[Gpdd] re: [ANNOUNCE] <Newbie... first time questions.>

[Lauren Cordeiro]

Hi Lily,
First of all - get off the rabbit food and find GP food ASAP! I know you were doing what you were told was right, but unfortunately I work at a pet store and trust me - people in pet stores don't always know what they're talking about! Rabbit food can contain an antibiotic which is deadly for gpigs. Also, although some gpig mixes can have sunflower seeds (complete with the shells included) in them, these can be a real choking hazard for gpigs. I would suggest switching to a plain pelleted food, and of course make sure your gp has an unlimited supply of hay in addition. Since your pig is about 9 weeks old, you could feed her a legume hay like alfalfa, which has the calcium and protein her growing body will need. When she is about six months to a year, I would begin to add a grass hay with the alfalfa, and gradually reduce the alfalfa hay. A grass hay, like timothy, wheat, or brome, is lower in calcium and protein and appropriate for adult gps.
 
I have not had any luck with water bowls; my gps seem to pee/poo in them or knock bedding in them. However, I know another guy at work whose gps had used them for years and preferred them. Are you sure she does not know how to use the sipper bottle? Did she use it before you added the supplement in? What was she drinking out of before you got her? She may just be very fussy. Perhaps it would be best if you gave her some extra juicy fruits like oranges and maybe even syringe feed her some liquids until she gets used to the bottle.
 
There are other ways you can give your pig a vit. C supplement. Fresh fruits and veggies high in vit. C is a good way. GPs should get about 25-50mg of vit. C daily. Here is Seagull's Guinea Pig Compendium, that has a list of the average amounts of vit. C in everyday veggies:
http://www.aracnet.com/~seagull/Guineas/VitaminC.html
There are also some supplements that come in chewable form. You could also grind these up and sprinkle them on her veggies.
 
Good luck with your new girl and take care,
Lauren, Piglet and Pooh Bear


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