Mini-Pop Treats, Safe or Unsafe?

[Malhablada]

Hi everyone!

I know that cavies aren't supposed to have much corn - or any corn if you can avoid it.

I was wondering about white popped corn, however. When my little boar was out for his morning run, he discovered a decorative stalk of Indian corn, and it pretty much broke his heart when I took it away from him. He wheeked and squalled for several minutes. He wasn't interested in the stalks; he wanted to eat the kernels - or at least gnaw on them. He has plenty of things to gnaw on in his cage, so he's not desperate for things to chew. He has unlimited hay, a good mix of veggies every day, and I feed him a mix of half Oxbow and half the stuff he was eating when I rescued him, because I'm transitioning him over.

I've looked around and found this. You put them in the microwave, and they pop. I know corn is too starchy to give them frequently, but only as a VERY occasional treat, would these be all right?

[OSUCavies]

Originally Posted by Malhablada

Hi everyone!

I know that cavies aren't supposed to have much corn - or any corn if you can avoid it.

I was wondering about white popped corn, however. When my little boar was out for his morning run, he discovered a decorative stalk of Indian corn, and it pretty much broke his heart when I took it away from him. He wheeked and squalled for several minutes. He wasn't interested in the stalks; he wanted to eat the kernels - or at least gnaw on them. He has plenty of things to gnaw on in his cage, so he's not desperate for things to chew. He has unlimited hay, a good mix of veggies every day, and I feed him a mix of half Oxbow and half the stuff he was eating when I rescued him, because I'm transitioning him over.

I've looked around and found this. You put them in the microwave, and they pop. I know corn is too starchy to give them frequently, but only as a VERY occasional treat, would these be all right?

I give those to Layla every once in a while. She loves to chew on the kernels. And I pop the corn too and she's very fond of those.

I'm doubting these are good for them, though. Just because I haven't seen or heard of anyone else on the site using them.

[Malhablada]

Originally Posted by GuineaLover12

I give those to Layla every once in a while. She loves to chew on the kernels. And I pop the corn too and she's very fond of those.

I'm doubting these are good for them, though. Just because I haven't seen or heard of anyone else on the site using them.

Bah, I figured. When I searched the forum for mini-pop, I only found one post, and no one had replied to it.

It's really too bad, because Mwerp has been so reticent since we brought him home, and I'm trying to encourage him to be secure and excited about things.


Thanks for replying!

[OSUCavies]

Originally Posted by Malhablada

Bah, I figured. When I searched the forum for mini-pop, I only found one post, and no one had replied to it.

It's really too bad, because Mwerp has been so reticent since we brought him home, and I'm trying to encourage him to be secure and excited about things.


Thanks for replying!

I can't speak for the popped corn. I know I read that any kind of dried corn is not good for them.

So I'm guessing that even if it's popped, it's just as bad.

He will learn and get better. I read they can have corn stalks and silks. Maybe try those?

[Roxy&Rex]

This link is a good reference for food values

http://www.gpigs-database.org/nutrit...nea%20Pigs.doc

[daftscotslass]

As far as I know the main reason why popcorn (just the plain, unfrilly version NOT any with added salt, sugar, butter etc) is not recommended is that it is a choking hazard.

[Percy's Mom]

No dried seeds, nuts, or kernels should be given to your pigs. They are incredibly fattening and can cause choking. Absolutely don't give popped corn. If you want to give corn to your pigs as an occasional treat, you can give them a section of a fresh corn on the cob. They can also have the husks and silks daily in addition to other veggies.

[Malhablada]

Originally Posted by Percy's Mom

No dried seeds, nuts, or kernels should be given to your pigs. They are incredibly fattening and can cause choking. Absolutely don't give popped corn. If you want to give corn to your pigs as an occasional treat, you can give them a section of a fresh corn on the cob. They can also have the husks and silks daily in addition to other veggies.

Thank you to PM and everyone else who replied. I'm going to consider the issue as good as closed now, and I absolutely won't be giving him any corn, other than possibly some silks or husks.

I was assuming that he was excited about the corn, but I just took him out for his afternoon exercise, and it turns out, he's just plain excitable today. He treated me to a round of popcorning (the runningjumping, not the food just to clarify) and wheeking. Looks like he might just finally be coming out of his shell.

Thanks again, everyone!

[Ly&Pigs]

Here is a link to my nutrition charts which are color coded. This thread also contains a list of Do's and Don'ts for good cavy health and a list of poisonous plants.

http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/...on-charts.html

[Malhablada]

Oh wow, thanks Ly!

I must have read the diet page on Guinea Lynx a dozen times, but I hadn't seen your excellent charts before. I'm relatively new to forums in general, but I just found the compilation of links for the newbies, so that'll give me plenty to read.

The good news is, I'm feeding him just perfectly according to your charts. I wish the little bugger would eat red bell peppers, but he seems to actually be afraid of them. He loves cilantro, parsley, romaine lettuce etc.

Thanks again, I'll be saving that link.