I didn't think 3 was old? Have been hand feeding for last week and Jan hates it. Can't wait for Winter and loads of grass again.Ditto. Supplementing with Critical Care and/or pellet stew is the only reliable way I've found to help increase weight, or maintain it in an older piggie.
Jan's Toothy Smile medical thread
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daisymay
- Supporter 2016-2020
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Talishan
- You can quote me
No, 3 isn't old. I phrased that poorly -- would have been better to have said that CC and pellet stew are the only ways I've found to help any pig gain or maintain weight consistently or reliably (and even then it's a struggle).
Once in a great while (like every few years :/), I'll get a batch of really, really, REALLY great hay that they love and devour in mass quantities. That works better than anything. Unfortunately that's something that you can't get on demand when you really need it.
Once in a great while (like every few years :/), I'll get a batch of really, really, REALLY great hay that they love and devour in mass quantities. That works better than anything. Unfortunately that's something that you can't get on demand when you really need it.
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daisymay
- Supporter 2016-2020
Anne too was concerned that Jan dribbled when eating so Jan will be seeing Carol May 16th to be gas sedated and back teeth looked at for spurs.
Will NEVER take anymore pigs to see Anne. Carol and Kirsty may not know much about pigs but thet're honest about it and are willing to learn. Better the devil you know. The most dangerous vet is the one who claims to have knowledge.
Will NEVER take anymore pigs to see Anne. Carol and Kirsty may not know much about pigs but thet're honest about it and are willing to learn. Better the devil you know. The most dangerous vet is the one who claims to have knowledge.
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daisymay
- Supporter 2016-2020
Our Jan will be 4 in December and she is eating, being hand fed, doing all things normal but is losing weight. She has always been on the small size think she was the runt of the litter. 2 weeks ago she was 840grams and this week 800grams.
She has been to the vet and been checked out by Carol who found nothing. She did say Jan had a lot of cheek/skin in her mouth. No X-rays were took even though I pleaded for Carol to take some. If she continues to lose weight I will insist on dental X-rays or take her else where. I am at a lost as to why Jan and Jasmine lose weight around this time of year. Jemma Jasmine's sister would also lose weight this time of year.
She has been to the vet and been checked out by Carol who found nothing. She did say Jan had a lot of cheek/skin in her mouth. No X-rays were took even though I pleaded for Carol to take some. If she continues to lose weight I will insist on dental X-rays or take her else where. I am at a lost as to why Jan and Jasmine lose weight around this time of year. Jemma Jasmine's sister would also lose weight this time of year.
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daisymay
- Supporter 2016-2020
For the last 4 years Jasmine, Jemma and Jan have all lost weight from Spring to Autumn. Ranging from 60grams or more. I always weigh my girls at the same time not always the same day but at the same time. Last year Jasmine was 1184grams in November and in June she was 680grams and now she is 900grams.If you're not weighing at the same time every day,
Jan was 940grams in November and is now 800grams. This is not a food versus piggy thing. Something is causing these girls to lose weight. Whether it be stress, heat, or diet(hard to find grass) but something is at the bottom of it.
It is too late for Jemma but not for her sister Jasmine and Jan. If it's not medical what is it?
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daisymay
- Supporter 2016-2020
Can one feed their guinea pigs oaten and Triticale hay? It is as follows
Triticale is a highly versatile forage for grazing, silage, balage, and boot-stage hay. Triticale is a cross between wheat and rye.
It is getting hard at present to get Oaten hay apart from meadow what other hays are safe for guinea pigs?
Took Jan to the vet Monday. She had lost another 20grams and is now below 800grams. Teeth were fine, heart and breathing also fine. No lumps or bumps found. So both vet and us puzzled, will give the corn a try. We are adding grinded oats to the Critical Care mixture which hasn't made much of a difference.
Jasmine has lost 15grams in a week so am keeping close eye on her too.
Triticale is a highly versatile forage for grazing, silage, balage, and boot-stage hay. Triticale is a cross between wheat and rye.
It is getting hard at present to get Oaten hay apart from meadow what other hays are safe for guinea pigs?
Took Jan to the vet Monday. She had lost another 20grams and is now below 800grams. Teeth were fine, heart and breathing also fine. No lumps or bumps found. So both vet and us puzzled, will give the corn a try. We are adding grinded oats to the Critical Care mixture which hasn't made much of a difference.
Jasmine has lost 15grams in a week so am keeping close eye on her too.
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Lynx
- Celebrate!!!
All I can find about Triticale hay for you is here:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/fcd10574
If you compare the calcium in tritical to my hay chart, it looks like the calcium falls in the grass hay area vs. alfalfa/clover higher calcium area:
http://www.guinealynx.info/hay_chart.html
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/fcd10574
If you compare the calcium in tritical to my hay chart, it looks like the calcium falls in the grass hay area vs. alfalfa/clover higher calcium area:
http://www.guinealynx.info/hay_chart.html
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Talishan
- You can quote me
Triticale is a wheat (according to the original Star Trek, anyway. :-)
If it's a grass hay made from a wheat plant, it should be fine if the pigs will eat it. The tribbles liked it. ;-) Rye blends are fed, at least in the UK iirc, with no problem (and they smell wonderful).
If it's a grass hay made from a wheat plant, it should be fine if the pigs will eat it. The tribbles liked it. ;-) Rye blends are fed, at least in the UK iirc, with no problem (and they smell wonderful).
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daisymay
- Supporter 2016-2020
Thanks for the reply bpatters. At the start of the year Jan was 820grams and was hovering around 820-780grams. Now she is she is behaving like Jemma and Jasmine where in the cooler months they would lose weight for no apparent reason.
Jan is eating, pooping, peeing and is bright and alert and doesn't look like she is in pain. She will be 5 in December of this year. Is this just due to aging or something else? Her sister Joy isn't doing it and our late Jessie never did it nor past piggies that reached 5.
Not going to waste money taking her to the vet as they had NO idea with Jemma and Jasmine and I doubt they would have any idea now. Any advice much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Teeth have been looked at and were normal.
Jan is eating, pooping, peeing and is bright and alert and doesn't look like she is in pain. She will be 5 in December of this year. Is this just due to aging or something else? Her sister Joy isn't doing it and our late Jessie never did it nor past piggies that reached 5.
Not going to waste money taking her to the vet as they had NO idea with Jemma and Jasmine and I doubt they would have any idea now. Any advice much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Teeth have been looked at and were normal.