My Piggies’ Diet So Far

[Julianna]

I have had my piggies for a week now and they are all roughly 12 weeks old. I got them from a private breeder who told me all about their diet. In addition I reccomend getting piggies from a private breeder found on a trusted website like pets4homes because the guinea pigs don’t go thru so much stress as in a pet shop, and I’ve heard they’re easier to tame

Anyway, back to the food subject, the guinea pigs have been fed lettuce, carrot, parsley, celery, cucumber and some apple when I got them. Since this I have been introducing: coriander, basil, cress, zucchini, tomato and parsnips, which have all been adored by the piggies, as well as the first foods. They absolutely love lettuce and could eat it hours on end but I try not to over feed it, although a day without lettuce probably wouldn’t be a good day for the pigs. I have heard that many pigs don’t like basil , in fact stay away from it but mine like it lots. One thing I’m slighltly worried about is that I have been trying to introduce bell peppers, which are very high in vitamin c and low in calcium, which is like a perfect match for guinea pigs but mine have been staying away from it... should I keep introducing it? Or leave it for now and try agin when they’re a bit older?

Overall, they are doing very well with their diet. I feed good quality hay and pellets. Another worry is that they haven’t been drinking much. I’m not sure whether this is Down to them being young And not knowing where the bottle is, al though they have been touching it and smelling or is it that they’re getting enough water in veggies, because I have made sure veggies are a very important part of their lives. I give them a large variety every day. Every time I go up the stairs, they start squeaking in excitement for food, as they are happy to get their veggies.

I am now at a taming stage as they have got used to the cage and are smelling my hands. They are all at different stages as 1 piggy lets me pet her nose already with no issue and the other 2 smell me but still keep a distance from my hand. When should I start petting their whole bodies without them running away and what is the next stage in taming them? Because I don’t wanna rush if they need more time. This isn’t the first time I’ve had guinea pigs and they are lovely pets.

This forum is absolutely fantastic! I can get trusted guinea pig advice from experienced owners and want to Be able to give advice to others. Now I’m going to give my piggies the last meal of the day as I’m sure they’re getting hungry xx today I’m introducing Brussels sprouts sorry for the essay

 

[Betsy]

Do your piggies have access to hay 24/7 this should make up 80% of their diet. They have to have it to keep their guts healthy. Here is the link about diet for you.
Diet Guides

 

[Julianna]

Do your piggies have access to hay 24/7 this should make up 80% of their diet. They have to have it to keep their guts healthy. Here is the link about diet for you.
Diet Guides

Yes they have access to hay all the time and thank you

 

[Julianna]

I have had my piggies for a week now and they are all roughly 12 weeks old. I got them from a private breeder who told me all about their diet. In addition I reccomend getting piggies from a private breeder found on a trusted website like pets4homes because the guinea pigs don’t go thru so much stress as in a pet shop, and I’ve heard they’re easier to tame

Anyway, back to the food subject, the guinea pigs have been fed lettuce, carrot, parsley, celery, cucumber and some apple when I got them. Since this I have been introducing: coriander, basil, cress, zucchini, tomato and parsnips, which have all been adored by the piggies, as well as the first foods. They absolutely love lettuce and could eat it hours on end but I try not to over feed it, although a day without lettuce probably wouldn’t be a good day for the pigs. I have heard that many pigs don’t like basil , in fact stay away from it but mine like it lots. One thing I’m slighltly worried about is that I have been trying to introduce bell peppers, which are very high in vitamin c and low in calcium, which is like a perfect match for guinea pigs but mine have been staying away from it... should I keep introducing it? Or leave it for now and try agin when they’re a bit older?

Overall, they are doing very well with their diet. I feed good quality hay and pellets. Another worry is that they haven’t been drinking much. I’m not sure whether this is Down to them being young And not knowing where the bottle is, al though they have been touching it and smelling or is it that they’re getting enough water in veggies, because I have made sure veggies are a very important part of their lives. I give them a large variety every day. Every time I go up the stairs, they start squeaking in excitement for food, as they are happy to get their veggies.

I am now at a taming stage as they have got used to the cage and are smelling my hands. They are all at different stages as 1 piggy lets me pet her nose already with no issue and the other 2 smell me but still keep a distance from my hand. When should I start petting their whole bodies without them running away and what is the next stage in taming them? Because I don’t wanna rush if they need more time. This isn’t the first time I’ve had guinea pigs and they are lovely pets.

This forum is absolutely fantastic! I can get trusted guinea pig advice from experienced owners and want to Be able to give advice to others. Now I’m going to give my piggies the last meal of the day as I’m sure they’re getting hungry xx today I’m introducing Brussels sprouts sorry for the essay

I meant to put this is the first time I’ve had guinea pigs. Don’t know why autocorrect changed it to isn’t. I wanted to post more pictures of my piggies here:

 

[Delitedcavy]

Ahh sooo cute

 

[rome_italy]

welcome!
such amazing piggies!
what colour is the bell pepper you are offering?
no, it is not a joke... my piggies love RED bell peppers ONLY, especially the ones coming from HOLLAND. Italian bell peppers (different in colour, size and taste maybe) are not appreciated...
Sometimes piggies are... gourmets
Try with a red sweet bell pepper and munch a piece of that in front of them (making a great noise); sometimes they refuse the food they didn't learn to know, but as you are their mum they might learn now following you...

 

[Delitedcavy]

welcome!
such amazing piggies!
what colour is the bell pepper you are offering?
no, it is not a joke... my piggies love RED bell peppers ONLY, especially the ones coming from HOLLAND. Italian bell peppers (different in colour, size and taste maybe) are not appreciated...
Sometimes piggies are... gourmets
Try with a red sweet bell pepper and munch a piece of that in front of them (making a great noise); sometimes they refuse the food they didn't learn to know, but as you are their mum they might learn now following you...

That is really interesting I didn’t start this thread but I’m definitely trying that

 

[Tiamolly123]

Hi & Welcome to our friendly forum, it's great that you are giving your piggies a variety of veggies. You may want to keep them on the new veg for about a week, so you don't upset there tummies.if you look at the food post on the forum it will tell you, what food gives them bloat etc. Well done for being keen on looking after your beautiful piggie

 

[Julianna]

welcome!
such amazing piggies!
what colour is the bell pepper you are offering?
no, it is not a joke... my piggies love RED bell peppers ONLY, especially the ones coming from HOLLAND. Italian bell peppers (different in colour, size and taste maybe) are not appreciated...
Sometimes piggies are... gourmets
Try with a red sweet bell pepper and munch a piece of that in front of them (making a great noise); sometimes they refuse the food they didn't learn to know, but as you are their mum they might learn now following you...

Thank you so so so much going to try this tomorrow morning so far I have offered red and yellow peppers but as I mentioned they were left untouched I literally love this forum thing omg thank you xx

 

[Betsy]

Mine prefer the green peppers!

 

[Julianna]

welcome!
such amazing piggies!
what colour is the bell pepper you are offering?
no, it is not a joke... my piggies love RED bell peppers ONLY, especially the ones coming from HOLLAND. Italian bell peppers (different in colour, size and taste maybe) are not appreciated...
Sometimes piggies are... gourmets
Try with a red sweet bell pepper and munch a piece of that in front of them (making a great noise); sometimes they refuse the food they didn't learn to know, but as you are their mum they might learn now following you...

I gave my piggies red bell pepper today and they acctually ate it! Like for the first time and I tried feeding it a few times already but they always left it. Thank you x

 

[rome_italy]

I gave my piggies red bell pepper today and they acctually ate it! Like for the first time and I tried feeding it a few times already but they always left it. Thank you x

very good! actually there are piggies who prefer other colours... I wanted only to say that they have their preferences. Mine recognise the different grass, the grass picked up in different lawn (!) and the grass stored into the fridge for more than 2 days... to me grass looks just the same, but they eat certain strings only. And they don't eat anything they don't know.
Actually my piggies like only very few vegs (no kales, no broccoli, no fruits, no fennel, no carrots, etc), but they eat different wild grasses and a little slice of bell pepper. Don't underestimate the nutritional values of fresh grass, it is their most natural food, rich of fibres good for eroding teeth and with the right balance of calcium and phosphorus (a balance that vegs alone don't have)

My neighbour is trying to teach his stubborn CAT to eat the special pellets prescribed by the vet, just laying there next to the cat eating the pellets with him!!

 

[Merab]

Mine only like red peppers but I have found that with all foods there will be some they like, some they will never like and some they need to try a few times.
Also you will find that today’s favourite is tomorrow’s yuck.
Looking forward to more pics of those adorable little piggies.

 

[Julianna]

very good! actually there are piggies who prefer other colours... I wanted only to say that they have their preferences. Mine recognise the different grass, the grass picked up in different lawn (!) and the grass stored into the fridge for more than 2 days... to me grass looks just the same, but they eat certain strings only. And they don't eat anything they don't know.
Actually my piggies like only very few vegs (no kales, no broccoli, no fruits, no fennel, no carrots, etc), but they eat different wild grasses and a little slice of bell pepper. Don't underestimate the nutritional values of fresh grass, it is their most natural food, rich of fibres good for eroding teeth and with the right balance of calcium and phosphorus (a balance that vegs alone don't have)

My neighbour is trying to teach his stubborn CAT to eat the special pellets prescribed by the vet, just laying there next to the cat eating the pellets with him!

Hahaha I just imagined thatsorry for replying a day later but last night my phone died and today I had lots of homework. Anyway, do you feed grass from your garden and just wash it ? Because I’m worried that if I start to feed fresh grass, it might’ve been sprayed with something.l

 

[Julianna]

Mine only like red peppers but I have found that with all foods there will be some they like, some they will never like and some they need to try a few times.
Also you will find that today’s favourite is tomorrow’s yuck.
Looking forward to more pics of those adorable little piggies.

There have been some new foods I introduced that have been smelt and tried straight away but with others they’ve taken a few days to get used to the veg and with a few others they haven’t even touched. I guess it’s just down to what they like. And I will post some more pictures tomorrow.

 

[rome_italy]

Hahaha I just imagined thatsorry for replying a day later but last night my phone died and today I had lots of homework. Anyway, do you feed grass from your garden and just wash it ? Because I’m worried that if I start to feed fresh grass, it might’ve been sprayed with something.l

(don't worry for any delay! I also write from a pc when I have some break). My neighbour is now discussing with the cat... ahahah!

about the grass: I live in a district with many green areas (parks, lawns, private areas, etc) and there is also a district next to mine with a lovely pedestrian area surrounded by a lot of gardens. Here grass is not sprayed, but only watered and in fact it does not look perfect like an english-style garden. The only trouble is the gardner with his lawnmower. Another BIG trouble is finding the grass during the 3 hottest months in summer. Another difficulty is picking up the grass and wild herbs preferred by my piggies.
I don't wash the grass and now it is actually wet for the rain. There are some dogs at the park, but I pick up the grass in those hidden corners where a dog is not supposed to go. In the large pedestrian area dogs are not admitted; there is some cat here and there, but honestly I trust the wild grass more than any veg filled with a lot of chemical products.
Grass can be washed, though, and the products used for the grass are always pet-safe (in Rome once every 15-20 days in spring and summer it is mandatory a spray treatment against the mosquitos, along the roads, next to the buildings' walls and in all the private green areas, but it is a product safe for pets and children and I avoid picking up the grass for 2 days after that treatment just for being on the safe side.
Fresh grass can be stored 2 days into the fridge and into a bag. If you take a long walk around you can find your own trusted and secret place . I know members who pick up the grass at the cemetery...or at the courtyard of the church.
Be aware that although fresh grass is natural for their gut, they actually need special gut flora for digesting all the fibres and a change in the diet, a new ingredient like grass, should be introduced slowly, a handful the first day and then more and more.
This is a pic of my trio during the meal...

... and a pic of the nap after the meal


-----------------
let us admire your piggies in other pictures! don't be lazy with your camera! I look forwards to seeing them again!

 

[winniethepooh]

View attachment 82526
I meant to put this is the first time I’ve had guinea pigs. Don’t know why autocorrect changed it to isn’t. I wanted to post more pictures of my piggies here:

View attachment 82527

They are so adorable!

 

[Julianna]

Mine prefer the green peppers!

(don't worry for any delay! I also write from a pc when I have some break). My neighbour is now discussing with the cat... ahahah!

about the grass: I live in a district with many green areas (parks, lawns, private areas, etc) and there is also a district next to mine with a lovely pedestrian area surrounded by a lot of gardens. Here grass is not sprayed, but only watered and in fact it does not look perfect like an english-style garden. The only trouble is the gardner with his lawnmower. Another BIG trouble is finding the grass during the 3 hottest months in summer. Another difficulty is picking up the grass and wild herbs preferred by my piggies.
I don't wash the grass and now it is actually wet for the rain. There are some dogs at the park, but I pick up the grass in those hidden corners where a dog is not supposed to go. In the large pedestrian area dogs are not admitted; there is some cat here and there, but honestly I trust the wild grass more than any veg filled with a lot of chemical products.
Grass can be washed, though, and the products used for the grass are always pet-safe (in Rome once every 15-20 days in spring and summer it is mandatory a spray treatment against the mosquitos, along the roads, next to the buildings' walls and in all the private green areas, but it is a product safe for pets and children and I avoid picking up the grass for 2 days after that treatment just for being on the safe side.
Fresh grass can be stored 2 days into the fridge and into a bag. If you take a long walk around you can find your own trusted and secret place . I know members who pick up the grass at the cemetery...or at the courtyard of the church.
Be aware that although fresh grass is natural for their gut, they actually need special gut flora for digesting all the fibres and a change in the diet, a new ingredient like grass, should be introduced slowly, a handful the first day and then more and more.
This is a pic of my trio during the meal...
View attachment 82647
... and a pic of the nap after the meal

View attachment 82649
-----------------
let us admire your piggies in other pictures! don't be lazy with your camera! I look forwards to seeing them again!

when the piggies have got properly used to everything and I have introduced more veggies I will definitely slowly introduce some grass however probably from my garden because here in the UK, I wouldn’t trust a park... too much litter and things like that. It must be lovely in Rome. Here is a quick picture I just took:

 

[Julianna]

They are so adorable!

 

[Julianna]

when the piggies have got properly used to everything and I have introduced more veggies I will definitely slowly introduce some grass however probably from my garden because here in the UK, I wouldn’t trust a park... too much litter and things like that. It must be lovely in Rome. Here is a quick picture I just took:

View attachment 82712

Also, I just had a closer look at the pictures and I absolutely love them. The picture with the piggy sleeping is so so adorable I can’t even describe it. I love it so much. But the picture with the piggies enjoying there meal iw beautiful too! They are so gorgeous

 

[LittleGems]

Hey!
Piggys must have access to hay 24/7.
It’s okay for piggys not to drink too much as there body’s can adapt however make sure you change the water EVERY DAY as well as checking that it works. My piggy Bella never used to like Bell Pepper however I wrapped a lettuce around a red pepper slice and she ate it, now she eats all kinds. Maybe this will work with yours?

 

[fanniephina]

(don't worry for any delay! I also write from a pc when I have some break). My neighbour is now discussing with the cat... ahahah!

about the grass: I live in a district with many green areas (parks, lawns, private areas, etc) and there is also a district next to mine with a lovely pedestrian area surrounded by a lot of gardens. Here grass is not sprayed, but only watered and in fact it does not look perfect like an english-style garden. The only trouble is the gardner with his lawnmower. Another BIG trouble is finding the grass during the 3 hottest months in summer. Another difficulty is picking up the grass and wild herbs preferred by my piggies.
I don't wash the grass and now it is actually wet for the rain. There are some dogs at the park, but I pick up the grass in those hidden corners where a dog is not supposed to go. In the large pedestrian area dogs are not admitted; there is some cat here and there, but honestly I trust the wild grass more than any veg filled with a lot of chemical products.
Grass can be washed, though, and the products used for the grass are always pet-safe (in Rome once every 15-20 days in spring and summer it is mandatory a spray treatment against the mosquitos, along the roads, next to the buildings' walls and in all the private green areas, but it is a product safe for pets and children and I avoid picking up the grass for 2 days after that treatment just for being on the safe side.
Fresh grass can be stored 2 days into the fridge and into a bag. If you take a long walk around you can find your own trusted and secret place . I know members who pick up the grass at the cemetery...or at the courtyard of the church.
Be aware that although fresh grass is natural for their gut, they actually need special gut flora for digesting all the fibres and a change in the diet, a new ingredient like grass, should be introduced slowly, a handful the first day and then more and more.
This is a pic of my trio during the meal...
View attachment 82647
... and a pic of the nap after the meal

View attachment 82649
-----------------
let us admire your piggies in other pictures! don't be lazy with your camera! I look forwards to seeing them again!

Adorable guinea pigs! We live in the US now but my husband is from Frascati and worked many years in Roma via the trains. Our family lived some years in Ladispoli near the beach and then moved to the mountains in Scandriglia directly over Castello Orsini a Nerola for our last years before returning here. I learned basic Italian and keep up with my husband but we are definitely losing it over the past 5 years here now.

Your babies look very, very happy!