Confusing Poops?

[miaph]

I recently got two young female guinea pigs and i can’t tell if their poop is normal and healthy. They’re oval and dark brown for the most part except for the fact that there is a more medium brown streak in them. They’re not necessarily soft and mushy but i have noticed while cleaning their cage that the fresh poops are more soft and the older ones are obviously more hard. Since I just got them i have been introducing them to a small amount of carrots daily. Is it healthy and normal or should I slow down on introducing them to vegetables?

 

[Siikibam]

Being soft when fresh and hard when dried is normal. What I would suggest is to stop feeding carrot daily. It’s high in sugar and, like fruits, should be fed as an occasional treat. Good veg to start them with are coriander (cilantro) and bell pepper. What veg were they eating before coming home to you and how old are they? Have a read of the feeding guide as well as the other links below. Hay should make up the main part of their diet.

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Quick Information Bundle For Wannabe Owners

 

[miaph]

They have hay available at all times, they’re about 2 months old and they weren’t given vegetables. I started with tiny bits of carrots because i read not to start with watery vegetables.

 

[Siikibam]

Coriander is a good one to start with and so is bell pepper. They’re a good source of vitamin C and generally liked by a lot of piggies. If they’ve not had them you will have to introduce to them slowly. I wouldn’t give fruits, tomatoes or carrots for now.

 

[miaph]

Ok, thank you!

 

[LMPigs]

Just to add that our guineas poops are also frequently stripey. Weird! (But apparently normal for guineas)