Serena Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 Hi i am new to omlet and have just got 2 guinea pigs today, i am not a complete novice but any advice would be greatly appreciated, thankyou in advance xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serena Posted April 2, 2010 Author Share Posted April 2, 2010 I have 2 new guinea pigs, male and female and they are in a large hutch. I have given them hay,straw,grass,cucumber,dandelion leaves and their nuggets. I got my guinea pigs yesterday an they dont seem to be eating much, or do you just think they are eating the hay and i haven't noticed it going. They haven't drunk anything either. Or do i just need to 'chill out' and let them settle lol. Any advice what to give them to make them happy little G.Ps and get them out of their bed. Thankyou in Advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Hi Serena, I would have them on dust free shavings with just hay (not straw) to eat in a rack, and some hay in their bed, whether it be a separate part of the hutch, or in a hide. A carrot holder is a good investment as it keeps veg off the sawdust and they can nibble at will. Do not give too much cucumber and watery veg, and only treat to dandelions as it will concentrate their urine and act as a wee inducer too If they are quite young they may prefer celery to eat - mine only started on brocolli and cabbage after going on grass for the 1st summer. Apples again only as a small treat as too much gives them bellyache. They will settle and become more squeaky etc once they are used to their new surroundings - mine know exactly when its time for tea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serena Posted April 2, 2010 Author Share Posted April 2, 2010 Thankyou very much. I was told to have them on hay and straw, i am not questioning your advice i am just explaining my mistake, why is it that shavings are better than hay and straw (just so i know lol). I am not planning on giving them too much cucumber and dandelions, i just put them in the hutch with them to encourage them to explore and forrage for them lol. They have just discovered the stairs and seem to enjoy going half way up and coming back down or just running straight up and staying at the top lol. I have seen them munching, I am just not sure what on but everything in there is safe lol. I will invest in a carrot holder, they also have a salt lick and mineral bar thingy which i was told is good for them. I bought them together from the same breeder and they have being introduced to the hutch tpgether but were not together where the breeder kept them, the girl is older than the boy, should they get along ok, they seem tto be doig so far and always seem to be together. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbaraJ Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 It's a bit quiet on this board but i have just got 4 girl piggies and ask away ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 One of the most important things with regards to GPig diet is the provision on vitamin C. You may find this website interesting Clickety Click Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Serena - its not a mistake to have them on straw, esp if that is what they have been used to. I have avoided both in/outdoors due to poking of the eye - guins will munch hay but not straw, so shavings are a better bedding substrate, in my opinion. Whatever food they have been raised on is better to stick with, as all rodents will be fussy, picking out their fave bits and leaving the rest. The hay - again in my opinion only, should be part bedding, but always have some in a dry place, like a hay rack. Guineas will pee anywhere, and always where they eat - so at least some of their hay will be clean and dry if a rack is provided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
