****Please Read and understand the MOST important thing
about guinea pigs(cavies), before buying one)****.
Remember: Don't feed anything you wouldn't eat yourself
(no spoiled food) and rinse food thoroughly.
Guinea Pigs(cavies) are unique among small mammals in their dietary
requirements, since they require Vitamin C. Like humans, they are missing an
enzyme that is necessary for the body to make vitamin C, or store it, so they need a good quality diet high in vitamin C daily.
*Given daily-Guinea Pig Food( should not be the only or main diet, should be 1/2
of the daily diet) Timothy Hay (should be main diet and be available at all times!! ), and Fresh Grass, other grass hays and in moderation Fruit and Veg.( some fruits and veg. can cause gas or diarrhea if given to often).
**NOTE**(DO NOT give grass out of your yard or put your pig in the grass, if it is sprayed for weed control or bugs, it WILL make them sick or could kill them!!!)
********* Does and don'ts of feeding veg or fruits *********
(go to http://www.guinealynx.info/chart.html ). Do
not over feed some types of fruits or veg. they may cause loose stools, and
get them dehydrated. If you see any signs that don't seem normal ((Loose stools, not drinking, or eating, excessive sneezing, coughing and or getting thin)) take to a vet, that day! Waiting a day or two can mean life or death! Cavies hide signs of sickness well, sometimes signs don't happen till its to late to help.
If you don't have the time to devote to proper care of your cavy please DONT buy
one.
***** thank you and Blessings from Heart Land Cavies ****
Great info on all pages of this link (( where I got most of my info)) also from other breeders that are my close friends.
http://www.guinealynx.info
Hay
Vital to Good Health, Grass hay should be a staple part of your guinea pig diet.
Providing unlimited grass hay as one of the best things you can do for the
health of your cavy. Because their back teeth are continually growing, cavies need to be constantly grazing and grinding to keep them at a good length or their teeth will keep growing and they wont be able to eat.
their are many types of hay you can buy or order.
Alfalfa hay
is much higher in protein, calcium and carbohydrates and is primarily fed to young pups and pregnant or nursing cavies.
Timothy Hay
It’s generally accepted that timothy hay is one of the best grass hay’s to feed your pet.
Timothy hay comes under the banner of a “grass hay.” In simple terms, it means that it’s dried grass produced from what you might think of the grass that would naturally grow in a meadow. There are other kinds of hay, and these are known as “legume hays.” These are higher protein, higher calorie grasses that are specifically planted to create animal feed of a greater energy value.
Orchard Grass
Orchard grass is another kind of grass hay. Asides from looking somewhat different from other hays, they do have slightly different nutritional values. The main one is that timothy hay is a little higher in calcium than orchard grass but orchard grass tends to have less seed heads. It also feels a little softer to the touch than timothy hay, however they are both suitable to feed to your guinea pigs
Pellets
A complete fortified pellet helps you make sure your pet is getting all the vitamins and minerals required for a healthy diet. A high-fiber pellet made from hay is best for your guinea pig. Pellet Selection Choose a pellet designed especially for guinea pigs. - Avoid guinea pig food mixes, any with nuts, sun flower seeds and dried fruits. *** stay clear of green pelleted guinea pig feeds with the colored treats in it! *** So these tempting foods could encourage your pet to choose, less healthy foods over healthy hays and pellets and not get the vit C they need to live.
Treats (( NO more then 20 % of your cavies diet))
1. Treats are a great way to bond with your guinea pig. You love giving treats and he loves eating them!
2. However, the main purpose of a treat should be to encourage interaction between you and your guinea pig. Offering too many treats can encourage your pet to refuse basic foods and rob him of nutrition.
3. Offer all-natural treats only after your guinea pig eats basic foods.
Greens and vegetables also are tasty, enriching supplements, because they are a good source of water and offer a variety of textures.
4. Avoid iceberg lettuce (it is ONLY water and has NO value to your cavies) Some fresh foods need to be avoided completely, which include, rhubarb and
potatoes which are poisonous.
Limit the following foods:
((1.spinach/Parsley(high is calcium. good for preg. sows ), 2.collard greens, 3. broccoli/cauliflower/kale and cabbage (may cause gas) 4. dandelion greens and mustard greens.
5. Cucumber: Very little nutritional value, but has high water content and is loved by most guinea pigs. One slice, include the outer layer which is their favorite part. Given every other day. Cucumber is really appreciated by guinea pigs in hot weather, it acts as a liquid and is nice and cool. Great when transporting.
As with any new food, be sure to introduce new vegetables slowly to avoid upsetting your pet’s stomach and causing diarrhea.
Please note: Remember to remove any uneaten fresh food (veg and fruits) after roughly an hour. Fresh grass especially wilts very quickly so anything your guinea pig doesn't eat straight away, take out of the cage and throwaway. Remember all fresh foods must be washed and any grass/garden plants must be pesticide free.
The FYI of Blue eyes in guinea pigs
They are not blue like in people or dogs or cats. they are a lighter black or a steal grey. mostly seen in pigs with a lot of white. Such as in roans or dark eyed whites