how much of nuggets/pellets do you guys give your piggies

[sarahw]

there are so many different amounts, so was just wondering how much you guys give yours
we have 3 guinea pigs that are 14 months old
and 10 that are almost 7 months old
thanks

 

[Lady Kelly]

I can't remember exactly what the age is but I'm sure I read they should have constant access to pellets up to 12 months old. 3 of my 4 are over and 1 is under, they have 3 food bowls between them and I always make sure at least one of them is half full (when they were on museli they were selective eating too tut tut). I'm trying to limit it a bit as a couple of mine are hefty piggies but its hard with Jemima still growing

 

[Poppy'sMum]

I can't remember exactly what the age is but I'm sure I read they should have constant access to pellets up to 12 months old. 3 of my 4 are over and 1 is under, they have 3 food bowls between them and I always make sure at least one of them is half full (when they were on museli they were selective eating too tut tut). I'm trying to limit it a bit as a couple of mine are hefty piggies but its hard with Jemima still growing

This is my problem too lol!

Yes I think they are supposed to have unlimited pellets up to a year old, then the amounts required are usually on the back of the packs, but I generally give about a tablespoon each per day, on the basis that they have unlimited hay & get veg twice a day & I don't want them going off pop! Petal my mummy pig has reached 1.3 kilos so I am getting anxious as I can't cut back the food because of the youngsters needing it, so I take her out for some laptime whilst they get first go at the food. Trouble is she really is a piggy hoover & will scoff any leftovers rolleyes

 

[Lady Kelly]

ahhhhhhhhh sounds like Peter, also 1.3kg and constantly at the food while there is some there

 

[Wiebke]

I recommend giving unlimited pellets until the weekly growth rate slows down somewhere between 6-9 months old. Weigh your piggies weekly anyway; it is also one the best ways to monitor health!
http://www.guinealynx.info/weigh.html

When the growth rate slows down, very, very slowly reduce the daily amount to the half or one handful that a fully grown guinea pig needs after it stops growing, usually between 12-15 months old.

Personally, I have cut down to about half a handful per adult per day and feed mostly hay (up to 80%) with only 50g veg per piggy per day. This resembles the diet their guts are based on most. Hay helps to keep the guts going and the crucial back teeth ground down evenly.

 

[zombieprincess]

Mine get around a table spoon each in the summer. In the wind=ter i up it to a small handfull as 2 are not over 12 months and one is elderly and they are outdoor piggies. I think you should monitor your younger piggies on how well they are growing. When under 12 months i top the bowl up with anoter spoon/handfull once it's empty. Not just fill it to the brim.

 

[Mabel'sMum]

This has been very useful, I think I'm giving my 2 girls too much pellet/muesli food! Thank you x