Feeding guinea pigs

Guinea pigs are vegetarians who like grass and plants. High-quality hay should be the main part of the daily diet.

The hay must be green, dry and dust-free. In the summer months, they can also get fresh grass and fresh plants such as dandelions and plantains. It is important that you introduce this gradually in the spring, otherwise the animals can have serious stomach problems. Hay and green fodder that is moldy can make the guinea pig sick.

In addition to hay, the guinea pig should receive a feed mixture that is adapted to the species. Guinea pig pellets with added vitamin C are recommended. Guinea pigs have a voracious appetite and quickly become fat if they are given too much nutritious food. One to two tablespoons of pellets daily is enough for a guinea pig in normal conditions.

Guinea pigs do not have the ability to produce vitamin C themselves and therefore need this added to their diet to stay healthy. You can do this by feeding them daily with vitamin C-rich vegetables, such as peppers and broccoli.

Fruit and salad can be given occasionally as a treat. Guinea pigs can eat most types of fruit and vegetables with the exception of onions, potatoes, potato and tomato plants, avocados and stone fruits. New food must be given in small portions, so that the guinea pig gets used to it gradually. Abrupt changes in the diet can give the animal stomach problems.

It is important that there is always plenty of hay and other things to gnaw on in the cage. A lack of hard food can cause problems with overgrown teeth. You can give the guinea pigs fresh, unsprayed branches from fruit trees with leaves and buds.

Guinea pigs drink little water if they are fed a lot of greens and little dry food, but animals must always have access to fresh water.

Health and Diseases

A healthy and fit guinea pig is active and attentive. You should pay attention to how the animal usually behaves and look for changes.

The fur is soft and shiny, the eyes clear and shiny. It is clean around the nose, eyes, ears and rectum. The nails must be cut regularly. You can do this yourself, but ask the vet if you are unsure.

Guinea pigs can get sick if they live too close or unhygienic. Bacteria and parasites thrive in the environment and the result can be outbreaks of diarrhoea, pneumonia, colds, poor general condition or weight loss. If you suspect that your guinea pigs are ill or injured, you should immediately contact a veterinarian for advice and possible treatment.

Exercise and proper diet are the best prevention of disease. Guinea pigs that are given the wrong or too much food, too little exercise or are kept in cages that are too small, quickly become fat, lazy and immobile.

Since guinea pigs are prey animals, they will instinctively try to hide the fact that they are sick. Therefore, you should pay attention to how the animal usually behaves and look for changes. If the animal stops eating or lies down with dull and apathetic eyes, it is probably serious and you must contact a vet immediately.

Some health problems in guinea pigs:

Deficiency diseases due to poor nutrition are the most common cause of illness in guinea pigs. Hair loss, skin diseases and intestinal diseases, lethargy, convulsions, paralysis and shortness of breath, stillborn young and poor general condition are among the serious conditions that can occur if the animals are not fed correctly. Lack of C vitamins can also lead to scurvy. Correct feeding with good hay and enough C vitamins prevents deficiency diseases.

Rashes and hair loss can also be caused by mites or ringworm. Seek advice from a veterinarian. Wounds and scratches should be cleaned with a mild disinfectant. Small wounds usually heal on their own, but contact a vet if the wound becomes larger or inflamed.

Colds : Guinea pigs catch colds easily. Signs of this are coughing, sneezing and a runny nose. The fact that the guinea pig sits very still or that the fur rises up from the body are other signs of illness. Colds are often caused by infections that easily occur in damp environments, drafts and cold. Seek advice from a veterinarian.

Diarrhea is often a symptom of an intestinal infection and the result of poor and insufficient feeding. Spoiled and moldy food, as well as a lot of moist fruit and green fodder, can be the cause. Guinea pigs with diarrhea are quickly brought in, so it is urgent to seek a veterinarian.

Dental problems : Guinea pigs’ teeth grow throughout their lives. It is therefore important that they wear naturally. If the animals get enough rough hide of good quality, this usually regulates itself, but some guinea pigs may have congenital defects in their teeth. You should check your guinea pig’s teeth regularly. The first sign of dental problems may be that the animal drools from the mouth or stops eating. If the teeth grow too long and/or crooked, they need to be ground or pulled. Contact a veterinarian.