Description
Wombaroo Guinea Pig Milk Replacement is a specialized milk substitute designed for guinea pigs, particularly useful for orphaned pups, large litters, or when the mother's milk is limited. Here are the key features, ingredients, typical analysis, and feeding guide for this product:
Key Features:
Like Mother’s Milk: Formulated to match the composition of guinea pig milk, providing essential nutrients for healthy growth.
-High in Protein: Supports the rapid growth of pups with a protein-rich formula.
Vitamin C for Joints: Contains stabilized Vitamin C, an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy joints in guinea pigs.
Ingredients:
Whole milk solids, whey protein, casein, vegetable oils, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, stabilized Vitamin C, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D3, E, K, biotin, folic acid, choline), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, iodine, selenium).
Typical Analysis:
Protein: 42%
Fat: 24%
Ash: 6%
Moisture: 4%
Energy (ME): 20 MJ/kg
Feeding Guide:
- Warm milk to about 35°C and feed from a syringe or bottle with a teat (P Teat recommended).
- Feed every 2-3 hours for the first 5 days, then reduce to every 4-6 hours as pups get older.
- Weigh pups regularly to monitor growth and adjust feeding volume accordingly.
- Once significant solid food consumption begins, reduce milk feeds accordingly.
- Weaning typically occurs around 14-21 days, gradually transitioning pups to solid foods while continuing to provide milk as needed.
- Consult a veterinarian or breeder for specific advice on caring for young guinea pigs.
Growth:
- Birth weight: Usually 60-110g, with daily weight gain of 3-7g thereafter (depending on breed).
- Monitor growth closely and adjust feeding volumes accordingly to avoid overfeeding.
Weaning:
- Pups may begin showing interest in solid foods around 2-3 days of age.
- Establish pups on hay, green leafy vegetables, and some pellets initially.
- Continue to increase solid foods and reduce milk intake until fully weaned at around 14-21 days.
- Avoid foods high in starch or sugars until fully weaned to prevent digestive issues.
- Early weaning (around 5-7 days) may restrict protein intake and lead to developmental problems; it's recommended to maintain some milk feeding for as long as possible, up to 21 days, mimicking the natural weaning process.
Overall, Wombaroo's Guinea Pig Milk Replacement provides essential nutrition for orphaned or hand-reared guinea pig pups, supporting their growth and development during the critical early stages of life.