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when is fat too fat?

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MrsM

MrsM

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I have noticed that my Finlay is one hooge piggy. He just looks really big round the tummy which feels quite firm. I don't even know if that's OK or not. He doesn't seem to mind except I've caught him a couple times tonight trying to scrath his little face and nearly rolling over.
Should I be worried or is he just a little bit overweight? Frankkie's fine, more slender and OK at scartching.
I have to admit that my boys don't get as much floor time as they did before Oliver was born, partly because of time restrictions but also with Oliver around, it can be a bit hairy at times... Anyhow, they had a good long quiet run around tonight, with popcorns from Frankkie and coriander treats! They seemed to enjoy more than usual, so there's hope!
 
Hi Mrs M

Is Finlay's weight gain quite sudden? Has his weight changed a lot or it he just bloaty? I would be inclined to have a vet visit to rule out fluid retention or bloat.

If the weight gain has been gradual and due to lack of exercise then restricting the dry food, upping the hay and cutting out the higher cal veg (sweetcorn, peas, etc) and more floor time should help. Being so big that he can't groom easily is a problem, especially for boys and the cleaning of their bits! You may need too 'assist' him with that job until he can manage it for himself again.

HTH

Suzy x
 
This has been gradual over the last 6-10 months. I had to change their diet because they had too much 'wet' food and this was making their poo soft and their coat was sticky and horrible.

After about a week on 'one meal a day', they were back to their healthy self. They will have a dishful of pellets and the same or so of muesli a day. I give them a large helping of hay in the morning and a dishful of veg to share in the evening. This will consist of a combination of 2 of the following: green beans, carrots, celery, lettuce, cucumber. They're not keen on fruit, so they don't get too much, except in the summer, they'll have some melon rind. Are those foods no good?

In the summer they will also go in the garden as much as we can manage (time and weather-wise).

Grooming is ok using front paws over face, etc. I'll keep an eye on that. I'll definitely up the floor time and hay intake, limit dry food and see what else I can do. I'll monitor his weight too.
 
thanks Wiebke.
I had a read of your link and implemented suggested changes immediately. I've halved the pellets and muesli (and removed it at night), upped the hay amounts and I am forcing myself to sit with them for 30+ mins each night to give them a run around with treats. They seem to really enjoy this (and the treats) but they're not impressed AT ALL about the rationing of pellets!

I weighed them on Monday:
Frankkie pig: 1395g
Finlay pig: 1538g
 
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