensive just about an hour a day of treat training like you would with most other animals and she us adjusting very well to the training already she only messes up maybe once or twice after her training is complete which at this rate should only take a week or two she will be just like any other pet guinea pig and because I've recieved quite a bit of backlash from it I am also providing her with a companion I'll be going on my day off this week to pick out another guinea pig
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Alot of domestic rats carry the mycoplasma bacteria
 
SkyPipDotBernie said:
Alot of domestic rats carry the mycoplasma bacteria
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Yes a lot and rats unfortunately usually carry a lot more than that as well guinea pigs and hamsters are much easier to maintain bacteria wise and occasional trips to the vet help to identify if peanut may be carrying anything that may be dangerous to me or to her and usually get solved very quickly with a good bath in special soap or antibiotics if its anything serious rats are known to carry so many bacteria that are dangerous to themselves their owners and realy anyone who would be in my apartment building could be at risk if I were to have gotten a rat though they are still just as adorable I really do prefer the guinea pig looks and personality over that of a rat
 
I appreciate you taking the time to reply but I strongly disagree that there is any extra stress on her. We are talking about a prey animal that thrives on companionship and is extremly sensitive to its enviroment. Its not just handling it noise, smells, being removed from their homes for long periods of time that cause stess.

SkyPipDotBernie said:
Alot of domestic rats carry the mycoplasma bacteria
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There are over 95 different mycoplasma. The one prevalent in rats is mycoplasma pulmonis which is species specific. The biggest risk from pet rats is hantavirus so I appreciate that the OP doesn't want a rat, my point was more that their temprement is entirely different which is why they are so good at the job.
 
amy104 said:
I appreciate you taking the time to reply but I strongly disagree that there is any extra stress on her. We are talking about a prey animal that thrives on companionship and is extremly sensitive to its enviroment. Its not just handling it noise, smells, being removed from their homes for long periods of time that cause stess.



There are over 95 different mycoplasma. The one prevalent in rats is mycoplasma pulmonis which is species specific. The biggest risk from pet rats is hantavirus so I appreciate that the OP doesn't want a rat, my point was more that their temprement is entirely different which is why they are so good at the job.
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Yes they do have a different temperment however peanut though still a baby is a rescue and was handled a lot by her previous owner before they had to give her up she is extremely good with being handled I never have to catch her to pick her up or anything shell come right up to me and loves to fall asleep on my lap and she will not be traveling if I can help it at all I much prefer if she stay safe at home so she doesnt get exposed to any of the harmful bacteria or mites that she can get through travel however as I said occasional travel my be necessary but it wouldnt be for very long and I bout a colapsable pop up cage that is meant for large dogs that I will be using so if she does have to travel it wont be in a tiny carrying case
 
If she's 99% of the time a beloved pet in a quiet, familiar environment and she gets a piggy friend, then it sounds like she could be happy. I guess service dogs can feel overly responsible and pick up on owner anxiety, whereas Peanut would just be getting a treat for ringing the bell when she smells the smell?
 
Black piggies said:
If she's 99% of the time a beloved pet in a quiet, familiar environment and she gets a piggy friend, then it sounds like she could be happy. I guess service dogs can feel overly responsible and pick up on owner anxiety, whereas Peanut would just be getting a treat for ringing the bell when she smells the smell?
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Pretty much exactly
 
Peanut the pig said:
Yes a lot and rats unfortunately usually carry a lot more than that as well guinea pigs and hamsters are much easier to maintain bacteria wise and occasional trips to the vet help to identify if peanut may be carrying anything that may be dangerous to me or to her and usually get solved very quickly with a good bath in special soap or antibiotics if its anything serious rats are known to carry so many bacteria that are dangerous to themselves their owners and realy anyone who would be in my apartment building could be at risk if I were to have gotten a rat though they are still just as adorable I really do prefer the guinea pig looks and personality over that of a rat
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If you got pet rats I reckon you would love them, I have two and one is the friendliest pet I've ever had, and probably ever will have. They both lick my face and lips whenever I open the cage and get them out, I've never got sick, but obviously it might make you sick.

Having a rat is like having a micro dog, personality wise, with a cats agility

Rats love human interaction, a lot of Guinea pig don't.
 
I'm going to wade in here as some of this is getting derailed. I appreciate that all members are looking out for the guinea pigs best interests but there are queries coming up (and sometimes not even coming across as queries but as disagreements) that the OP has answered several times.

Yes, I don't think I have ever heard of a guinea pig being a service animal, as far as I am aware it hasn't happened on this forum before. However, as long as the guinea pig is able to live a normal, happy life and is cared for I see no harm in seeing whether they can alert their owner to problems as well. After all, plenty of people have taken on guinea pigs to support their mental health, the only difference is that this hasn't involved training to ring a bell.

The OP has been perfectly clear that they do not live alone and should they take ill there is someone who will take over the care. The guinea pig is not going to be left alone so I don't see why this keeps being raised as a problem.

Not everyone has to agree with everyone else on the forum. If it's clear a piggy is cared for but you don't agree with what's happening I would encourage people to consider whether adding your viewpoint is constructive at all. It is entirely possible to ignore a thread if it doesn't sit well with you. If you feel that any thread or post breaks forum rules or that staff members need to be involved then hit the report button to alert us.

What I would add is, from my personal point of view, I think the questions around service animals that Siikibam asked is fascinating as it's helped me understand a bit more about what is involved and why it might work. I wish the OP the best of luck with getting this to work but if it doesn't then at least you can end up with some very rewarding pets to share your company with.

Now back to the original question... How to get a pellet free diet?

Not something I have personally done though mine have very limited pellets. A 1.5kg grain free bag lasts my 4 just over a month I believe. I think if you do the research into the veggies to make sure they get a balanced diet and enough vitamin c then not feeding pellets is absolutely fine. I'm sure we have had one or two members do this previously but I can't remember who.
 
I have a guinea pig aka Bernie, he doesn't eat nuggets and he is fine, nice weight, no health issues.
 
I did respond with the feeding info and how few nuggets you can give if you feed the correct amount of hay and veg and the OP was happy with that.
 
SkyPipDotBernie said:
If you got pet rats I reckon you would love them, I have two and one is the friendliest pet I've ever had, and probably ever will have. They both lick my face and lips whenever I open the cage and get them out, I've never got sick, but obviously it might make you sick.

Having a rat is like having a micro dog, personality wise, with a cats agility

Rats love human interaction, a lot of Guinea pig don't.
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I had a mouse once they were very sweet but I got sick very often
Lady Kelly said:
I'm going to wade in here as some of this is getting derailed. I appreciate that all members are looking out for the guinea pigs best interests but there are queries coming up (and sometimes not even coming across as queries but as disagreements) that the OP has answered several times.

Yes, I don't think I have ever heard of a guinea pig being a service animal, as far as I am aware it hasn't happened on this forum before. However, as long as the guinea pig is able to live a normal, happy life and is cared for I see no harm in seeing whether they can alert their owner to problems as well. After all, plenty of people have taken on guinea pigs to support their mental health, the only difference is that this hasn't involved training to ring a bell.

The OP has been perfectly clear that they do not live alone and should they take ill there is someone who will take over the care. The guinea pig is not going to be left alone so I don't see why this keeps being raised as a problem.

Not everyone has to agree with everyone else on the forum. If it's clear a piggy is cared for but you don't agree with what's happening I would encourage people to consider whether adding your viewpoint is constructive at all. It is entirely possible to ignore a thread if it doesn't sit well with you. If you feel that any thread or post breaks forum rules or that staff members need to be involved then hit the report button to alert us.

What I would add is, from my personal point of view, I think the questions around service animals that Siikibam asked is fascinating as it's helped me understand a bit more about what is involved and why it might work. I wish the OP the best of luck with getting this to work but if it doesn't then at least you can end up with some very rewarding pets to share your company with.

Now back to the original question... How to get a pellet free diet?

Not something I have personally done though mine have very limited pellets. A 1.5kg grain free bag lasts my 4 just over a month I believe. I think if you do the research into the veggies to make sure they get a balanced diet and enough vitamin c then not feeding pellets is absolutely fine. I'm sure we have had one or two members do this previously but I can't remember who.
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Tha k you so much I'm trying to just use a very small amount of the pellets for right now and that does seem to be working for the moment.
 
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