Is anyone an exotic pet/ Guinea pig Veterinarian? I hold some standard question. ?
I have a chubby Piggie, and was hoping to give her a bit more exercise by buying a ball or a wheel. I have read, however, that they can acquire spinal injuries using these products. Is this true? Also, I read that the vitamins you can put in food/water can discourage them from eating or drinking. I thought this would help their vitamin C, not hurt them! Is this also true, or enjoy I been informed incorrectly? Thanks, I really need your help to provide my the best life I can.
Wheels and balls are not devout. If you are feeding good fresh guinea pig pellets near stabilized vitamin C and some greens, you don't need to supplement the water with vitamin C.
One road to get your pig to exercise some is to put the food on one side of the cage and the water on the other next to a board set on edge between them that sticks up a couple of inches above the bedding. The pig will have to hop over the board to get between them. We have a friend get an overweight flabby sow back into show shape with that trick.
I don't generally recommend 14% protein timothy based chow but in your chubby pal's case, it might be a accurate idea.
I us to have a guinea pig ( died of mature age) he had a wheel in his shut within. he didn't have any back problems and for vitamins you can just carry chews at your local pet store. there like candy's for them but nutritious.
Answers: Hello, I won't lie, I am not a guinea pig vet, but I do know the answers to your questions.
1. It is true that guinea pigs should not hold wheels.
This site says: "These are also very bleak for guinea pigs and can cause crippling injuries to their back, feet, and toes."
From: http://www.guineapigcages.com/toys.htm
They hold great ways to get your guinea pig some exercise though, so you might want to check it out.
2. And yes, vitamin C drops can discourage guinea pigs from drinking water. Also, the vitamin C dissolves after a while and makes the hose taste unpleasant for your piggie. If you want your guinea pig to get adeqet vitamin C though, you can feed your guinea pigs red, washed out, or green BELL peppers, parsley, and kale. Your guinea pigs might like to try a small slice of granny smith apple, (my pigs love them), or you can give them a small bite of seedless watermelon. Do not nurture pears, as they cause bloating.
Hope I helped!
