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46-48 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland |
 Feeding your Guinea PigsGuinea pigs are fairly unique in the animal kingdom being one of only a few species (e.g. us!) that cannot manufacture Vitamin C and therefore need to consume it with their diet. Diets that are specifically formulated for guinea pigs are ideal, but these may also be low in vitamin C due to its deterioration after manufacture. A fresh supply of a good quantity of grass hay is also very important. To supplement the hay Each day your guinea pig should have each of the above items (hay, pellets and vegetables) and these can be spread out through the day. Remove any uneaten fruit or vegetables from the day before to ensure freshness. You will generally find that a guinea pig will eat a small handful of hay and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pellets in a day. Adjust the amount you give to equal the amount consumed in the previous 24 hours. It is a good idea if you are changing the diet regime to weigh your guinea pig daily on some kitchen scales, this will alert you to any change of weight either up or down. Don't forget to always provide a clean fresh water supply. 
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and guinea pig food a variety of fresh vegetables (especially leafy green vegetables) should be offered every day. Examples include silverbeet, spinach, red cabbage, parsley and dandelion leaves - all of these are a good source of Vitamin C. You can also feed just about any other vegetable in addition e.g. carrots. However only feed small amounts of fruit. When guinea pigs are young they develop strong dietary preferences so it is imortant to expose them to a wide rage of foods early in life. This diet will provide the optimum nutrition for your guinea pig, any food that is not mentioned should only be fed very sparingly if at all.