Too skinny?

[NadineC]

I adopted a guinea pig from a family who could no longer take care of him. He has been very hungry as soon as I put food in his cage its GONE! He is very shy I have only been able to take him out of his cage a few times. I have been giving him fruit and vegies along with hey and pellet food but he takes it out of my hand and runs and hides with it. Tonight I took him out to give him a good look at. I noticed he feels boney (is that normal?) I am going to borrow a scale from my Mother tomorrow and weigh him. I am just very nervous that I am not doing a good enough job. My husband told me I stress out to much and Ming Ming is going to be ok. I have had many reptiles but this is something so different I have never had a guinea pig or any rodent before.

 

[Suzygpr]

It's a good idea to weigh piggies weekly as it's a good indicator of health - they lose weight often before showing any symptoms.

For this little guy a high nutrition pellet with some extras will probably help. Burgess Excel are very good - 17% protein and 4% oils (off the top of my head) so if your food has less then I recommend changing onto a higher one. A little porridge oats also add bulk. Don't give too much veg as it will push his food through his system quickly and he needs the time to digest it fully.

Has he been treated for mites recently? The energy used in scratching is emormous when they have an infestation and they don't spend enough time eating. You mention that he eats all his food - don't let his bowl get empty at this stage.

If you give his age and weight when you know it hopefully we'll be able to help some more.

Suzy

 

[NadineC]

x>>

It's a good idea to weigh piggies weekly as it's a good indicator of health - they lose weight often before showing any symptoms.

For this little guy a high nutrition pellet with some extras will probably help. Burgess Excel are very good - 17% protein and 4% oils (off the top of my head) so if your food has less then I recommend changing onto a higher one. A little porridge oats also add bulk. Don't give too much veg as it will push his food through his system quickly and he needs the time to digest it fully.

Has he been treated for mites recently? The energy used in scratching is emormous when they have an infestation and they don't spend enough time eating. You mention that he eats all his food - don't let his bowl get empty at this stage.

If you give his age and weight when you know it hopefully we'll be able to help some more.

Suzy

Thank you so much Suzy I am now feeding him the food the owner before me gave him I am unsure of the brand etc.. My best friend owns a farm and works at a pet store I am on my way to see her she said she will help me pick the best food, bedding etc for the little guy. When I get back I will let you know his weight. As for his age I was only told he is about a year old but they are unsure. I called my vet just to give him a good look at but they can't fit him intill next week.

 

[Teresa J]

Some guinea pigs do run off with their food and prefer to eat it 'in private' so to speak

If he's eating and drinking well and it sounds as though he is then hopefully he's just been a bit under fed and will quickly fill out. Very good idea to weigh him to check that he is gaining - I'd weigh him every 3-4 days to start with and hopefully you'll see the scales creeping up.

Have you consdered getting him a guinea friend? Guinea pigs dont like being on their own and he's still very young with lots of hopefully healthy years ahead of him - be a real shame for him to spend them alone.........

Teresa xx

 

[NadineC]

Some guinea pigs do run off with their food and prefer to eat it 'in private' so to speak

If he's eating and drinking well and it sounds as though he is then hopefully he's just been a bit under fed and will quickly fill out. Very good idea to weigh him to check that he is gaining - I'd weigh him every 3-4 days to start with and hopefully you'll see the scales creeping up.

Have you consdered getting him a guinea friend? Guinea pigs dont like being on their own and he's still very young with lots of hopefully healthy years ahead of him - be a real shame for him to spend them alone.........

Teresa xx

He is a little under weight but I am feeding him like crazy LOL Hopefully in a few days he will put on some weight. I put a baby male on hold today we are going to pick him up on Wed. :<> He is so little