When it comes to feeding my own Guinea Pigs, I make sure a constant supply of grain is available, and feed them Fruit and Vegetables in the morning, and Grass in the afternoon. I never used to do an afternoon feed but my animals have started getting greedy and now expect their tummies to be full at this time! Grain Our grain is purchased from the local Pet Produce Store, which does not sell animals. If you can find a Supplies Store that doesn't sell animals, you're in luck. Many Animal Stores that support the retail of animals bump their prices for supplies up considerably. I spend about $50(AUS) every 6 weeks on my animals, and the quality is outstanding. Hay and Water My animals get a constant supply of Hay. We get a range of different Hay types, mainly Grass Hay, sometimes Lucern during the cooler months. Hay is a must in the Cavy's diet, and should never be neglected. When we top up the Hay, the water bottles also get refilled. Daily Greens As for daily greens, my lot get a varying mixture of Carrots, Lettuce, Broccoli, Cucumber, Bell Peppers, Apple (in smaller doses), Celery, Parsley, Mint, and many other varieties of Fresh Greens. As you may already know, Guinea Pigs cannot make their own Vitamin C so need it provided in consistent quantities to prevent deficiency related diseases like Scurvy. Anything dark green and leafy - Spinach, Silver Beet etc are great sources of Vitamin C for your animal along with good old Carrots. Grass When picking Grass it is essential that you know that it has not been sprayed in the last few months and has not been soiled by other animals. Whilst it's great to pick grass from other areas other than your own back yard, it's always best to check first. However having said that, Grass is an excellent source of Vitamins and is a great natural conditioner which should be provided regularly. Other Weeds There are a wide variety of plants that Guinea Pigs can eat safely. My only advice is stick to what you know. If something looks unfamiliar I would steer clear of it until I've been informed otherwise. It's best to be cautious when you consider the alternative - a sick or dying cavy. Here is a brief list of weeds edible to cavies: Vetch Shepherd's purse Sow Thistle Cow parsley Dandelion Groundsel Chickweed Clover Coltfoot Yarrow Bramble (remove thorny spine) Plantains Dried buttercup Further reading: Food and Nutrition... Seagulls Guinea Pig Compendium - Feeding Treen's Pigs - Diet Cavy Love - Nutrition Back to Basic Care  |
