The guinea pig, also called the cavy, is a species of rodent belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. these animals are NOT in the pig family,
Guinea pigs are NOT rats.
.. For one thing, they do not have a tail. Also, they can't climb like rats. They need to be on one level.They are more prone to obesity than rats, and they are far more social and dependent. They don't even make the same noises nor are they from Guinea.
Guinea pigs are NOT rats.
.. For one thing, they do not have a tail. Also, they can't climb like rats. They need to be on one level.They are more prone to obesity than rats, and they are far more social and dependent. They don't even make the same noises nor are they from Guinea.guinea pigs eat fresh vegetables and occasionally a little fruit. Fresh foods play an important role in your guinea pigs diet, along with unlimited quality hay, pellets and water. Fresh foods also help to make your guinea pigs diet tasty and interesting. They also contain a natural source of vitamins that your guinea pig needs, especially the all important vitamin c.
Vitamin c is especially important in a guinea pigs diet. Unlike many animals, guinea pigs can't produce their own vitamin c. A deficiency of vitamin c, could lead to scurvy and also loss of resistance to other diseases.Pets Stores and Super Markets sell Guinea Pig food that has a vitamin C supplement. However this is not recommended as the only source of vitamin C for your piggie's.
Here is list of fresh foods that are suitable for guinea pigs
Red or Green Bell Peppers:
One slice of a whole pepper, given daily, remove seeds. My favourite fresh food for guinea pigs and is loved by most guinea pigs. Very high in vit c, especially the red, but all colours have high vit c content. Pease note: Bell peppers are not to be confused with red hot chilli peppers which are a totally different food and should never be given to guinea pigs.
Broccoli:
Half a floret, including the stalk, twice weekly.
Carrot:
One baby carrot or a small slice of a large carrot, every other day.
Romaine Lettuce: One large leaf, every other day. Never give guinea pigs iceberg lettuce, its not nutritious and it can give them an upset tummmy and diarrhoea.
Fresh Grass:
Small handful, three to four times weekly. Never put guinea pigs out on wet grass, always make sure the grass is dry and never use grass that's been cut by a lawn mower. just give your piggies a small amount of grass to begin with so their tummies adjust.
Baby Tomato's:
One baby tomato or small plum tomato, twice weekly. Remember to remove the poisonous tomato top ( green part ) If using a slice from a larger tomato, remove seeds.
Cucumber:
Very little nutritional value, but has high water content and is loved by most guinea pigs. One slice, include the outer layer which is their favourite part. Given every other day. Cucumber is really appreciated by guinea pigs in hot weather, it acts as a liquid and is nice and cool. A little like us enjoying an ice lolly.
Apple:
One small slice, include peel, give weekly, remove core and pips. Many fruits are full of natural sugar and have fruit acid. To avoid your guinea pig getting a sore mouth, cut all fruit into small pieces and just give as an occasional treat because of the high sugar content.
Pear:
One small slice, include peel, give weekly, remove core and pips.
Seedless Grapes:
One or two, must be seedless, give weekly.
Fresh food preparation and safety
leave any salad yr giving yr guinea pigs, out of the fridge for a little while, before serving. Guinea pigs can have an upset tummy and diarrhoea, if they eat fresh food that is too cold. Never give vegetables from the freezer. Disregard any food that is going slightly brown/yellow or is wilting. Feeding food that isn't fresh could also upset their tummy and give them diarrhoea. Remember to remove seeds or pips from bell peppers, large tomatos, apples etc. Also, remember to cut celery up into small pieces as its stringy and could make piggy choke.
I found on this site that they had a good list of nutrition value information on various things you would feed to a Guinea Pig.
What not to feed a Guinea Pig!!
buttercup
Buttercups reportedly contain an acrid poison that if eaten can cause intestinal irritation. If handled, it can cause blisters on the skin.
Ice-burg lettuce is not suposed to be fed to Guinea Pig's because it contains toxins, however dark leaved lettuce is a good source of vitamins.
Spring Onion:
Cakes, biscuits, chocolate and dairy products should never be given to Guinea Pigs. It is very important to a Guinea Pigs digestive system that you do not incorporate this in to their diet.
Meat
should never be fed to Guinea Pigs, they are 100% vegetarian.
Potatoes
guinea pigs are the most adorable creatures ever
and having one was one of my big time childhood dreams ...
im ssssso excited and lov my gini piggy more than anything in this world
he's the most cutest thing iv ever had in my life .. my lil pumpkin.. mmmwah!!
and this is paris akki's lil pancha !! this is like the most cuutest lil thing ever .. this is a hamster btw .. thnx for the pics sis !!
im gonna hav a whole faarm of these guys someday!!!
hehe







