[Gpdd] CARE: Feeding question

[jaaladog]

Hello all,

Well, both girls seemed to have survived my poisoning attempt and I learned 
a really good lesson in the process.  I have been reading a lot today about 
what and when to feed the pigs.  I would like to know when you all feed your 
herds?

I have read where one lady puts the pellets in the morning and takes them 
out after about 30 minutes.  Then, later on around mid morning, she gives 
them their first veggie bowl and repeats the process.  then, in the 
afternoon, they get more veggies, same scenario, followed by the pellets at 
night and again, removing after 30 minutes.

Now, I'm sure I am once again doing something stupid but I put 1/4 cup of 
pellets in my girl's cage since I read that 1/8 cup is adequate for 1 pig. 
I have been leaving it in all the time so they could eat it when they want 
to.  I then, around mid morning bring them a plate of cut up veggies and 
allow them to eat as much of that as they want.  I don't mean a huge plate 
but maybe a celery stick chopped up and a couple of baby carrots chopped up 
and maybe a slice or 2 of cucumber, cut into chunks.  Whatever they don't 
eat after an hour or so, I remove and toss.  I repeat that process in mid 
afternoon, using a different variety of veggies.  I give them fruits such as 
apples, grapes or bananas maybe 2 or 3 times a week and I usually only give 
them to them when they are in their play area and I am there to give it to 
them by hand so they see me as a really nice mommy.  :))  They have access 
to plenty of timothy hay any time they want it and lots and lots of water. 
Am I once again doing something wrong or is this acceptable?  I don't want 
obese pigs because I know it is bad for their health and I certainly don't 
want them developing diabetes.  One diabetic in this family is quite enough!

Thanks to all of you who have eased my mind about the male/female thing and 
the rumblestrutting.  I'm really getting a better understanding of it now 
and so far, the tomato plants have done no permanent damage.  So, I guess 
they will still love me after  all . . sniff, sniff.

Winks and Wheeks to all from:

Lynn, Earl, Samantha and the once again Tabitha

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