I just got a guinea pig less than a year ago. I'm wondering what to feed it? Also, what should I do with him, he always seems so bored in his cage and I take him out everyday, but what should I do with him. There's no differance if he's in his cage doing nothing and on the ground doing nothing ... right? Do they like toys, what kind? Can I make homemade toys for him? I'll take any advice about guinea pigs you have. ANYTHING! I want him to have a happy life. So whatever you've got. Thanks in advance!
Feedings:
they should be aa regular pellet diet, as they gain weight easily. also they need timothy hay, those two things are essential. next, Vitamin C. Guinea pigs are one of the very few mammals (along with humans) who can't make their own vitamin C, so they need to get it from their food. Guinea Pigs are highly prone to getting scurvy, which is a disease caused by low levels of Vitamin C. Guinea pigs need 15 MG or more of Vitamin C daily. Water drops and tang are not recommended as they do not work and can make cavies stop drinking water if they do not like the taste.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
now the fun foods:
Vegetables Some are very high in vitamin C; Others are handy treats. What to try:
Oranges - Only feed once a week, it can lead to mouth sores. Try giving them a slice or two. They eat the orange and leave the peel.
Carrots - feed one pinky sized baby carrot per pig per day.
Cucumber - has little nutritional value but is a great summer treat, can be fed every other day.
Leafy greens - Green leaf lettuce, cilantro, red leaf lettuce, escarole, and curly endive are all good options. Romaine should only be fed in small amounts once in awhile balanced by other vegetables as it has a poor calcium/phosphorus ratio that can cause problems in stone pigs. Do not feed Iceberg which is high in nitrates and can cause diarrhea, any vegetable in the cabbage family which can cause bloat, or beet greens which are too high in oxalate.
Green/Red/Yellow/Orange bell peppers (not too much red yellow and orange as these are high in calcium). 1/8 of green a dAY IS GOOD AND ALTERNATE 1/8 OF RED YELLOW OR ORANGE A DAY.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com THIS PART IS REALLY IMPORTANT:
any fruits or vegetables that have been frozen, cooked, tinned, preserved, or otherwise altered as these have no nutritional value what so ever.
Potatoes (skin and eyes are poisonous and very starchy)
Mushrooms
Avocado
Rhubarb
Hot Peppers
Jams and jellies
Nuts
Dairy
Meat
"Junk food"
Raisins
alcohol
bread
fish
beans
Dairy
Animal by products such as eggs, milk
Chocolate
NEVER FEED THE FOODS LISTED ABOVE TO YOUR PIGGY!
Uneaten food should be removed promptly, within 2 hours. However, another school of thought considers it appropriate to leave fresh food overnight provided it is removed promptly the following morning. It is a good idea to consult with your vet if you would like an answer tailored to your guinea pigs' needs.
Guinea pigs are great furry little companions. Like all animals, it's great for them to have something to do during the day when you are out and while you're at home.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Try putting apples, lettuce, oranges, carrots, etc. On a bit of string and hang it from your guinea pig's cage.
NEVER get an exercise ball or wheel for your guinea pig. While they may be suitable for hamsters, they are bad for guinea pigs and can permanently damage their back, and feet.
Never leave your guinea pig unattended outside, and never leave them outside in the hot summer. They can run away, be snatched by hawks, and overheat quickly.
Never get an exercise ball or wheel for your guinea pig. While they may be suitable for hamsters, they are bad for guinea pigs and can permanently damage their back, and feet.
When doing floor time, ensure there is nothing the guinea pig could hurt himself on. Dangers include:
Electrical leads and plugs
Treated wood (they could be poisoned if they chew it)
House plants they might eat
Small items they may choke on
Small areas (eg. inside walls, behind furniture) where they may become trapped.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com Similarly, ensure they cannot damage anything. Don't do floor time in a carpeted room unless your guinea pig is house trained.
here is a really helpful web sight about all different cage types, toys, and anything you can think of having to do with guinea pigs. i hope i helped.
http://www.guineapigcages.com/toys.htm
Good luck with your piggy!
Guinea pigs should always be kept in pairs or groups (same sex or altered) indoors, in a cage with at least 7.5sq ft (10sq ft for males) on one level and daily floor time/handling, to be happy and healthy.
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm
