New Pigs

[cochon_dingue]

I collect my first guinea pigs this weekend - 8 week old sows.

I asked the breeder which pellets she currently feeds them (I appreciate this is in addition to hay and a small quantity of veg) and she makes her own mix of Burgess mint, muesli, and Readigrass. She's going to give me a back to keep their diet consistent at first.

Everything I've read advises against muesli (selective eating) and Readigrass as anything but a treat. I've also read that Alfafa hay should be provided for pigs until 6 months, but most advice here is that young pigs should receive an adult diet, just with a touch more pellets.

Readigrass and Alfafa hay seem to share a lot of properties and I'm wondering if I should continue to provide a small quantity on a daily basis whilst the pigs are still very young or if it's best kept as a treat if given at all. Equally, I planned to drop the muesli as soon as they've settled in - is that advisable?

Thanks!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Welcome to the forum

Alfalfa does not need to be given at all. It is only suitable for babies before they are weaned - ie those less than three weeks old.
If you do choose to give some then it is one tiny amount and needs to be stopped by the time they are four months old.

Muesli is not suitable but readigras can be an occasional treat. Readigraas is not needed in the diet though

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Further Dietary Information Guides (Wild UK forage - muesli or pellets? - protein/pea flakes - seeds)

 

[cochon_dingue]

Welcome to the forum

Alfalfa does not need to be given at all. It is only suitable for babies before they are weaned - ie those less than three weeks old.
If you do choose to give some then it is one tiny amount and needs to be stopped by the time they are four months old.

Muesli is not suitable but readigras can be an occasional treat. Readigraas is not needed in the diet though

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Further Dietary Information Guides (Wild UK forage - muesli or pellets? - protein/pea flakes - seeds)

Thanks - that's all very clear.

 

[weepweeps]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

How exciting new piggies . Feel free to share photos of them when they are settled.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

I hope that you will find our New Owners information collection very helpful. Nearly 20 years of forum existence and literally tens and tens of thousands of questions have gone into our guides, which aim to be as practical and precise as we can make them - especially in the little things that tend to trip up new owners; they are the ones that contain all how-to tips and detailed information that we cannot repeat in full in every thread, seeing that we are all doing this for free in our own free time.
Although you are of course always welcome to ask any questions you may have. 'Silly' questions are usually anything but and you can be guaranteed that there are lots of people who would like to know the same but just don't dare to ask... We will answer everything in a friendly and constructive way as we have never forgotten that each of us started out knowing nothing at all, too...

You may want to bookmark the link so you can always access it easily:
Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners