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3 month old guinea pig2007-11-24 21:57:13

i might be getting a 3 month old guinea pig (from the shelter). would i need to feed it alfalfa hay and alfalfa based food for three months only? i know you feed the adults timothy hay so would i have to gradualy switch out the pellets/hay for timothy hay and timothy based pellets when its 6 months old?

Answers:

I would recommend feeding any guinea pig under the age of 6 months Afalfa hay and alfalfa based foods. Then you will need to slowly switch to the timothy hay and timothy based pellets, do the switch slowly. Quick changes in a guinea pigs diet can cause diarrhea due to stress.

Please consider getting 2 guinea pigs, guinea pigs are herd animals by nature thus why the do better in pairs. Great to see you using the shelter and have fun with your new piggy!

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I agree with Buzzare. It's generally a good idea to have an alfalfa-based diet for a piggie 6 months and under. Then you can gradually make the change to a timothy based diet. Alfalfa is good for young and pregnant guinea pigs because of it's high calcium content. Older pigs don't need as much calcium as younger ones - their bodies are no longer growing. An excess of calcium can cause kidney stones, which is why it's recommended to switch to Timothy Hay.

Good luck! I think it's great you're adopting your piggie from a shelter. Two of my four came from a shelter, and they've been wonderful.

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When you get your guinea pig, look at the cage that he/she is in. Is the guinea pig provided with alfalfa hay? If so, then pick up a bag or two of alfalfa hay. When you bring home your new guinea pig, scatter around the alfalfa hay around the whole guinea pig cage. Feeding your guinea pig two hand fuls of hay, every other day, is best for a guinea pig! But, if the cage doesn't have alfalfa hay in it, then I would recommend slowely feeding your guinea pig the hay at at least 6 months old. Start out by getting a paper towel role, and then stuff it with hay. That way, your guinea pig can used to the hay. In the next month, scatter some of the hay around the cage. Once again, if you feed the guinea pig two handfuls of this hay every other day, then that will keep your guinea pig healthy! Keep checking on the hay supply (in your guinea pig's cage), to see if your guinea pig is eating the hay. If so, give your guinea pig some more. But, if your guinea pig isn't eating the hay, then, you should call a vet. All guinea pigs should be supplied with alfalfa hay.

If you have any other questions about guinea pigs, you can email me at: pethelper4@yahoo.com!

I hope that you have fun with your new guinea pig (when you get one!)! Thanks, and Good Luck!

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Buzzare and acanoffleas gave you good info. Hay should be available 24/7.

my guinea pig ToTo- please go to http://guinealynx.info and read the site b/f you give out anymore information

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Yes ToTo, please do. I believe this has been suggested to you before.

Guinea pigs need a constant supply of hay to keep their teeth in shape, not a handful every other day. Adult, non-pregnant guineas should only be fed timothy or grass hay.