Things for them to chew on

[toshchamp]

First off, I want to say, sorry for not being on much at all. Its been quite a couple of years. Such as new jobs, surgery, and a big move, and being let go from my job.

Anyways, my piggies don't like to chew on wood blocks at all. Their teeth aren't a problem or anything and they also have constant hay. I know that hay helps to make sure of their teeth health. Well, my piggies just don't like wood chews and I had given then a mineral chew when I they were younger and first got them and now I've heard that they aren't good for them. What should I do? Or does anyone have any advice as to what I could do for them to make sure their teeth stay healthy? Or am I okay with just providing the hay and veggies like carrots?

Also, does anyone give things such as oats? My piggies usually have a constant bowl of food because they don't finish before second feeding. They seem to eat A LOT! They also gain weight, then lose an ounce or two, then gain some more, and so on. Which I've been told is normal for a little fluctuation (could be the scale too). Any suggestions on things like chew "toys" and adding oats to their diets or other things to add into their food?

Thanks! |)

 

[Pigalig]

If they've got hay, chances are they'll be ok. Mine have been offered multiple blocks of wood over the years, which they have refused. The only wood they chew is the legs of the hutch. Typical
Mineral blocks etc are uncessary if they've got the right diet, I've aways thought their more of a fad for owners trying to do the right thing for their pet but just end up being sucked into marketing pleas. Having said that, after visiting Pets at Home for the first time in months rather skeptically, I found what they call 'hay cookies', which are highly compacted circles of hay, which I thought were quite good as were hard work for my pigs to knaw through - kept them occupied for days. Another thing that worked with mine was cardboard tubes (or Chubes as the trade name is) which is obviously something they can destroy if they feel the need.

But you're right - hay, carrots, bits of broccoli, maybe the odd toilet roll or cardboard boxes for a bit of variety, will do just the trick

 

[Abnoba]

I never even considered that they might need something to specifically wear down their teeth, I just assumed a varied diet would do the trick?

Mine have willow tunnels etc which they love to chew on, but I only ever did this with a stimulating environment in mind, not with their teeth?

 

[paulag]

The most important thing for teeth is lots and lots of hay or grass. The need to wear down their molars continually by grinding on tough food. With adult piggies I usually restrict pellets so that they only have hay for half the day. I know it sounds a little mean but they are designed to graze almost continually and pellets are too high calorie to allow them to do that. it also stops them getting overweight. Luckily I've managed to find a nice quality meadow hay because I can't afford to feed the oxbow hay that I feed the chins to four piggies

Vegetables are also important because they contain the vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy teeth formation.

Paula