Picky Guinea Pig...

[Emmamarbry]

Hello, my pig's name is Maci. She's about 2/2 and a half years old. Her diet consists of Timothy hay and pellets, occasionally guinea pig mixed nut treats. I've constantly tried to get her to eat vegetables, even fruits and nuts, but she just won't do it. I've tried about every vegetable, including carrots, bell peppers, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, broccoli, cabbage, kale, cilantro, etc. I also tried cutting them up really small and putting different varieties in her cage every day. Ever since I purchased her a year ago, she has not eaten a bite of any vegetables. I used to have Vitamin C droplets that I'd put in her food, but she stopped eating her food when I would do that. She also drinks a large amount of water every day. If anyone has any ideas or can help me figure out what to do, I'd appreciate it!

 

[Betsy]

Guinea pigs learn what is safe to eat from their elders, if she was taken away from Mum too soon then she won't have learnt what is safe and what is not. Put one piece of veg in her cage at a time until she gets used to that and has a nibble. When she is used to that veg add another and slowly build up over time. Don't confuse her by changing veg all the time. She will soon learn that veggies are an exciting treat. Mine wheak for veg after cuddle time. Try and have veg time at the same time every day so she will come to expect it. Some people do veg in the morning and evening, some find it more convenient to do morning or evening. Mine have veg every evening. Is she on her own? She will really do better with a friend. Is it possible for you to get a friend for her? either another sow or a neutered boar? If it is possible then the new piggy will be able so show her that veg aren't poisonous.

 

[Betsy]

I have found this link for you on companionship.

Companionship

 

[sport_billy]

That is very odd. I would advise doing what @Betsy has advised above

Oh and no nuts they are not needed for piggies at all and shouldn't be in their diet.

Has Maci ever ate veg? How long have you had here?

 

[Emmamarbry]

That is very odd. I would advise doing what @Betsy has advised above

Oh and no nuts they are not needed for piggies at all and shouldn't be in their diet.

Has Maci ever ate veg? How long have you had here?

I have had Macy for probably about a year and a half. I purchased her at a local pet store, not from a breeder. I have always tried offering her veggies ever since I first got her, but just she'll sniff them and walk away.

 

[Emmamarbry]

Guinea pigs learn what is safe to eat from their elders, if she was taken away from Mum too soon then she won't have learnt what is safe and what is not. Put one piece of veg in her cage at a time until she gets used to that and has a nibble. When she is used to that veg add another and slowly build up over time. Don't confuse her by changing veg all the time. She will soon learn that veggies are an exciting treat. Mine wheak for veg after cuddle time. Try and have veg time at the same time every day so she will come to expect it. Some people do veg in the morning and evening, some find it more convenient to do morning or evening. Mine have veg every evening. Is she on her own? She will really do better with a friend. Is it possible for you to get a friend for her? either another sow or a neutered boar? If it is possible then the new piggy will be able so show her that veg aren't poisonous.

I have been thinking about getting her a companion, she's never been around any other pigs since I adopted her from the pet store. I'm just afraid she will not react in the best way and there may end up a fight. I read the link you attached and she probably is being picky because she doesn't have another pig around her, and I have noticed she does seem very bored at times. I definitely will try getting a bigger cage so I can eventually get her a little friend.

 

[Tiamolly123]

No NUTS

 

[Betsy]

I have been thinking about getting her a companion, she's never been around any other pigs since I adopted her from the pet store. I'm just afraid she will not react in the best way and there may end up a fight. I read the link you attached and she probably is being picky because she doesn't have another pig around her, and I have noticed she does seem very bored at times. I definitely will try getting a bigger cage so I can eventually get her a little friend.

Good pleased it helped! To lessen your anxiety about getting another pig I have linked a few more helpful guides for you.

Boars, sows or mixed pairs; babies or adults?
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs

There are loads more guides for you on the Guinea Pig Guides at the top of the page. Please don't worry about adding a new piggie we are here to help you your piggie and we don't judge you in any way!

 

[Emmamarbry]

Good pleased it helped! To lessen your anxiety about getting another pig I have linked a few more helpful guides for you.

Boars, sows or mixed pairs; babies or adults?
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs

There are loads more guides for you on the Guinea Pig Guides at the top of the page. Please don't worry about adding a new piggie we are here to help you your piggie and we don't judge you in any way!

Thanks so much for the help! Very appreciated!

 

[Betsy]

That's OK like I said we're here to help! Have a rootle round the rest of the Forum too. You'll find it very helpful and some of it is fun!