Lettuce? confused

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BellasMummy

BellasMummy

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Just read that guinea pigs should only have lettuce twice a week! Thats the thing about the internet is that you get so many conflicting opinions.
Its so confusing for a first time piggy owner like me.
 
Your not the only that was confused about the lettuce issue. I too am i new piggy mum and before i joined this forum i never gave lettuce only once a week like what i had read on the internet like you. But i now know better and that piggys CAN have lettuce every day but NOT iceberg lettuce as it doesn't have much or any nutrients value in them.

Now my piggys have lettuce every day and buy the big salad bags from asda with all the different types in and they have a different one each day. Just make sure you get the bags without the iceberg lettuce in. Their are many different types of lettuces out there and my two love all of them. I have seen a big change in their fur condition and its much softer and silky now since i started feeding lettuce everyday. :))

Have you seen these threads?

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=37030

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42

This one is from a member asking a similar question to you. http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=41337&highlight=lettuce

:)
 
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please dont tell my lot as i think they would go on hunger strike without their daily fix of lettuce,i'd have 11 very angry piglets if they only got some twice a week.

everyone has their opinions on this and other feeding routines but my two oldies who are 5 and 6 years old have had a leaf daily for tea with carrots,spring/winter greens,celery,apple,cabbage etc etc etc....I firmly believe that given in moderation they will be fine...i dont give them iceberg lettuce though,just a normal everyday supermarket one.

allan
rspca west suffolk branch.
 
Thanks for your replies. I have seen the food thread but then read that and got all confused.
I'm so glad i haven't got any piggies yet otherwise i would be taking food in and out after reading different things!
 
This is the most food I give to my pigs. Because they are fussy. They seem to like lettuce and never get bored of it. I give them Cos lettuce or Romaine. But I feel the Cos lettuce is more bigger in the pack and i've been getting it for £1 for a long time in Sainsbury's.
 
I got the most beautiful container of mixed baby spring greens at the store a few days ago. Me and the piggies are eating it and they love it.
I see no reason to withhold nutritious greens. Just don't give a lot of iceburg lettuce which many say is not nutritious and largely water.
 
They key point with the diet is variety and moderation. If you choose things from the safe list, feed small-ish amounts of at least 4-5 foods a day, you basically can't go too wrong.

The info on the calcium: phosphorus ratio need not be adhered to as a new owner - get comfortable with what the piggies like first and then maybe a year down the line consider regulating the diet a little more. The Ca: P ratio is mainly for older pigs and pigs prone to bladder trouble, although it can be useful for younger pigs too.
 
I feed Lettuce daily too if i didnt id have 13 boys getting stroppy with merolleyes,
There fave is butter lettuce they also love to have red/green oak and cos.
Like laura said moderation is the key,mine get one leaf per pig,
Just be sure you dont feed them lettuce/cucumber/watermelon and celery as they are all high in water and in large amounts can cause bloat xx
 
Actually, while we're on the subject of lettuce, anyone know what sort of lettuce (ie nutrient balance etc) little gem lettuce is? I only ever see references to iceberg, romaine and round lettuce. :{
 
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