Orphaned Guinea Pigs
Hello I am in a situation where I am currently caring for Orphaned Guinea Pigs. We are grieving the loss of our beloved pet who passed after an emergency C section. She was able to have 2 babies and the other two passed. (I did not and would not ever attempt to breed guinea pigs, this was a sexing error on someone else's part). I have been feeding the little ones Critical Care and a supplementing with a 50/50 Solution of condensed milk upon the advice of my vet, who is a small animal specialist. The babies are gaining weight and seem to be doing well. The are 5 days old today. They are nibbling on soft pellets and hay. I am wondering about introducing veggies etc. I am confused by some information about not having proper gut bacteria which could cause them problems breaking down cellulose, which could lead to bloat? Is there a probiotic I could use for this (I have tried to give them some adult poo pellets mixed in the Critical Care? I am also wondering about water. The bottle is there and they seem to be going for the water on their own, should I be trying to give them additional water?
- Lynx
- Celebrate!!!
I am so sorry for the loss of the mother.
You might want to read over handfeeding.html#pups
Cows milk is not suitable for guinea pigs. I would switch over to only critical care. I understand their bums need to be wiped to stimulate defecation. As for populating their digestive tract, if you can get hold of some of the cecal feces (special poops that are reingested - greenish and smelly), that would be your best bet.
You might want to read over handfeeding.html#pups
Cows milk is not suitable for guinea pigs. I would switch over to only critical care. I understand their bums need to be wiped to stimulate defecation. As for populating their digestive tract, if you can get hold of some of the cecal feces (special poops that are reingested - greenish and smelly), that would be your best bet.
Thanks for the response and the information. I try to limit the milk, I was surprised the vet had suggested it. She said they were a little on the small side and wanted me to supplement 3-4x per day with a 50/50 solution of condensed milk, which apparently it suitable for them as long it's condensed. I've been diligent about stimulating defecation as well. I'm wondering when it would be safe to start offering them veggies etc. I don't think our hearts could handle losing these little ones. They seem to be doing very well and gaining weight so far.
It's hard when a trusted vet gives questionable advice. But no milk products at all, whether condensed or not. I agree with Lynx, Critical Care only. How many weeks did the mother carry the babies?
Usually babies are able to eat solid food within hours of birth. Regular (not softened) pellets and hay should be available at all times now. Do you have an adult you can put them with? So the adult can model behavior.
Usually babies are able to eat solid food within hours of birth. Regular (not softened) pellets and hay should be available at all times now. Do you have an adult you can put them with? So the adult can model behavior.
Yes I was very conflicted and concerned about that but she is a small animal vet so I trusted. I wish I could have gotten them an actual small animal formula. They majority of what they have been getting is the Critical Care. Pellets (reg also softened), hay, including alpha hay, are available and they are nibbling on those things. I am just wondering when it would be ok to give them veggies etc?
- Lynx
- Celebrate!!!
Yes. Introduce one vegetable at a time. You can chop it finely and put it on their pellets to get them interested in it. After a vegetable is tolerated fine (a handful of days), you can add the next vegetable.
www.guinelynx.info/fave.html
www.guinelynx.info/fave.html
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- And got the T-shirt
Actually, in the United States, and I believe also in Canada, "small animal" vet means dogs and cats, not exotic pets. You need an actual exotic vet to treat them.
If you're ever faced with this situation again, goat's milk is the closest to guinea pig milk of any that are available. Guinea pigs are not engineered to process sugar, and sweetened condensed milk is more sugar than milk. If it were me, I'd discontinue that immediately.
If you're ever faced with this situation again, goat's milk is the closest to guinea pig milk of any that are available. Guinea pigs are not engineered to process sugar, and sweetened condensed milk is more sugar than milk. If it were me, I'd discontinue that immediately.
Actually, Marumoto -you should remember her, Dr Stoffels- has guinea pig milk substitute with colostrum. It is ideal for orphaned pups. The problem is, she is based in Retje, in Belgium, and for the milk to be of any real help, babies need to to be started on it as early as possible. You need to have it on hand before anything happens.
Marumoto products can be bought via her online Marumoto/Maru-vet shop. Also some Polish online pet food and accessories shops carry it, like Superświstak ("super marmot:)".
Marumoto products can be bought via her online Marumoto/Maru-vet shop. Also some Polish online pet food and accessories shops carry it, like Superświstak ("super marmot:)".