Alot of Important Questions!!!

[X_Cavy_Crazy_X]

Anything relative to the proper feeding of a cavy is important though.

I have a few questions but dont worry, I dont have a cavy just yet. I used to have one and it turns out I raised it all wrong, so now I am trying to do it right.

1) Alfalfa vs. Timothy hay. What is the difference and which should I use? I was planning on getting two sows.

2) I was planning on using pellets, what is a good brand?

3) Though each Piggie varies I am sure, how much hay, pellets, and fresh veggies should they get? Money is not an issue I just dont want to feed too much or too little!

4) Vitamine C: Are the fresh veggies and pellets enough to provide Vitamine C or do I need something more?

5) Calcium: I have heard about a cavy's urine leaving white behind because there is too much calcium in its diet. As I said I dont have any piggies now but how can I keep this from happening in the first place?


That's all for now. I am going to New York in June so I wont get my cavies until after then. I am however planning and buying supplies now. (Only supplies such as cubes and coroplast, I am not getting food or hay because it may go bad long before it is needed) I would appreciate any and all help! Thank you,
XCCX

[Ly&Pigs]

Alfalfa is a legume hay and only suitable for pigs under 6 months or for pregnant/nursing cavies. This type of hay is used as a supplement.

Timothy hay is one variety of grass hay. Cavies must have grass hay in unlimited amounts at all times. So timothy or another type of grass hay needs to be provided.

Good pellet brands are Oxbow and Kleenmama's. Oxbow Pet Products | Welcome and Kleenmama's Hayloft :: Home

Hay must be given in unlimited amounts. 1 cup of veggies minimum per pig per day. Pellets can be given in unlimited amounts until about the age of 6 months then need to be limited to no more than 1/4 cup per pig per day.

Veggies and hay will provide the bulk of the Vitamin C. Pellets are the least part of the diet.

When you see white spots, it's just them expelling what their bodies don't need. Younger pigs need a bit more calcium than older pigs.

Read the sticky threads at the top of this forum. Especially the Nutrition Charts thread and the Sample menus thread. They are invaluable to many. You can also read Guinea Lynx :: Diet.

[Feylin]

As for hay, I have liked Kleenmama's so far.
Kleenmama's has been great! I'm a new owner to and she answered all of my questions about hay and the different types. I could even pay by sending her a check in the mail!

[auburnmare5]

If your pigs are under 6 months old, then get alfalfa because it has Calcium.

But if they are over 6 months old, get Timothy.

Hay should be fed in unlimited quantities.

Pellets should be given about 1/8 of a cup per day, per pig.

Use the chart the Ly&Pigs has to find out how much veggies they should have.

I give about 3/4 of a cup everyday.

(Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less.)

A good brand of pellets I have heard is Oxbow.

Oxbow and KM hay I have heard is good as well.

I don't use Oxbow or KM anything.

I have Kaytee and I am very satisfied with it.

Some brands are better than others but you should choose whichever one your pigs like best.

[Ly&Pigs]

Originally Posted by auburnmare5

If your pigs are under 6 months old, then get alfalfa because it has Calcium.

But if they are over 6 months old, get Timothy.

If you are going to give information, please make sure it's correct before giving it. These statements are only partially true. The way your statements read is that one is to give alfalfa hay until they are 6 months old then switch to timothy.

Pigs from the day they are born need timothy or another type of grass hay. Alfalfa is a supplemental hay and should never replace grass hay. It is to be given in addition to grass hay.

[auburnmare5]

That is not really what I meant, but I guess I worded it wrong.

Sorry.

I know it is supplemental, and should never be fed as a replacement for Timothy.

I meant you can feed Alfalfa until they are 6 months old, and should not be fed alot, if at all after that. Preferrably only Timothy or another grass hay such as Orchard Grass, Brome Grass, etc...

[X_Cavy_Crazy_X]

Thank you all so much, that helped alot!