Guinea Pigs Essay

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Guinea pigs will eat a wide range of foods, including much of what we ourselves eat. Being herbivores, guinea pigs shouldn't be given leftovers containing meat, but most vegetables will be taken readily. It is possible to buy pellets which are manufactured from a range of vegetable products, plus vitamins and minerals. Hay: Clean fresh hay should be available at all times, not only as bedding but also as a substantial part of the diet. Hay is, in fact, quite nutritious and contains most of the basic constituents required in the diet. Green food: There is virtually no limit to the amount of green foods available for guinea pigs. Domestic greens may include cabbage, lettuce, peas, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and cauliflower. Wild green foods may also be collected and can include such items as seeding grassed, dandelions, chickweed and clover. In collecting wild foods, beware of the poisonous plants and avoid areas which are likely polluted. Fruit and Vegetables: Many fruits are enjoyed by guinea pigs, including such items as apples, pears and soft fruits. Although green foods and fruit are important items in the guinea pig's diet, they should be given sparingly otherwise scouring may be encouraged. Root vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, Swedes, parsnips and beetroot are also highly nutritious. Cereals: In addition to hay, fruit and vegetables, a dish of cereal grain should be available at all times. Your guinea pigs will obtain their extra fats from these cereals, as well as supplement the other parts of the diet. Mixed corn, as supplied for poultry, is a convenient cereal food for guinea pigs. Water: It has been said that guinea pigs supplied with adequate green food do not require water but this is quite untrue. Although they are not likely to drink much, clean, fresh water should be available at all times. Bowls of water within the hutch are not

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