Me and My Pig(s): Hailing from Olympia, WA, USA

[akstrohm]

It will definitely take a few days, maybe weeks. Put some treats on the ramp and on the upper level. I think it's nice to have to keep the hay off of the main level (especially if you have fleece), and so one pig can get away from the others if need be. But they certainly do not require an upper level.

Are they eating lettuce, pepper, and cilantro in addition to the pea pods and grapes? Those are good daily staples if you're not already feeding them.

[Tessa Bea]

I'm going to the store tomorrow to pick up more veggies. For right now, they have artichoke leaves, grapes, and peas... as well as Orchard and Timothy Hay, and pellets.

They would have a baby carrot each a day as well, but my husband ate all of them before they came home.

[akstrohm]

Sounds good. Definitely get the veggies ASAP. Grapes (and all fruit) should only be fed in very small amounts 1-2 times per week. Artichokes and peas should not be fed daily either (2-4 times per week). Check out the nutrition charts and sample menus if you haven't already. They are really helpful.

[Tessa Bea]

Thanks. I'd downloaded the chart that was on here that Ly&Pigs posted before I even brought the pigs home. Luckily I just got them yesterday afternoon so they won't have to go too much longer... I'm glad I at least had veggies that were in the 'blue' category. I have some celery as well which I will give them a little of, just to have a variety and not overdo any one of the 'sometimes' foods. I have canned baby corn, water chestnuts, and bamboo as well, but I don't see those on the chart at all and I don't want to risk it... I'm getting the veggies early early tomorrow morning after my doctor's appointment, my husband has the car today.

Lisa said some of their favorites are Swiss Chard and Cilantro. <3 Those are high on my list, as is Parsley. I'm thinking about buying this indoor terrarium type thing so I can grow fresh veggies for them year round... I've heard Cilantro doesn't keep too well.

Amazon.com: AeroGrow AeroGarden with Gourmet Herb Seed Kit, Black: Home & Garden

[akstrohm]

You're right, guinea pigs should only have fresh food, not canned or frozen.

Swiss Chard should be fed in pretty small amounts due to high oxalic acid content (which is not incorporated into the current charts).

Cilantro keeps about a week in the fridge for me, but it's always fun to grow your own too! Just don't let the plants get too hot or they will bolt and set seed.

[Tessa Bea]

Good to know about the Swiss Chard. I'll get more red and green lettuce, then.

I was hoping to get them peppers, but Lisa said that's one of the few things they're picky about and won't really eat. Oh well.

My husband's really bonded with Leonidas, he says he hasn't felt this close to an animal since "Mr. Piggy"- who was a BIG wild pig, not of the guinea variety, who wandered onto his family's farm in Texas and they adopted as a pet. It's good to have more life in the house!

[akstrohm]

Keep trying with the peppers. They are a very important source of vitamin C and a good daily veggie.

Feed them in small amounts many times a day. Remove them when they wilt. Try to feed them when you don't feed other veggies. Don't feed carrots or other treat veggies until they start eating the pepper. It can take weeks or months, but they will eat them. You just have to be patient.

[Tessa Bea]

Thanks! I'll keep trying then.

[Tessa Bea]

After a couple days of no one going up or down the ramp, and them only hanging out under the ramp, I took it and the loft away until I can engineer something different, a bigger loft area with a tube on the outside to get up or something. I made a hayrack, though, here's them and the cage... Also a couple shots of floor time.







The fleece has a basketball court print. ;P I think it's cute.

[RosiesMama]

Wow, those are beautiful pigs! And you've built an awesome cage. I'll bet they explore the top floor after they settle in a bit.
Edit: sorry, didn't see the 2nd page until after I posted. Love the basketball fleece!

[Tessa Bea]

Thanks! I think they're gorgeous too. Tahiri is a teddy, and Kimi is a teddy mix, and Leonidas isn't teddy at all- so I've got all different textures to cuddle and love. I'm currently trying to find more fleece so I can switch over from carefresh next cage change... There's a place in Seattle that sells by the yard starting at $1 a yard, with a $20 minimum- I think it may be worth the drive.

[PiggieMamaKelly]

I want that red teddy! Lock your doors tonight!

[Tessa Bea]

I will. ;P She's spunky too, like us stereotyped human redheads.