pigs weight

[trioguineapig3]

I was wondering what age do pigs start gaining less weight weekly? 3 of mine are 7 months one is 6 months and the babies are 3 months. the 7 month olds don't seem to eat as much pellets they eat their hay and veg. one pig lost 17 grams today but I'm assuming that was from her peeing or something. she was active this evening eating hay, drinking, walking around and asserting her dominance toward some of the other pigs (just humping) and she took a oxbow treat. is that normal for them to eat less pellets as they get older? my friend said her pigs dont eat as much pellets but they're about 3 months older than my older 3 and they're boys. thanks

 

[Wiebke]

I was wondering what age do pigs start gaining less weight weekly? 3 of mine are 7 months one is 6 months and the babies are 3 months. the 7 month olds don't seem to eat as much pellets they eat their hay and veg. one pig lost 17 grams today but I'm assuming that was from her peeing or something. she was active this evening eating hay, drinking, walking around and asserting her dominance toward some of the other pigs (just humping) and she took a oxbow treat. is that normal for them to eat less pellets as they get older? my friend said her pigs dont eat as much pellets but they're about 3 months older than my older 3 and they're boys. thanks

Hi!

Please have a look through these guides here. You may find them helpful. They explain how you can measure whether a piggy is the right size/weight ratio at any age since there is is such a wide range.
The diet guide gives you an idea how many pellets and veg to feed - probably a lot less than you'd think! Over 80% of the daily food intake should be hay for overall health and longevity, especially dental and gut health and for avoiding bladder problems. Veg should about 10% and pellets only 5%.
The Importance Of Weighing - Ideal Weight / Overweight / Underweight
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

Be aware that the weight can swing around 40g in 24 hours between a full/empty bladder and guts. Ideally you weigh healthy piggies once weekly and piggies you are worried about once daily. I prefer to weigh before I feed dinner to minimise the daily fluctuation.

 

[trioguineapig3]

thank you I will check her heft during their health checks tomorrow afternoon, I usually weigh at 2:30 on Sundays a few hours in-between veg and pellet time. she gained 50 last week but I couldn't weigh them the week before as I was sick so about 25 each week.

I didn't know they can loose 40 grams in 24 hours just from their bladder thanks I give them 1/8 pellets each and 3/4 cup of veg each as they had slightly softer poops. great information!

Hi!

Please have a look through these guides here. You may find them helpful. They explain how you can measure whether a piggy is the right size/weight ratio at any age since there is is such a wide range.
The diet guide gives you an idea how many pellets and veg to feed - probably a lot less than you'd think! Over 80% of the daily food intake should be hay for overall health and longevity, especially dental and gut health and for avoiding bladder problems. Veg should about 10% and pellets only 5%.
The Importance Of Weighing - Ideal Weight / Overweight / Underweight
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

Be aware that the weight can swing around 40g in 24 hours between a full/empty bladder and guts. Ideally you weigh healthy piggies once weekly and piggies you are worried about once daily. I prefer to weigh before I feed dinner to minimise the daily fluctuation.

 

[Wiebke]

thank you I will check her heft during their health checks tomorrow afternoon, I usually weigh at 2:30 on Sundays a few hours in-between veg and pellet time. she gained 50 last week but I couldn't weigh them the week before as I was sick so about 25 each week.

I didn't know they can loose 40 grams in 24 hours just from their bladder thanks I give them 1/8 pellets each and 3/4 cup of veg each as they had slightly softer poops. great information!

If they have soft poos, please stay off fresh veg for a day. It means that the lower gut is fermenting from too much veg.

It really makes a difference in the average life span if you are not too generous with veg and pellets. The vast majority of my own piggies now live to the higher end of the average life span or even surpass it, despite a number of them having been rescued from horrible circumstances. I have also not had a problem with bladder stones, UTI or cystitis for years - and my experience is mirroring that of other long term members who practice a diet similar to the recommended one. I won't say that it is the one and only way to feed, but at least we know that it is working over a longer period, and that is not the worst place to start out from, is it?

 

[trioguineapig3]

If they have soft poos, please stay off fresh veg for a day. It means that the lower gut is fermenting from too much veg.

It really makes a difference in the average life span if you are not too generous with veg and pellets. The vast majority of my own piggies now live to the higher end of the average life span or even surpass it, despite a number of them having been rescued from horrible circumstances. I have also not had a problem with bladder stones, UTI or cystitis for years - and my experience is mirroring that of other long term members who practice a diet similar to the recommended one. I won't say that it is the one and only way to feed, but at least we know that it is working over a longer period, and that is not the worst place to start out from, is it?

I decreased them a few weeks ago and they have been fine since, I don't go over the recommended pellet and veg for then they're my first pigs I've ever had (got the first 3 in June) so I'm still learning and trying to not overreact lol. they didn't eat much pellets tonight (haven't been recently) they're normally gone the next morning should I decrease pellets or leave them? I give them their pellets around 5-6pm

 

[Wiebke]

I decreased them a few weeks ago and they have been fine since, I don't go over the recommended pellet and veg for then they're my first pigs I've ever had (got the first 3 in June) so I'm still learning and trying to not overreact lol. they didn't eat much pellets tonight (haven't been recently) they're normally gone the next morning should I decrease pellets or leave them? I give them their pellets around 5-6pm

If they are not eating them all, I would take them out if they are a good weight/side ratio ('heft'); piggies can live on a pellet-free diet (ideally with added dry forage), but not hay.

 

[trioguineapig3]

If they are not eating them all, I would take them out if they are a good weight/side ratio ('heft'); piggies can live on a pellet-free diet (ideally with added dry forage), but not hay.

Thank you I’ll try less pellets tomorrow and see if they eat them. Ohh I know haha I ordered a bale of hay to see how long it lasts with 6 pigs and 2 rabbits :p