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Very picky with hay!

EliTobiMati

EliTobiMati

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi everyone,

My 1 year-old piggy had an upset tummy and was off veggies for a few days until poops went back to normal. However, since he recovered, he has been extremely picky with hay, and not eating enough of it. I have tried so many types of hay, from so many brands, and provided in bags, racks or simply in just small piles scattered around his cage. He has lost some weight, but has been stable for the past 4 days. Dr. Simon saw him last week and said he was fine.

Any feedback is appreciated!

Thank you :)

PS: I think I posted this in the wrong section!
 
I’m sorry to hear that.

How much weight did he lose?

Provided you are not overfeeding veg and pellets then as his weight is stable he must now be eating enough hay. If he wasn’t eating enough hay then he would be losing weight still. Veg and pellets fed in the correct proportions won’t maintain their weight as it isn’t enough if the diet to do so

(You have posted in the correct section!)
 
He eats around 1 tablespoon of pellets, and I'm still holding back on the veggies (feeding him less than I would before his upset tummy).

Over the last month he has lost around 60g. Enough to have me worried.

He did lose his cage mate a month ago; could that have some impact?
 
Ok so he must be eating hay in that event, he would not maintain his weight for several days on just pellets alone.
Stable weight at each daily check is your sign that he is eating enough hay.

What does he weigh? 60g in a month if he is a good size anyway is much less of a concern than in a tiny piggy.
30-40g changes in a day is within the range of the normal swing.

Yes losing his friend could well have an impact.
Does he have a new friend or are you getting him one soon?

Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support
 
The thing is I don't see him eat hay 😅 All I see him do is go through the hay, putting it between his front teeth and then immediately letting go. But as you say, he would not maintain weight on a small amount of pellets. He is weighing 1.037kg.

I am planning on getting him a new friend, yes! :)
 
Watching them with hay can be very deceptive! I would weigh him daily for a while to monitor and get in touch with your vet again if you are worried.

Tummy upsets happen but if he is deemed healthy and there doesn’t appear to be any other reason, then it can sometimes be down to being lonely.
 
I will say both my girls (read: divas) are very picky with their hay. Only one brand seems to work, the one that’s most expensive and difficult to get. Obviously. Any other brand they pick through and then go back to begging for more hay 3 minutes later..

Do keep up with the weigh ins and see if you notice any extra interest in certain brands.

Oh, piggies!
 
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