Q&A for How to Avoid Overfeeding Your Guinea Pig

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My sister's guinea pig doesn't have a cagemate, but it has been like that for 3 years and it has been fine. It is cheerful, tends to run around, but I am wondering if I should get a companion.

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

Definitely look into getting your guinea pig a companion, as they are social animals that like to be in pairs or small groups of three to four. While your guinea pig may seem happy; they generally do not show signs of loneliness. Introduce a baby guinea pig to your current guinea pig.

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How much of the bedding should be in their cage and should I have a fleece pad in there as well?

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

If you are using wood shavings or paper bedding, line the base of the cage with newspaper or puppy pads and add two inches of fresh bedding. Fleece pads are not necessary, but they can be added to provide some extra cosiness for your guinea pigs.

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I feed my guinea pig, Chunky, normal portions but he still weighs 4.5 pounds. Is that normal? He shares a cage with his biological brother, Speedy, who weighs 2.5 pounds.

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

The measurements of Chunky seems to be out of the normal range. In other words, he is likely overweight. The average weight of an adult boar is anywhere from 900 to 1300g. However, some boars can weigh up to 1800g depending on their breed and body size. It's best to visit a veterinarian to set up a dietary plan. You will likely be advised to separate Chunky and Speedy during feeding times.

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Help, I'm confused! There's a huge difference between 1 measuring cup of green leave veggies and 8oz! An overflowing bowl weighed only 2oz! So I should be feeding 4x as much. That doesn't seem right!

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

Piece of advice: don't weigh your vegetables. The best way to determine how much is enough for one guinea pig is to eyeball it. One cup should equate to roughly one plateful of various vegetables. This may consist of 3-4 leaves of lettuce, a couple of cherry tomatoes, a few slices of cucumber, and half of a chopped up bell pepper.

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