advice, no pellets for pigs.

[kalrik]

I ordered pellets, but there was a mix up with my order, and the order is coming later than expected. I just ran out of pellets. I don't want to get another type at the store because we know there is no good quality plus I have none of their old stuff to mix it with, so they don't get upset stomachs.

They will be going without pellets for about 5 days. I need suggestions. Do I up the veggies? Any veggies I should be feeding more of? Should I go out and buy pellets even though they arent the kind they are used to? WIll they be ok?

 

[aqh88]

Guinea pigs can actually survive fine without pellets and many people don't feed any because they can't get a high quality or it's not worth the cost. If you feed them lots of high quality hay and a good variety of veggies it will cover all the fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in pellets. It's actually healthier than pellets. Mine still get a small amount(1/8cup daily for each cage of 2-3 pig) just as a backup to make sure the rest of their diet isn't missing something. It would depend on what veggies you are feeding now and how much as to whether you should increase or change it any.

 

[Katie]

We do not feed pellets. We keep giving the same amount of vegetables and hay, but we up the amount of fresh grass, Timothy grass (not hay), clover, apple branches and pear branches (with leaves).

 

[widallas]

Could someone explain a bit more about pear and apple branches, what types you feed to the pigs and any type of preparation involved? Sounds interesting...

We do not feed pellets. We keep giving the same amount of vegetables and hay, but we up the amount of fresh grass, Timothy grass (not hay), clover, apple branches and pear branches (with leaves).

 

[Slap Maxwell]

You can clip off fruit branches to give to the pigs. Though there are certain precautions. Make sure there are NO branches from the trees of pitted fruits (ie. peaches). Those are very toxic. Second, most fruit trees are sprayed. They can not be sprayed with anything. Many pigs like to chew on the branches. Not sure about the leaves.

 

[widallas]

Thank you once again, Slap!

 

[Katie]

We clip crab apple branches and pear branches (not sure what species) and give to our pigs. Our pigs prefer the whole things, leaves, apples, pears and flowers.

 

[kalrik]

Are orange branches ok?