The verdict on beetroot!

[Tracyxx]

A friend from another forum suggested that beetroot was a good conditioner for guineas, so I decided to give it a go. There's some discrepancy as to whether you can feed the beet greens (the leaves) as some websites say it's poisonous to cavies and others don't. To be safe, I didn't give the leaves.

I brought six beetroot (3 for 69p at my local farm shop), topped and tailed them (removed the roots and leaves) and gave them a quick wash in the washing up bowl as they were quite muddy. I just chopped them up like I would with any vegetable - I was really surprised at how much I got from six. I gave the guineas a few pieces each and every single one of them ate it! I have 27 guineas and some are notoriously picky but they all loved their beetroot. I'll definately be getting some more.

Word of warning though..this stuff stains, especially white guineas and hands! :p
I'd reccomend this to anyone who hasn't tried it yet.

 

[helenllama]

Mine love it...
I am currently trying to find some in my local supermarkets so may try tesco's later...

 

[Beaver]

wow I would never have thought to give mine that
I'll have to try them on it

 

[MemberY]

Mine love beetroot too, but as with anything, in moderation is best.

As for the leaves, it is best not to feed them. After a lot of research, I found out that although not actually poisonus to them, if fed regularly, it can cause a build up of a toxin which would be dangerous to guineas.

Beetroot makes their poops purple too

 

[Goldie]

Mine also love beetroot. I have never fed the leaves either as I had also read that it was poisonous.

I usually peel the beets and slice it as apparently they don't like the peel ... fussy things! :{ Lots of valuable Vitamin C in it, I believe.

Yes, expect purple poos and red wees ... well, not you ... the piggies!