New Piggy Questions

[shannie7]

We have two boy piggy's, have had them about two weeks now, Oreo and Butter. Oreo is fine if not a bit bossy, but Butter's eye is a little runny, not a lot but I am a bit worried. Advice appreciated. Also I wanted to find out about mites, I have read that there is a topical treatment, if so where can I find it?

The boys seem to get along fine, although they fuss over the water bottle, not the food, go figure. Oreo constantly talks to Butters, non-stop, but Butters just doesn't make noises. Is this normal?

This is all the questions I have for now, any advice would be helpful. Thanks!!!

 

[Slap Maxwell]

Congrats on the new additions!

I have had my skittish one for three months, and she still is skittish. It may take a month, a year, or she may never settle down. Pigs are prey animals.

There is no topical treatment for mites that acctually works- only ivermectin works. It can be given orally or through a shot. It needs to be administered 2-3 times 7 days apart. Your exotics vet can do this.

Try having two water bottles- this may help.

What food are you feeding them?

 

[shannie7]

Well we are giving them pellets of course, I bought vitamins that we use as treats, they like them alot, so we give them about two a day. That is what was suggested. One loves collard greens and one mustard greens. They both love carrots, and I bought a bag of flavored treats that I mix in their hay. They are still small, about two-three months, so I took a toilet paper roll, slit it down the side and I stuff it as full of hay as I can, then I sprinkle a few treats in it. They have a blast trying to get the hay out. Every morning it is gone, so I know they like hay. I am however confused about hay, I have read several conflicting reports as to which one to give them. We are also using apples as a treat. They have a bell toy in their cage and my daughter started ringing the bell each morning and then giving them a bit of apple as a treat. Now as soon as Oreo hears the bell in the morning he comes running. Butter still won't eat out of our hand, but we are working on him. Oreo is the personable one and spends all night running circles in his cage and ringing his bell. He loves his bell. The water bottle isn't a huge battle they just like to head butt each other to see which can get more water time. Oreo takes his paw and pushes Butter out of the way, then Butter will head butt him. It is rather comical. They will drink water forever.

 

[shannie7]

Also so I need to see a vet about any mites. I don't know if they have them, not much itching, but I figure better safe than sorry.

 

[Slap Maxwell]

The only treats they should get are fresh veggies and fruits- they need to be getting a cup of those per pig each day- read this:

https://guinealynx.com/nutrition.html

Nuts, seeds, yogurt drops, etc. are bad for them. The only vitamin they should be getting is Oxbows GTN50-C tabs or sugar free chewable vit. C only tabs. The pellets should not be a mix- just plain pellets- I recommend Oxbow ((broken link removed))

 

[shannie7]

Thanks for the suggestions because I was giving them the yogart drops. They love them though, & and I didn't know they needed an entire cup of fresh veggies and fruit. I'll need to step up production in that area!!! Thanks!

 

[Slap Maxwell]

The yogurt drops are filled with sugar. To much sugar can result in diabetes. Pigs are straight vegans as well. (No milk, yogurt, animal fat, ect.)

Are you putting anything in their water? (Like C drops?)

 

[shannie7]

Nothing in water, I'd rather not mess with that, I am afraid I would hurt them. Just checked out Oxbow and filled my cart. Will be ordering tomorrow. Their prices aren't bad, I was suprised. I also just read that they like grass, like lawn grass, clover etc.?

 

[Slap Maxwell]

Nothing in the water is perfect. That is a no-no.

How old are they? If they are younger than six months- go with Cavy Performance- if over six months- go with Cavy Cuisine.

If they are young, go with alfalfa hay, if older, timothy is good.

Yes, as long as the grass is not sprayed with anything (NO pesticides or fertalizers) and it is not picked by the side of the road- grass is a GREAT thing to give them- and they love it.

 

[shannie7]

Thanks for the help Slap, you give good advice, they are young about 2-3 months so I will just use the alfalfa. Are the pellets a good choice. I notice oxbow has them, this would be easier, although they sure love spreading that hay all over the place. I guess I could do both. Thanks again.

 

[Slap Maxwell]

Yup- Oxbow has everything you need. The Alfalfa and Cavy Performance is a great choice.

 

[Percy's Mom]

As a reasonably new Piggy Mommy myself, I've been looking for other mail order sites to purchase supplies. The feed stores and garden centers around here only seem to cater to dogs and horses. I've found the Oxbow products a couple of other places in addition to (broken link removed)

The Critter Store (broken link removed) has comperable prices to Oxbow direct, but the shipping costs appear to be lower.

The Ferret Store (broken link removed) has higher base prices, but free shipping if you're getting more than $35 worth of stuff.

All 3 of these sources have the Oxbow brand in food and a variety of hays. The two "stores" also have a lot of neat toys and fun things for Cavies and their people. I'm sure there are other places online, and if anyone would post some of their favorites, I'd love to check those out as well.

 

[Katie]

IThere is no topical treatment for mites that acctually works- only ivermectin works. It can be given orally or through a shot. It needs to be administered 2-3 times 7 days apart. Your exotics vet can do this

.


Ivermectin can be given 3 ways, orally, topically or by injection. I prefer topical treatments. You can find more info at www.guinealynx.info

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

A runny eye may be a sign of URI, may be why he is quiet.

 

[Piglet]

Yup, topical ivermectin works just as well

 

[shannie7]

.


Ivermectin can be given 3 ways, orally, topically or by injection. I prefer topical treatments. You can find more info at www.guinealynx.info

 

[shannie7]

where is a link on guinealynx.info to buy ivermectin? Can't seem to find it.

 

[Piglet]

https://www.guinealynx.com/ivermectin.html

 

[VoodooJoint]

Ask for it at Feed and Grain stores....they often sell Iver.

 

[Slap Maxwell]

Topical can be messy. I wasn't aware they made a topical Iver. as I believe T said nothing topical worked.