Should young guinea pigs be fed Spinach and Kale regularly because of the high calcium content?

[Tara95]

Hello, I know the general advice for older guinea pigs is to not feed them too much spinach and Kale because of the high calcium content however young guinea pigs are supposed to be fed (ideally, so I'm told) alfalfa hay because of the higher calcium content. Therefore, I've presumed younger guinea pigs should have a diet higher in calcium (Especially fairly skinny ones?)
Many thanks,
Bear&Mittens <3

 

[Piggies&buns]

Young piggies over weaning age do not need alfalfa. Alfalfa is not a grass hay and should never form the main hay for any age guinea pig. If they are being fed young guinea pig pellets then all nutrients are adjusted accordingly to take account of their needs. If a young piggy is being fed young guinea pig pellets, then they definitely don’t need extra alfalfa. Any alfalfa that is given should be a very tiny amount and their main hay should still be a grass hay such as meadow or Timothy.
If you feed young piggy pellets, then they definitely don’t need extra calcium veg. Equally if they are being fed adult pellets they can be fed two tablespoons (rather than the normal one tablespoon) of them until they are four months old
So, all in all, they can be fed pretty much a normal adult diet

 

[PigglePuggle]

Yes I agree, young piggies will grow and gain weight just fine on a balanced adult diet, plenty of meadow and/or timothy hay, limited pellets, and a good mix of veggies- spinach and kale should be only small amounts once or twice a week, as part of a good range of other veggies like peppers, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and lettuces (not iceberg, but romaine, little gem, and baby leaf mixes are good).