GUINEA PIG MANAGEMENT MANUAL - Benson Institute

• The recently weaned guinea pigs for two or three weeks.
• One or two weeks before taking the guinea pigs to market.
3. BALANCED DIET
As the name indicates, a balanced diet is a complete and fulfills all of the requirements.
This system takes advantage of the foods with a high content of dry material, being necessary the
use of Vitamin C in water or the diet (since it is not synthesized by the guinea pig). The vitamin
C is not stable, but decomposes which is why it is recommended to avoid degradation, using
vitamin C that is stable and protected.
This system, however, cannot be used permanently, but is to be periodically supplemented by
forage.
ADMINISTRATION OF FOOD AND WATER
• Voluntary water use should be secured in mixed food and balanced systems.
• Food should be given at least 2 times a day, with 30% -40% being given in the morning
and 60-70% given in the afternoon.
• If concentrated food is given, it should be done in the morning as the first feeding and
later, the forage can be given.
• Water should be given in the morning, or in the early afternoon, or between the
concentrated food and forage (mixed food). The water should be fresh and free of
contamination.
• Forage should not be given right after cutting because it causes digestive problems
(flatulence) in the guinea pigs. Forage should be dried in the sun for at least one hour.
• When the food is changed (especially to forage) it should be done gradually to avoid
digestive problems.
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