I have a fat guinea pig. His name is Buddy, but I nicknamed him fatty cuz he has been so big since we got him and he keeps getting bigger. I think he is a little over a year and 2lbs 12ounces. The vet said he is healthy and laughed when I told her that he eats until he can't move, so I am guessing it is okay, but I am not sure if she knew that I wasn't joking when I told her that. He eats till he can't move and lays out like a beached whale for about 20 minutes...once he digests, he starts all over again. He also wants all the food we give the other Guinea Pig. He is not social so I do bribe him to love me with food. (I am an enabler.) Anyway, is this normal, or a concern. I was just thinking that if a human did this, there is cause for alarm, though I don't think they have therapy for piggies...(I wish they did..mine are an emotional mess.)
2006-12-15 14:28:01 · 6 answers · asked by Melissa 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
No, you shouldn't be concerned. The poster above needs to realize that guinea pigs are not hamsters. It's not difficult to tell them apart.
Guinea pigs SHOULD eat for the majority of the day. Their diet calls for 1/8th to 1/4 of a cup of pellets, a cup of vegetables per day, and unlimited hay. Yes, unlimited. If they're eating it all, put more in. They are grazing animals, and require the food to keep their gastrointestinal systems moving. Trying to limit a guinea pig's food is like trying to limit a cow or horse's grazing: a bad idea, and completely unnecessary.
2lbs 12oz is actually not all that large for a guinea pig, I've seen pigs up to 4lbs that were simply huge. Between 2-3 lbs is considered a "normal" size for a guinea pig.
ALSO, the person who recommend doggie chew toys needs to stop. Guinea pigs are strict herbivores who cannot digest meat. Feeding them meat based dog products is a stupid idea, and if they're getting unlimited hay, they certainly don't need them to wear down their teeth.
2006-12-15 14:37:19 · answer #1 · answered by Lotus Effect 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the vet saw your pet..and just laughed it off..i wouldn't worry too much. my guinea pig constantly demands treats from the fridge!..It doesn't matter if she just had tomato slices or carrots etc..if the fridge is open again..she is squeaking her lungs out..demanding more! lol..I make sure I give her lots of floor time to run around and get some exercise too..
it is amazing how much one little Guinea pig can eat isn't it? lol
2006-12-15 22:39:20 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't put as much food in his cage. Figure out what would be a decent portion, and only give that much. Put in doggie chew toys for him to keep his teeth filed down. It is possible for him to eat himself to death.
2006-12-15 22:36:38 · answer #3 · answered by It's Complicated 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you should be concerned, my hamsters use to do that too, and a few months later, he died. i asked the doctor why, he said it ate too much that none of his organs got to rest, so eventually everything just shut down
2006-12-15 22:32:47 · answer #4 · answered by ♀★sMiLe☆♀ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its little system needs time to rest, feed it a measured amount twice daily. He is not starving, but he will pretend he is to get you to feed him
2006-12-15 22:36:37 · answer #5 · answered by Sugarshots 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well just like goldfish and other pets they will eat until until they cant anymore so just stop feeding "fatty" so much and u wont kill him
2006-12-15 23:12:16 · answer #6 · answered by bdbdub 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋