Won't Eat Pellets

[lucyr]

I got 2 female guinea pigs this week and we got pellets as I know this is better than muesli (because muesli doesn't give them all the nutrients they need as most guinea pigs only eat the parts they like). However, they haven't been eating the pellets. They have eaten a few, but only a few single pellets between them.

They are eating hay and vegetables and healthy treats but I'm worried they still won't be getting everything they need. Are they getting enough energy and nutrients?

Shall I wait for them to start to eat it? As I know I haven't had them long so maybe they just need time to adjust, but I'm worried, I want them to be healthy.

And if they don't start eating them, what should I switch to? Muesli? Advice, please!

 

[Swissgreys]

I also found that my piggies didn't eat a lot of pellets at the start.
I think it just takes them time to settle, plus they suddenly have good quality hay and fresh veg too, which they probably didn't always have before.

Their diet should be around 80% hay, so as long at they have an limited supply of this and regular fresh veg they will be fine.

But I wanted mine to eat pellets, so I ended up switching brands after a couple of weeks.
They love their new one, and even 2 months later eat it without complaint.

So if all else fails maybe try another pellet.
And also keep an eye on how many 'treats' they get too. It is very easy to overindulge them

 

[lucyl]

x

 

[lucyr]

I also found that my piggies didn't eat a lot of pellets at the start.
I think it just takes them time to settle, plus they suddenly have good quality hay and fresh veg too, which they probably didn't always have before.

Their diet should be around 80% hay, so as long at they have an limited supply of this and regular fresh veg they will be fine.

But I wanted mine to eat pellets, so I ended up switching brands after a couple of weeks.
They love their new one, and even 2 months later eat it without complaint.

So if all else fails maybe try another pellet.
And also keep an eye on how many 'treats' they get too. It is very easy to overindulge them

Thank you! They eat about that much hay, and don't worry, I make sure I know how many treats they are eating. They seem to prefer the veg and hay anyway.

The brand of pellets I give them is the Pets At Home brand, I will switch if they still don't eat it after a couple weeks.

 

[VickiA]

Stick with the pellets for a while before making any changes, @lucyr . Hay should make up the majority of their diet, with veg coming next and pellets should be the smallest part of their diet. Once they get used to the pellets they will eat them, I'm sure.

 

[Parnassus]

Out of curiosity, what brand of pellets are you feeding them right now?