RodiCare^®

Rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas receive a poplar porridge with a high crude fiber content such as RodiCare^® instant, a poplar food that is specially designed for these animal species. The porridge is best prepared fresh from the powder with the addition of water or, for example, fennel or chamomile tea. Warm porridge smells a little more intense and some animals prefer it. Some animals also prefer a slightly firmer or more liquid consistency. You can find detailed instructions for mixing RodiCare^® instant at www.alfavet.de. If animals show a lack of appetite, it is possible to simply mix RodiCare^® Appetite into the poplar porridge. In the case of mild indigestion, RodiCare^® can acutely and gently regulate the digestive processes. Small rodents such as mice, hamsters and rats require more energy and a proportion of animal protein. A small portion of RodiCare^® instant can be supplemented with, for example, melted flakes, fruit and vegetable puree for babies, ReConvales^® Power and low-fat quark.

As a rough guideline, the animals receive approx. 60 – 80 ml (up to 100 ml) of RodiCare^® instant porridge per kg of body weight per day. However, the feeding amount should best be tailored to the individual animal. It makes sense to weigh the animal every day and then adjust the amount of porridge. If the animal loses weight, the amount of food should be increased. The porridge can be offered in a bowl or on a small spoon. Only when voluntary food intake is no longer taking place should the animals be fed with a syringe at least 5 to 6 times a day. Every 2 to 3 hours (during waking hours) is optimal. However, it is important not to create too much stress and to also offer the animals enough rest periods. Since the capacity of the stomach is not very large, as a rule no more than approx. 10 - 20 ml per kg of body weight should be administered.

The upright position of the animal is important. Under no circumstances should the animal be placed on its back, as it can easily choke in this position. It is optimal to use a special popping syringe with a wide, rounded opening. This is inserted into the side corner of the mouth and then small portions can be given, which the animal swallows independently. It is also important to avoid unnecessary stress here. After feeding, leftover food should be carefully removed so as not to irritate the sensitive skin.

This depends on the natural day-night rhythm of the respective animal species. Guinea pigs and rabbits can be cared for around the clock; Diurnal degus, on the other hand, only during the day; Chinchillas are nocturnal and should be cared for at night or in the late afternoon.

During the feeding period it is important to always offer fresh water and good hay. In addition, fresh, odorous feed and favorite food should be provided so that the animals can eat on their own again as quickly as possible. If this is the case, the popping can be reduced or stopped. Animal weight should continue to be monitored during the transition period. If the animals do not yet consume enough food on their own, it makes sense to continue to compensate for the deficit by feeding them. To make the transition to solid food easier, RodiCare^® instant can be fed into small balls with a little water.

After the feeding period, it takes a certain amount of time for the digestive tract to fully regenerate. During this time the animals are still very sensitive. Conventional pellets and feed mixtures with a high grain and low crude fiber content should be avoided at all costs. RodiCare^® basic is a good alternative. RodiCare^® basic not only has a high crude fiber content, which is the basis for maintaining the intestinal flora and promotes peristalsis (intestinal movement), it also contains a herbal mixture that stabilizes digestion and stimulates the appetite. In addition, it provides all the nutrients and vitamins necessary for life, so that the animals are adequately supplied with a diet of hay and RodiCare^® basic after the feeding phase. Fresh food should initially only be fed in very small quantities, which can then be gradually increased.