Putting weight on an elderly piggie?

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Rosehip

Rosehip

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As you guys know, both my piggies are getting on in years, so I'm careful to keep an eye on their diets and how warm they are (they are outdoor piggies).
I picked Shane up for a cuddle today and to wipe her eyes as she gets slightly watery eyes at times, and noticed she had lost a couple of lbs. I dont weigh them, but know how heavy they feel, and feed by eye just like I do all the other animals.
She isnt boney, but seems to have dropped a little off her back and bottom. She is a very picky eater, she wont eat Science Select for more than a couple of days, and turns her nose up at anything else that isnt Wagg. However she picks through her Wagg, and eats her favorite bits! She is also picky about her veg - a real monkey!
So, any ideas what I could give her to help her gain back the weight, and ensure that she and Squirrel are getting everything they need in their old age? xx
 
tons and tons of hay, nothing better for putting condition back on a piggy :)
 
Loads of different hays to keep her interested and maybe some critical care smoothies? I would talk to your vet about it first though. x
 
Thanks both :-) They both have super quality horse hay, and I treat them to the herbal Nature's Best treats like the dried salad mix, and the herb garden mix which smell yummy! Shane likes these more than Squirrel, but she is still picky!
Should I get her some Alfalfa hay or timothy hay to go with the other? xx
 
Rosehip said:
Thanks both :-) They both have super quality horse hay, and I treat them to the herbal Nature's Best treats like the dried salad mix, and the herb garden mix which smell yummy! Shane likes these more than Squirrel, but she is still picky!
Should I get her some Alfalfa hay or timothy hay to go with the other? xx
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If you do give alfalfa then give a bit of bran as well...as alfalfa contains large quantities of calcium, and bran absorbs calcium...so they kinda cancel each other out :)
 
Good thinking batman, I do the same with the horses,but in reverse - I feed bran but give limestone flour to combat the brans absorbant nature.

Hmmm, I will probably stear clear of the alfalfa then, knowing Shane she will refuse to eat the bran and get a calcium overload! xx
 
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