Doubling the weight of guinea pig occurs approximately 13-17 days after birth. At the age of four to eight weeks they weigh 250-400 g. Guinea pigs grow up to 15 months. Their growth is gradually slowing down. Then males begin to weigh 1000-1800 g, females from 700 to 1000 g. The greater weight in some cases is due to significant fat deposits.
Guinea pigs live from five to eight years, in rare cases – up to 15. Aging guinea pigs often lose weight. They are no longer able to optimally absorb the food they offer.
Then, along with a sufficient amount of hay and green fodder, it is recommended to increase in the diet of such nutritious feeds as carrots, concentrates and additionally multivitamins. In addition, you should pay attention to the sufficient supply of the body with minerals and trace elements.
But special importance should be given to sufficient supply of the body with vitamin C, which must be given a minimum of 30 mg per kilogram of animal weight. Old guinea pigs, who may have trouble with their teeth, are less likely to turn to solid food, often eagerly eat sliced cucumbers or melons.
