Your guinea pig may be avoiding food, and you may wonder why. This can be a sign of more serious problems. Your guinea pig may be afraid, stressed, or experiencing physical problems. To find out the real cause of the problem, consult your vet. Often, guinea pigs will refuse to eat simply because they are afraid. Fortunately, you can help your pet overcome their fear and resume eating.
If your guinea pig is not eating, it could be suffering from a disease called GI Stasis. Symptoms of this disease include not eating, not moving, and decreased fecal production. The best way to diagnose GI Stasis is by consulting your vet. In this case, your guinea pig will need to be treated with medication, such as Meloxicam, Cisapride, or other medications. If your guinea pig is not eating, you should take them to the vet for a checkup.
If your guinea pig is not eating, the first thing to check is their diet. It’s crucial that your guinea pig has plenty of fresh and clean water to drink. When you do introduce a new food, make sure to introduce it slowly, and give it plenty of time to adjust. Water is essential for all living things. Without enough water, your guinea pig could suffer from a weakened digestive system, decreased appetite, or gastrointestinal issues.
If hay is not enough, you should try changing its diet. Try reducing the last hay, and gradually increasing the next one. Avoid making abrupt changes as this can cause digestive problems in your guinea pig. You should also try adding some legume hays, such as alfalfa and clover, to the mix. Legumes are higher in protein and lower in fiber than hay, and are often fed as treats alongside their original hay.
Other food items that should not be fed to your guinea pig include potatoes and green potato peelings. They contain toxins. Don’t feed your guinea pig yogurt drops. It may take several days before symptoms are apparent. In addition, iceberg lettuce and carrot tops may cause diarrhea. Adding them to your guinea pig’s diet may help him develop a broader palette.
Pellets can make your guinea pig picky. They need about 1/8 cup of pellets per day, but they won’t eat them if they are left in the same spot for a long period of time. If your guinea pig is refusing to eat pellets, try introducing hay instead. Hay is an alternative to pellets, but your guinea pig will likely prefer hay.
Another possible cause of your guinea pig’s inability to eat is stress. If your guinea pig is stressed, it will begin to dread the thought of interacting with you. Try introducing new people slowly, and keep your interactions brief and non-threatening. Give it time to adjust and your pig will eventually come out of hiding. When it is ready, pigs will start eating.
