Can guinea pigs get fat?

Guinea pigs can get fat quickly if they don't eat the right food or don't take enough exercise. Use our body condition score chart (Pet Size-O-Meter) every four weeks or so to check your guinea pig's body condition score.

Is it okay for guinea pigs to be fat?

Obese guinea pigs may have fatty pads on their shoulders, legs and groin area. They can also accumulate fat deposits around their internal organs, including the heart; these can cause serious health problems. If your guinea pig is overweight, they will become unfit and have reduced exercise tolerance.

How do you slim down a guinea pig?

If you're concerned about your guinea pig's weight, weigh them regularly and track any weight gain. To help your guinea pig lose a little weight, adjust its diet and cut back on foods such as pellets, treats, and fruit. Encourage your guinea pig to play, move, and become active so it burns more calories.

What foods can make guinea pigs fat?

If you want to help your guinea pig gain weight, add a few pea flakes to their daily diet. Then eat back into just feeding 1 or 2 a day, which is the recommended amount. You may also make your own pea flakes at home, but it's can be a serious time suck.

What is the fattest guinea pig in the world?

According to the study, the researchers determined the large guinea pig fossil's weight came in at 1,500 pounds and the estimation for its body size was approximately nine feet long. That made the guinea pig about the size of a cow or buffalo.

Is My Guinea Pig Too Fat? Weighing All My Pigs

Is my guinea pig fat or bloated?

If you suspect your guinea pig is putting on weight, consult your veterinarian. A sudden gain or loss of weight could be a sign of a medical problem, including pregnancy or a tumor. Bloat involves distension of the abdomen that happens over hours; this is a medical emergency that needs immediate veterinary care.

How much should guinea pigs weigh?

Weigh-ins

The most accurate way of keeping an eye on your piggy's weight is with a gram scale. On average, a healthy male cavy should weigh between 900 and 1,200 grams and a female anywhere between 700 and 900 grams.

How long do guinea pigs live?

Guinea pigs live an average of five to seven years. This lifespan is longer than many other small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice or rats, all of whom only live up to a few years.

How big is a healthy guinea pig?

A full-grown and healthy guinea pig should measure somewhere between 10-14 inches long and about 5 inches tall. There is plenty of room for variation here depending on health, breed, and age. Some guinea pigs can even nearly reach 20 inches in length.

Why do guinea pigs squeak?

Squeal: Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.

Should I be able to feel my guinea pigs ribs?

While there isn't a precise weight that is ideal for every guinea pig, most cavy experts will tell you that you should be able to feel your pig's spine as you run your hand down her back. You should also be able to feel the outline of her ribs under your fingertips.

Why is my guinea pig so overweight?

Guinea pigs can get fat quickly if they don't eat the right food or don't take enough exercise. Use our body condition score chart (Pet Size-O-Meter) every four weeks or so to check your guinea pig's body condition score.

Why are guinea pigs bloated?

Guinea pig bloat occurs when gas builds up in your pet's gastrointestinal intestinal tract. “Guinea pigs are not able to pass gas through their intestines, so the gas just stays in the intestines and produces severe pain,” says Lori Hageman, DVM, owner of Ark Pet Hospital in Antioch, Calif.

What age are guinea pigs fully grown?

Adult Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are typically considered adults from 6 months to about 5 years of age. Adults are no longer growing but still require macro-nutrients like fiber and protein, as well as micro-nutrients like the vitamins and minerals that are found in a timothy hay-based, uniform fortified food.

How often do guinea pigs sleep?

Guinea pigs don't have a specific time where they sleep, but will usually sleep on average about 6 hours a day. While I was filming our most recent vlog, you may notice certain sleeping habits of my own guinea pigs. My guinea pigs tend to sleep when I sleep.

Why can I feel my guinea pigs hip bones?

Typically, a guinea pig is considered too skinny if you're able to easily see and feel the rib cage, spine or hip bones. It's a great way to see if he's the right weight. Guinea pigs that are underweight risk illness and even death.

Can you eat guinea pigs?

Guinea pig, or cuy as it is known, is a delicacy. The meat is prized and tastes like a cross between duck and rabbit. When properly prepared, the meat of a guinea pig is rich, fatty, and flavorful, while the skin, when roasted over a hot fire, gives pork crackling a run for its money.

What is a super guinea pig?

The name Cuy is South American Spanish for members of the species Cavia porcellus, which is the same species of guinea pig seen in the United States. These guinea pigs are much larger, however, because they are a domesticated guinea pig kept as livestock for meat.

Can you give guinea pigs meat?

Meat - Guinea Pig's are herbivores and cannot process meat. Cooked foods - Guinea Pig's cannot digest cooked food. Anything to do with the potato plant - potato contains toxins that can be harmful to your Guinea Pig.

What should guinea pigs eat daily?

The preferred basic diet for guinea pigs is unlimited amounts of Timothy or other low-calcium hay, supplemented with smaller amounts of a commercial, high-fiber, Timothy-hay based guinea pig pellets. Vitamin C (see below) should be given each day. Hay should be offered free-choice throughout the day.

Are pea flakes good for guinea pigs?

They are loved by most rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and small pets. Wheeky Pea Flakes make a healthy snack and are a great source of protein for small pets. We recommend feeding these as a treat only, due to the high protein count, and limiting to 1-2 tsp per day max per pet.