Posted by lilblue_frog on April 25, 2003 at 18:09:34:
In Reply to: Re: Some questions, rescue piggie! posted by madi on March 25, 2003 at 04:16:53:
Madi,
1.If these foods are seed based than they are not good guinea pig feeds. There are plenty of feeds in the US that are full of these treats and are advertised as good guinea pig food but it is a big fat lie. A proper guinea pig feed, should be ONLY Timothy based pellets (and alfalfa if the pig is growing, lactating or pregnant). Sunflower seeds in particular have been known to cause a pig to choke to death. The main Guinea pig diet is Pellets, Timothy Hay, and Veggies (mainly ones high in Vitamin C).
2. Some people put Vitamin C in water and some don't. It is true that pigs need extra vitamin C, but it a misconception that putting the drops in the water is the best way. If I were you I would throw the drops away. The best way to give your pigs the vitamin C is by either a)feeding them veggies high in Vitamin C or b) giving them Vitamin C tablets.
3. A pig should not be kept in a aquarium tank because it does not provide enough venilation. Pigs LOVE to run around and tanks just simply do not provide enough room for exercise. The BEST cage for your pig can be built yourself! Check out www.cavycages.com for plans. They are cheap, big, and easy to clean. This is the best gift you can give your piggy.
4. Pigs are not really big on toys really. Their are 5 things that are must have for a happy pig. 1) A big cage for laps, at least 7.5 square feet. 2) another piggy for company! (which you already have) 3)LOTS and lots of hay, you can never give them too much hay 4)a Hidey hole for the pigs to sleep in, crawl through and just chill out. 5) Playtime in a big area so they can run around and explore, feel free to add tunnels and stuff to interact with in this area. The only other toy I have in my pigs cages are bird toys to chew on (only wood ones) and toilet paper rolls to throw around and chew on.
If you have any more questions, feel free to email me bluewater_dropp@hotmail.com
:Thanks Pat
:This is a bit confusing though, because :
:1. All the piggy food you get to buy in Europe is a seed-mix. There are some pellets, but my piggies don't like them. When I got them and asked what they should eat, everyone told me they should get seeds as the main course and fruit and vegetables as a desert. We never had any problems with teeth or gums.
:2. Vitamin C in the water was recommended by our vet, and they don't get it all the time, just once a week.
:It would be nice if you could give me some more information on this subjects.
:Also interesting : I keep them in a tank (I personally hate cages), but it is open and very large, and only 25 cm high.
:Also another question : are there any toys for piggies (except the colored wooden bits, which they completely ignore) ? I would like to offer them some toys, because they like to play a lot - there's always something going on in their tank (that's probably why they are not fat).
:Madi
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