My guinea pigs are overweight. Help!

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sez

sez

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Hello chatters, I am new to this forum so am not sure where to put this but here goes. I have recently taken on two guinea pigs and well they are to put it politely overweight. They don't seem to move much at all in the hutch and even when putting them in the run in our house they only move as much as they need to. Is this normal? Also they are so big they cant get up our ramp and literally slide back down! We have now closed of the ramp as it was causing red and sore feet even after putting material over the ramp. I don't know what to do. I am going to see the vet soon because there nails need trimming and they are so shy and scared every time I try to do it they move and I don't feel confident enough to do it myself whilst they fidget. Perhaps I should bring up the problem when I take them to the vets? I have had piggies in the past and have never had a problem with their weight or mobility, nor the ramp. It is a nice sized hutch and I was hoping they would have a good run around and lose weight. The only time I have seen them run is when I am trying to catch them in the hutch. I have had them for about two weeks. Thank you
 
I've put it in the wrong place :( how do I put it in guinea pig care?
 
Hello :)

I am gonna move this thread to Guinea Pig Chat, it get more views and answers there.

What do you piggies weigh? A way to help them lose weight will be only feed pellets around a small handful twice a day, ensure you are feeding unlimited hay and veggies still though. I would advise plenty of run time to try and increase their exercise.

Please get the vet just to check the red feet over.
 
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Try posting their weights and let us know if they are male or female as sizes differ dependent on sex.

It is not unusual for piggies not to use a ramp even if you've never had a problem before. It'd be worth getting a vet to check out those red feet in case anything nasty is making an appearance and also they will be able to advise on nail trimming. Some piggies always fidget and most of mine hate having nails trimmed. Having a buddy who can trim while you hold them still or vice versa helps!

As Sport_ billy says they mainly only require hay and veggies so if you reduce their pellets or museli gradually and feed unlimited hay and a portion of veg twice in the day they should steady out in weight. A good vet will also be able to advise. Try using our vet locator at the top of the page to find a good cavy-savy vet near you.

If they are new piggies to you then it may be that they are still very nervous so don't worry if they don't move around loads or if they disappear when you come near. Just spend lots of time sitting by their cage and talking to them, offer veggies from your hand to encourage them to come to you. Give them time and they will come round.
 
Thank you all so much! I will call the vet tomorrow ASAP and discuss the piggies weight and feet whilst they have their nails done. I will also close of the bottom half for good. Its still a 5ft by 2.5ft hutch so plenty of space to run. I will cut down their pellets and see if it helps. As for their nerves I will bribe them with carrots as that's the only way I have been able to catch them. I will take it slow like you have suggested and only sit by there cage. Maybe when they become more confident I will be able to stroke them and go on from there. Hopefully the next time their nails need trimming I can ask one of my friends to hold them. They are sweet guinea pigs and well worth the effort and time :)
 
Please weigh them regularly. Some pigs are just big! Keeping a record of their weights week by week also helps spot any illness occurring as often one of the first signs ina piggy is weight loss even if all else seems well.

Just as a guide my 4 boars are 2 and half years old and weigh between 1180g and 1370g. I have heard of boars who are significantly heavier and also some tiny ones who are lighter. It is good to know what normal is for your piggy so any change can be investigated.
 
MerryPip said:
Please weigh them regularly. Some pigs are just big! Keeping a record of their weights week by week also helps spot any illness occurring as often one of the first signs ina piggy is weight loss even if all else seems well.

Just as a guide my 4 boars are 2 and half years old and weigh between 1180g and 1370g. I have heard of boars who are significantly heavier and also some tiny ones who are lighter. It is good to know what normal is for your piggy so any change can be investigated.
Click to expand...

I will weigh them regularly now as I didn't know that. Thank you :)
 
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