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Health advice for two sows who have had babies.

Kay Kelly

Kay Kelly

New Born Pup
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Hi there

I have just taken in/rescued 2 sow sisters. They have had a litter around 6 weeks ago apparently. I just wanted to ask if there is anything in particular i should be doing to make sure theyre in best health. My others are always in great health and had one live until she was 6 recently so i know general health care . But i havent dealt with any ladies that have had babies before. Didnt know if there was any extra care post birth?

Thanks in advance
 
Kay Kelly said:
Hi there

I have just taken in/rescued 2 sow sisters. They have had a litter around 6 weeks ago apparently. I just wanted to ask if there is anything in particular i should be doing to make sure theyre in best health. My others are always in great health and had one live until she was 6 recently so i know general health care . But i havent dealt with any ladies that have had babies before. Didnt know if there was any extra care post birth?

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Hi

Just a good general hay based diet with only 1 tablespoon of pellets and a cup of preferably mixed green veg plus a daily slice of pepper/capsicum. Make sure that you include a slice of greens or just a little kale or a small rosette of broccoli once a week.
You can also instead of the higher calcium veg (which are also high in magnesium - which is not in pellets - and vitamin C) offer a little fresh herb like parsley or dill to help restock her bodily reserves of trace element.
Coriander/cilantro is the one you can feed one or two small sprigs daily; the other herbs should normally be seen as a bit of a special treat but never daily. But different herbs have different trace elements so they make good enrichment - use them in your own cooking and just set a little aside for your piggies.

Please be aware that the actual amounts are minute in such a small animal and that your sows are now already at least two weeks past weaning so you would be doing better to opt for long term quality of diet by now. It's the long term diet and good care that carries the day and the longevity, and always has for any very run down rescue adopted mothers of mine over the years.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

The by far best food right now is the rich fresh growing grass at this time of year but please introduce it slowly or you can risk a potentially fatal bloat if you do not give the gut microbiome time to adjust. Start with just a little and then a bit more with every meal for the next 3-4 days until you have reached a small handful per piggy without any mishaps. Make sure that any dandelions and grass are not treated or sprayed and free of dog pee. Rich green growing grass is high in vitamin C and the reason why guinea pigs could switch off their vitamin C producing gene complex as they are getting enough from their main source of food.
Feeding Grass And Preparing Your Piggies For Lawn Time
 
Thats amazing thankyou soo much. My other girls have a nicely varied diet and grass time. il make sure i do the grass and herbs as you say for the mothers.

Thanks again
 
Kay Kelly said:
Thats amazing thankyou soo much. My other girls have a nicely varied diet and grass time. il make sure i do the grass and herbs as you say for the mothers.

Thanks again
Click to expand...

If they have had lawn access before you got them, then it is not a problem; otherwise it is better to play it safe rather than be sorry.
 
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