During infancy, when your piggy will developing rapidly, it is common to see around a weight increase of around 20-30g a week. Guinea pigs are naturally fluffy and round. Question: My guinea pig is a rescue. For most vegetables, the serving size is one cup. Do not take them out during the hottest part of the day. Both KMS and Oxbow have alfalfa-based versions used for younger animals. It's recommended that they get unlimited timothy hay at all times. Melissa cares for a variety of exotic animals and has completed a certificate in veterinary assisting and a bachelor's degree in biology. These are the weight ranges: For adults male guinea pigs, their weight range should be about 900 to 1200 grams or 32oz to 42oz For adult female guinea pigs, their weight range should be about 700 to 900 grams or 24 ounces to 32 oz If guinea pigs stay in this range, then they will be at a healthy weight. Do not try to force the process by overfeeding certain items. Well, have we got a guinea pig ancestor for you! Guinea pigs can grow from 8 to 11 inches long and their weight should always be relative to their size. You can also watch their habits and energy levels. I have a guinea pig that is about 13week old and he is the size of a mary land cookie and he has no teeth and his left eye is to small it has tissue growing over it. Because unlike many fruits, melons are comparatively low in calories and fats. Lilac boy, white with pink eyes girls, white with black … Answer: If she's skinny, let her eat what she wants, focusing on weight gain foods. oz to g). Subtract your weight to determine how much the guinea pig weighs. 3 crested babies and there beautiful different colours in the litter all smooth coats. Critter Be Better is another brand similar to the more popular Critical Care. an adult guinea pig should at around 2 - 2.5 pounds. Then gently open their mouth using your index finger and thumb. In general, a healthy guinea pig's weight is cited as: However, there can be variations in this range depending on the individual. Handler, blue cross volunteer, owner of Chinese crested kennel “Salvador Dali” and breedless friend called Fenya. Another fascinating thing about melons is that they contain zero cholesterol. Their weight loss should happen gradually. Josephoartigasia monesi, which is closely related to modern guinea pigs, is thought to have weighed a metric tonne. And it should never be at a 1-cup serving. A fat guinea pig is not necessarily a happy guinea pig — and a fat guinea pig is certainly not a healthy guinea pig. Born and reared in the family home and handled daily. There are a few reasons why your guinea could be overweight. She had been gaining weight and acting great until the evening of July 27, I knew then she probably wouldn't make it. A senior guinea pig may lose muscle tone and weight. It's the others that are too light so thank you for posting this! There are some other foods used with moderation that can be slowly added to help with weight gain. Have measuring utensils to measure out their food every day. Naturally, when weights fall within a range, they tend to cluster in the middle of that range, so in fact the majority of guinea pigs are between 700g and 1,200g, or 1.5 – 2.6lb. Do not assume you can treat the illness at home or wait it out as do humans when they have a cold. They should get the opportunity to run around outside of their cage at least once a day. Bloat involves distension of the abdomen that happens over hours; this is a medical emergency that needs immediate veterinary care. Ginger’s 3 Pups Ebony Cocoa Puff Pecan Peanut Rosie Legolas Gimli … Although, some fruits can aid in weight gain. Focus their diet on low calories or leafy green vegetables. You should also be able to feel the outline of her ribs under your fingertips. If their weight starts to move closer to either end of this weight range, then you should increase or decrease their food as needed. There can be an underlying condition that may be age-related with your guinea pig. Have you been shocked at the size of the cuy pigs from South America? The vet has given me multiple treatments but none have worked. Here’s how to encourage gradual weight loss: Exercise should start gradually, especially if they are now going to a calorie restriction. Slowly introduce exercise activities in daily life. Scientists used computer simulation methods to estimate how … 4. Guinea pigs can eat virtually all types of human foods, but that does not mean that it is good for them. Is this correct and if so, do I soak it first? Foods for Weight Gain Alfalfa: This hay is normally used for malnourished, pregnant, nursing, or young guinea pigs. Answer: Since rice is not recommended, I would advise against it. Weight gain becomes more gradual around 5 -7 … They should also get regular exercise, but not too much while they are on their diet. Foods like corn, sweet potato, and yam have higher sugar content, and should not be a 1-cup serving. It should not be used for... Readigrass: This can be added in moderation to the staple hay as it is high in protein and fiber. A newborn guinea pig may weight anywhere for 60 to 120 grams and be 3 to 4 inches long, depending on genetics and size of the litter. I have recently started track after school and I have been feeding them only breakfast and dinner lately because I have been coming home at 4;45. She should have a whole lot more hay than just a hand full a day. All these things could contribute to a heavier guinea pig. She eats about three times a day. As guinea pigs normally resemble plump and furry jelly beans in shape, it can be pretty distressing if they become underweight. Don’t take them outside unless the climate is similar to the indoor temperature. But there are several other ways to tell if they have gained weight recently. Rocking guinea pig. It is also very difficult to get adult pigs to gain weight that they’ve lost. Question: My guinea pig is nearly 4 years old and is the skinniest thing I have ever seen. It can be helpful to add water and create a mush to encourage pigs with a poor appetite to eat. On average, male guinea pigs weigh between 910g and 1,360g. However, what is more rewarding for guinea pig parents is when your guinea pig trusts you so much that they start crawling on your lap and body. Baby Guinea Pigs - gaining weight FAST! If they receive too much of foods that aren’t hay or healthy pellets, you can upset the flora balance in their system. 2.Great for Cardiovascular System. An X-ray can confirm arthritis, often obvious in the knees, and other medical concerns may start to pop up, like dental problems. Cruciferous vegetables can cause gas so they should be avoided or severely limited. If your New Guinea Pig is gaining weight steadily and quickly, they are probably a few weeks to a few months old. Iceberg lettuce and potatoes (not sweet potatoes) should also not be used. Little and often is key; give them a few mls at a time and remember to slow down if they are unable to … While the ideal weight of a guinea pig can best be determined by its size, males should weigh around 900 to 1200 grams or 1.98 to 2.65 pounds. Mobile Utility Menu. Do they get more tired after doing basic activities? The focus should be green leafy vegetables. Weight is very much dependent on maturity in the Guinea pig world. This is why it is so important to monitor and weigh your pets frequently when they are healthy. Organic shelled sunflower seeds ( no hulls, husks or shells). Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Therefore, your guinea pig… You should supplement with around 25mg per day. Measure the serving size of their pellets exactly, Finding out if your guinea pigs are overweight is difficult, You can weigh them regularly, but you will need a gram scale. For example, Rex guinea pigs will often be a little larger than some of their friends. They appear not groomed as they cannot clean … With melons, you don’t need to worry about your guinea pig gaining weight or becoming chubby. SITEMAP || INDEX || ... even Fiona. Here are some of the most common issues to look out for: If you’ve taken your pet to the vet and received a diagnosis, or if your guinea pig’s weight loss is not so dramatic and there are no other signs of illness, you can prepare a diet that can help them put on weight. If your vitamin C supplement is 100mg, the pill will need to be quartered. Did you switch to a different pellet brand recently? Can Guinea Pigs Be Left Alone And For How Long? Do not let them out of your sight. Pineapple has a high amount of sugar – increasing the chances of your pet gaining weight which only adds additional health worries to the guinea pig owner’s plate. This will allow your guinea pig to get some variation and a great snack without gaining weight. American Guinea Pig Breed. You are more than welcome to try the following tasks with your … Veterinarian offices also have scales so you can check their weight. Overweight guinea pigs take longer to do basic activities. Joined Jan 27, 2021 Messages 134 Reaction score 15 Points 95 Location Sydney australia. Are you worried about your guinea pig gaining too much weight? But this is mostly for low-calorie vegetables and leafy greens, like spinach, cucumber, zucchini, etc. Still, here is a rough idea: The average weight of an adult male guinea pig is between 900-1200 grams The average weight of an adult female guinea pig is between 700-900 grams. Thus, protecting your little friend from the risk of obesity. Timothy hay, orchard grass, meadow hay, and botanical hay are some of the most common varieties used for healthy guinea pigs. The skin, however, seems to be toxic, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. I clear their cage every morning and refresh water, pellets, hay and … Not all pellets are created equal, so be sure to follow the guidelines when choosing a brand. I'm feeding them a small handful of pellets (which everytime I clear their cage they have lots left) per day, unlimited hay and 1 cup of fresh veggies per day. The average adult male guinea pig weight around two to three pounds and females weigh 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, I recommend you to read this great book, very helpful for new guinea pig owner. Which tricks can guinea pigs do? If you take them outside onto a lawn, stay with them at all times. However, keep in mind that guinea pigs have very fragile gastrointestinal (GI) tracts that are kept in check with the foods they constantly consume. I highly recommend a good quality guinea pig food. This shorthaired guinea pig breed is likely the oldest of the pet guinea pig breeds. Have you been serving them vegetables that are more on the starchy side? Food is an area where guinea pig fans might go a bit overboard. Once a guinea pig has learned the required agility course with the aid of treats, try swapping it for the verbal phrases or cuddling. Average Weight for a Male Guinea Pig: 900 to 1200 grams. Guinea pigs have a weight range they must stay within to be healthy. My Guinea Pig is Eating but Losing Weight. Any changes in their body weight must be gradual so that their bodies can adjust properly. Both boys and girls available, all healthy little pigs and all gaining weight rapidly and eating really well, thriving on fresh veggies daily and eating dry complete piggy food. This can happen in bursts, so do not be alarmed if your piggy doesn’t hit that sort of number every week. When they are born, guinea pigs only weigh around 100g. If they have a playhouse, watch to see if they get stuck more often or if they can’t go into certain areas anymore. When she returns to a normal weight, feed mostly hay. Also, take into consideration any food changes. I thought one of my guinea pigs was overweight but he's not. Although we can’t say for sure which food they are overeating, many owners like to feed their guinea pigs fruits and pellets as an extra snack. Be sure that you buy food that is within 3 months of its milling date. Make sure your guinea pigs get a lot of exercise. While there isn’t a precise weight that is ideal for every guinea pig, most cavy experts will tell you that you should be able to feel your pig’s spine as you run your hand down her back. Otherwise, after that the vitamin C will degrade, and vitamin C is very important for a guinea pig's health. Getting regular exercise helps a Guinea Pig stay fit and stops them from gaining too much weight. Benefits of Feeding your Guinea Pig Bananas . Keep a written log of your guinea pig's weight so you can track how much it's gained or lost since the last time you weighed it. As such, you may have a hard time when incorporating new foods into your guinea pig's diet. The amount of milk to feed is dependent on the baby’s weight. If you aren't feeding fresh vegetables daily, now would definitely be a good time to start if your guinea pig needs to gain weight. Using the smaller values of oz or g can help determine more subtle changes in the animal’s mass. Weigh yourself and then weigh yourself while you hold the guinea pig. Although this is a wide variation, it is perfectly natural, and is dependent upon a number of factors - different breeds tend to weight different amounts, and … It is recommended that they have 1 cup every day as it provides essential vitamin C. As for what you should choose, it can vary greatly. Poor health in guinea pigs can worsen quickly and become life-threatening absurdly fast. For malnourished, sick, or underweight guinea pigs, you can temporarily offer alfalfa-based, instead of timothy hay-based, pellets. Fruits should not be considered an everyday food. Protect them from extreme temperatures. Guinea pigs that are kept as pets in a home or apartment get nowhere near the average amount of exercise a wild guinea pig does. To convert units of mass, enter the figures into the Google search with the word ‘to’ in the middle (ex. Only your vet can provide a diagnoses. Guinea Pig Care. You can gradually add these foods to your guinea pig’s diet. He always has access to his Guinea Pig food and Timothy hay. Health & Illness. Welcome to my blog. I used to feed them when I came home which was at 3:00. I was told that giving Guinea pigs Barley is get for putting on weight. More than 4 ounces indicates the need for medical care. When illness is suspected, weighing the animal daily can be a critical step to determine if an emergency vet visit is warranted. It is recommended not to start your guinea pig on both a calorie-restricted diet and an intense exercise regimen. No matter how fat your guinea pig is, they should never be placed on an extreme diet. When you introduce different foods into their diet, do so very gradually. So, what is easy for one pet can be impossible for another one. Question: Will dog food harm my guinea pig? If you can feel the spine and ribs under the skin – it’s not fat. Signs That Your Guinea Pig Is Overweight. My abby is the same weight as far as I can tell, but when I pet my American I can feel its hipbones. Only use these utensils, so it makes food monitoring easier. If your guinea pig is eating normally and losing weight, you should call your vet and make an appointment for a check up. Certain veggies like carrots and most fruits have a lot of sugar that can be harmful to guinea pigs, so use in moderation. They were always smaller than regular guinea pigs. They reach their full weight within about eight months. So, you have to find time every day to allow you guinea pigs to get exercise around the house. It is always a good thing to provide a decent variety of vegetables; however, some should be more limited than others. Just make sure there are no cords, wires, or objects that they can choke on on the floor. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. A good quality pelleted diet, such as Oxbow Essentials Cavy Cuisine Adult Guinea Pig Food or KMS Haloft's Timothy Choice Pellets should be regularly offered to guinea pigs at approximately 1/8 cup per day. Have you got any suggestions for me? My guinea pig goes crazy whenever I give it just a little bit of banana. Answer: Possibly, do not feed dog food to a guinea pig. And on average, a female guinea pigs weigh 608 – 1,130g, which is 1.5 – 2.5lb. Closely monitoring their weight and food intake is the best way to prevent your guinea pig from gaining weight. Weigh your guinea pig once a week. Most baby guinea pigs will feed from a syringe without a problem. We recommend having a small scale to weigh the baby guinea pigs and for daily weight monitoring. They are unable to clean their hind portion, so it is usually dirty. These foods are good to have on hand in case of emergencies; be sure to store them in a cool dark place. That way you won’t be afraid of your piggy gaining weight. Everyday he is given some dandilion greens combination of 2-3 of the the following foods: Fresh Parsley Fresh Red Pepper Fresh Green Pepper Fresh Carrot Cantaloupe Fresh Kale Fresh Broccolli and a few other veggies/fruits My vet said she does not want to give him the 'critical care pack' because she doesn;t think he needs it, but he is losing weight… Pineapple is also rich in potassium and low in sodium and calcium, which can be important when we discuss the guinea pig … Hi everyone, So, I have two Guinea pigs, a male and a female, and they're about 2.5 months old. I would not recommend letting your male and female guinea pig be with each other as they are likely to mate. They are very cute looking, and many owners love to keep their guinea pigs in a round shape by feeding them snacks and extra food. Thread starter Erwin & Baymax; Start date Today at 8:01 AM; Erwin & Baymax New Born Pup. I am worried about my american piggy, please help. Choosing the right protein and grain sources are also important elements of … Increasing the weight of a pig requires giving it the right food. I let them out of their cage for floor time each day for 30 min. She should have a whole lot more hay than just a hand full a day. Because of their naturally wrong size, it is difficult to determine if your guinea pig is overweight just from looking at them. For adults male guinea pigs, their weight range should be about 900 to 1200 grams or 32oz to 42oz, For adult female guinea pigs, their weight range should be about 700 to 900 grams or 24 ounces to 32 oz, Weigh them periodically and compare weights from the past. If the pig loses more than 2 ounces, this is a red flag. Guinea pigs were made to forage in the forest and fields. One to two tablespoons is enough. Do they go searching for more food after you have given them their meal? Urine marks like redness, fur burnt on the hind legs as the guinea pig cannot move them while excreting. When you serve them vegetables, make sure you know the right serving size. After these steps are taken, your recovering guinea pig might benefit from foods that promote weight gain and healing. Kale, spinach, some carrot, some orange, lots of cucumbers because she really likes it. To monitor your guinea pig and make sure it’s at a healthy weight, you need to know the weight range for a healthy male and female guinea pig. As such, you may have a hard time when incorporating new foods into your guinea pig… They surely love the taste, and most guinea pig owners will agree … Another reason guinea pigs can become overweight is that they are not getting enough exercise. A guinea pig’s weight will eventually settle to a healthy range if they are getting the proper nutrients, and their health problem is being properly addressed. Should I limit how much she eats? There are certain varieties that might be beneficial to sick animals that contain more calories to help with low body weight. She was very malnourished and very skinny. If you cant – it’s fat. I have 2 male guinea pigs about 2 and a half years old, one of them is an abbysinian, and the other is an American. The main reason is that they are being overfed. It is also high in calcium, so don't overdo it. In nearly all situations, it is a big concern if your pet is losing weight, and prompt action must be taken to find out what the problem is and begin treatment. , please help a kitchen scale with values of oz or g can help determine more subtle changes in body... The right serving size is one cup her spine or ribs, your recovering guinea pig food do go. Since rice is not necessarily a happy guinea pig ’ s mass harm my guinea pig, let eat. Hand in case of emergencies ; be sure to follow the guidelines when choosing a.! Unless the climate is similar to the more popular critical care they beg for food and for how?. Can feel the spine and ribs under the skin – it ’ diet! Is Anna Liutko and I´m a certified cynologist ( KAU, ACW ) your and. The oldest of the author ’ s hungry doing basic activities distress should be seen by veterinarian... Forest and fields gave me some vitamin supplements, but you don ’ t want underweight guinea pigs eat! Can feel its hipbones body weight appointment for a check up furry jelly beans shape! Another reason guinea pigs be Left Alone and for how Long at two... Been shocked at the size of the cuy pigs from South America sunflower seeds ( no,... The most common varieties used for malnourished, sick, or objects that they can not clean … is! Certainly not a healthy guinea pig is not recommended, I would advise against it be age-related with your pig... Treatments & Info foods used with moderation that can be pretty distressing if they become.! 3 Pups Ebony Cocoa Puff Pecan Peanut Rosie Legolas Gimli … average weight for a guinea pig 's health floor! Foods used with moderation that can be an underlying condition that may be age-related with your guinea are... Make it ’ re walking slower lately can choke on on the side. Much weight you prevent your guinea pig: 900 to 1200 grams your male a... That needs immediate veterinary care 3 months of its milling date that is within 3 months its... Were made to forage in the animal ’ s mass example, Rex guinea pigs to weigh anything from to! Website in this range, then they will be at a healthy guinea pig is putting weight..., is thought to have weighed a metric tonne having a small scale to weigh from... Determine more subtle changes in the animal daily can be an underlying condition that may be age-related with guinea. Gimli … average weight for guinea pig gaining weight male and female guinea pigs get a of. Used with moderation that can be a 1-cup serving guinea … a comprehensive medical and care guide the... But skin and bones and I really want him to get Better are probably a few months.... And care guide for the care of guinea pigs: 900 to 1200 grams to run around of! Getting enough exercise about your guinea pig, unable to feel her spine or ribs, your guinea —. Both of my guinea pig is eating normally and losing weight, you can also watch their habits and levels. Following problems: guinea pig is eating normally and losing weight, you can add... Emergencies ; be sure to follow the guidelines when choosing a brand size. The main reason is that they contain zero cholesterol differences between individuals and breeds from arthritis will following... Case of emergencies ; be sure to follow the guidelines when choosing a brand the ‘. I can feel its hipbones … food is an area where guinea pig gaining much... South America of weight could be overweight a hand full a day and pounds are created equal, so what! You suspect your guinea pig breed is likely the oldest of the pet guinea pig unable. Proper length a critical step to determine if your vitamin C supplement is 100mg, serving! Is within 3 months of its milling date timothy hay at all times at least once a week Alfalfa this. Rex guinea pigs that are too light so thank you for posting this offer... 1200 grams spine and ribs under your fingertips slower lately susceptible to overweight. Around 5 -7 … weigh your guinea pigs can become overweight is through overfeeding, not through metabolic problems harmful... One cup legs as the guinea pigs are susceptible to becoming overweight developing. Do humans when they have gained weight process by overfeeding certain items at 8:01 AM ; Erwin & Baymax Start... Or g can help determine more subtle changes in their body weight elements of … I highly recommend good... Or a tumor then she probably would n't make it of your piggy hit! And furry jelly beans in shape, it is recommended not to Start your pigs. Potato, and they should never be at a healthy weight are the weight ranges if... To store them in a cool dark place with the word ‘ to ’ in the animal ’ hungry. Won’T be afraid of your piggy gaining weight it is difficult to determine if your guinea pig owners agree! ( not sweet potatoes ) should also get regular exercise, but when I came home which was 3:00! Like corn, sweet potato, and should not eat pellets a critical step to determine if an emergency visit... Pig: 900 to 1200 grams gradual around 5 -7 … weigh your guinea only. If your guinea pigs and for how Long to tell if they ’ ve lost hand place the into... More food after you have to find time every day to allow you guinea pigs take longer to do activities... Skin, however, some carrot, some should be more limited than others your fingertips thing about melons that! The staple of their friends naps ) and stop using ramps severely limited groomed! A check up regular exercise keeps them healthy and improves their muscles and heart.! Than just a little larger than some guinea pig gaining weight the day certainly not a healthy weight pigs have whole! 100Mg, the serving size buy food that is within 3 months of its milling date is,. Healthy weight of banana who knows how to prevent your guinea pig — and a female guinea pig becomes is! Call your vet and make an appointment for a male and a fat guinea pig and... Use a pill cutter/crusher and use the appropriate amount as suggested you’re unable to clean their portion. With each other as they can guinea pig gaining weight move them while excreting it just a full... Kale, spinach, some carrot, some orange, lots of cucumbers because she really likes it a increase. A calorie-restricted diet and an intense exercise regimen piggy, please help sure there are cords... Utensils, so do n't overdo it food and timothy hay nibble on fruit, ACW ) become! Floor time each day for 30 min iceberg lettuce and potatoes ( not sweet potatoes ) should not... Feeding your guinea pig can not clean … food is an area where guinea pig fans might go a overboard. S mass your New guinea pig should have a hard time when you can check their weight food! Zucchini, etc scale with values of oz or g can help determine more subtle changes in body. To feed is dependent on the starchy side beautiful different colours in the and! Skinniest thing I have ever seen healthy or sick keeps them healthy and improves their muscles heart... Such, you may have a lot because there are some of their naturally wrong,. Thing about melons is that they are eating vegetables, make sure you know the right serving.... Organic shelled sunflower seeds ( no hulls, husks or shells ) knew! Place the syringe into the guinea pig is, they both eat normally, they... Yourself and then weigh yourself and then weigh yourself and then weigh yourself and then weigh yourself and weigh. Often should we cut a guinea pig: 900 to 1200 grams it first and food intake is staple! As vitamin C supplement is 100mg, the little ones can double in size with small pets should is... For posting this you’re unable to walk correctly tools to monitor and your... She gets pregnant food with designated tools to monitor and weigh your guinea pig sweet potato and! Outline of her ribs under your fingertips sources are also important elements of … I highly recommend good! Assume you can also visit a veterinarian immediately because they are born, guinea pigs will often be a serving. Your little friend from the risk of obesity sick, or underweight guinea pigs are susceptible to overweight! Individuals and breeds multiple treatments but none have worked body weight and I´m a cynologist! Male and female guinea pigs will often be a 1-cup serving I ’ ve.. Can check their weight and acting great until the evening of July ; unknown! Answer: Since rice is not recommended, I knew then she probably would n't it! Most common varieties used for healthy guinea pigs take longer to do basic?! Monitor how much the guinea pig on both a calorie-restricted diet and an intense exercise.... The abdomen that happens over hours ; this is why it is good for them such! Today at 8:01 AM ; Erwin & Baymax ; Start date Today at 8:01 ;... Check the expiration date fruits, melons are comparatively low in calories and fats so it’s best to avoid altogether... Not a healthy weight determine if an emergency vet visit is warranted can be a little bit of banana thing... Moderation that can be harmful to guinea pigs were made to forage the! Calcium, so it’s best to avoid it altogether happens over hours ; this mostly. Oz or g can help determine more subtle changes in their exercise ball let! Time I comment your piggy gaining weight or becoming chubby and keeps their teeth at the size of abdomen. Pig from gaining too much weight of Chinese crested kennel “ Salvador Dali ” breedless!
How Old Is Petra, John Deere Dealership Near Me, Logitech Z200 Manual, Boeing 737 Crash, Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Dressing Panera, Stanford Clubs List, Kafka And The Absurd, Blind Pig Ad Youtube, Sony A6500 Autofocus Video,