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荷兰猪吃便便原因及解决方法

19. December 2024
It's quite common for guinea pigs to eat their own feces, as their droppings still contain undigeste

It's quite common for guinea pigs to eat their own feces, as their droppings still contain undigested nutrients that haven't been fully chewed and absorbed. By consuming their feces, guinea pigs can reabsorb these nutrients and even gain some probiotics. However, while this behavior is natural, it's not ideal, and pet owners should still take steps to discourage it. Keep reading to learn more about how to prevent your guinea pig from eating its feces.

 

Why Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Feces?

Guinea pigs eat their feces because there are still nutrients present in the droppings that haven't been fully processed. This allows them to reabsorb these nutrients, and they can also acquire beneficial bacteria through this process. Nonetheless, it's important to note that this is not a desirable behavior, and owners should take measures to prevent it. Here are some tips to help avoid this habit:

Control the amount of food you feed your guinea pig to ensure it has time to digest and absorb nutrients, thereby reducing the presence of nutrientrich feces and the need for reabsorption.

Clean up the cage immediately after your guinea pig defecates to eliminate the temptation to eat its feces.

How Much Should a Guinea Pig Eat Daily?

It's essential to provide a balanced diet consisting of pellets, hay, grains, and occasional treats. Aim to feed your guinea pig around 20 to 30 grams of pellets daily, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Consistency in feeding times helps establish good eating habits and allows you to monitor your pet's intake more effectively.

Feeding Guidelines for Different Life Stages

For guinea pigs up to 6 months old, provide unlimited Timothy hay. After 6 months, switch to unlimited orchard grass. During this stage, their daily intake should be about 30 to 50 grams of food, with a water consumption of 60 to 120 ml.

For guinea pigs between 1 and 4 years old, a mix of hay, specialized pellets, and fruits and vegetables is recommended. Adult guinea pigs can consume 50 to 75 grams of food daily, with an approximate water intake of 80 to 150 ml. Feed them 20 to 30 grams of pellets daily, along with vegetables and fruits, twice a day.

For guinea pigs over 4 years old, maintain the same feeding amount, but be mindful that their bodies begin to decline. They may require fewer nutrients due to reduced activity, but their digestive systems can become less efficient. Be cautious about feeding them hard or difficulttodigest foods to prevent malnutrition.

Remember, guinea pigs are primarily herbivores, so their diet should consist mainly of hay, fruits, and vegetables. Suitable hay options include Timothy, orchard, oat, barley, and wheat grass. Vegetables like romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, cabbage, carrots, kale, and celery are also great choices. Fruits like apples, oranges, cherry tomatoes, and watermelon are also enjoyable. Guinea pigs tend to eat more in the evening, so ensure they have access to enough food at that time. Additionally, guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C and must obtain it from their diet, so provide a variety of vitamin Crich foods.

Lastly, it's crucial for pet owners to feed their guinea pigs properly and take steps to prevent them from eating their feces. With the right care, your guinea pig can lead a happy and healthy life.

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