Hi, I've been lurky on this site for about a year now; gathering as much information as possible before deciding if guinea pigs are appropirate for my family or not.
I think that I've made this right decision (we don't have any guinea yet), but I did have a few questions first.
I understand pellets are the easiest, quickest, and most complete food. But, I read that some people don't feed them. I'm wondering if this is just a personal decision or if there is a truly, scientific benefit of such diet?
As for water, I read in a book, "Cavies can live without water or liquid of any kind if they are fed only on a diet of green vegetables. Water, as we have seen, is necessary when prepared foods are used to supplement the diet. A piece of rock salt should always be available."
I was wondering what your opinions are on this matter. Have guinea pigs been so domesticated that they cannot survive without pelts?
I also read on this site that salt licks are not necessary, but I have doubts about that as well. I thought salt was something all animals needed access to on a regular basis.
Thanks for your time and input.
I think that I've made this right decision (we don't have any guinea yet), but I did have a few questions first.
I understand pellets are the easiest, quickest, and most complete food. But, I read that some people don't feed them. I'm wondering if this is just a personal decision or if there is a truly, scientific benefit of such diet?
As for water, I read in a book, "Cavies can live without water or liquid of any kind if they are fed only on a diet of green vegetables. Water, as we have seen, is necessary when prepared foods are used to supplement the diet. A piece of rock salt should always be available."
I was wondering what your opinions are on this matter. Have guinea pigs been so domesticated that they cannot survive without pelts?
I also read on this site that salt licks are not necessary, but I have doubts about that as well. I thought salt was something all animals needed access to on a regular basis.
Thanks for your time and input.