When and how to switch pellets?

[Emma Vasey]

My 2 guinea pigs are about 5 months old and since I found out (2 months ago) they should be on alfalfa based pellets I've been feeding them Oxbow young guinea pig pellets. I give them an unlimited amount.

When should I switch to adult pellets? I thought that they were an adult when they were a year old but I've also read that they should not have these pellets after 6 months.

The Oxbow pellets aren't available locally so I have to order them online. I'm going to use burgess pellets which I can purchase in most places. How do I switch? Do I go this gradually or one day just start giving them the 1/8 cup if their new pellets. How will they cope with changing from unlimited to limited pellets?

[QusieQ]

Looking forward to an educated answer to this ... My babies are just 3 months old.

[bpatters]

They'll cope just fine when you change them -- they'll just eat more hay and veggies. Continue free feeding until they're six months old, then restrict to 1/8 cup each. You can continue to feed the old pellets until they're gone (unless that going to be months ahead), and switch them cold turkey to the new pellets.

[Emma Vasey]

Thanks Bpatters I know I can count on you to keep me right. They currently have Timothy hay (unlimited), various different lettuce and bell pepper everyday then I give them a selection of other veggies depending on what's available. I'm hoping that this is ok to give them all the nutrition they need.