[Stones] CARE: diet - oxalates

[texg at cavyinfo.com]

When we prepared the chart at the Stones site, we discovered that  
there was different and conflicting data regarding oxalates. We also  
listed it as "low-medium-high", based on educated guesses (and a LOT  
of help from Dawn at Oxbow).

In any case, it's generally agreed to keep the amount of oxalates  
down, as they react chemically with calcium carbonate. There are  
different reactions depending on the ratios and environment, but in  
the context of piggies it may contribute to the formation of stones.

Our current management for Baby Hamlet will be a varied diet with as  
little oxalates as we can manage. By varied, I mean I'm going to try  
to make sure he gets a mix of things each meal, rather than romaine  
for breakfast, escarole for dinner, etc. We've always used Poland  
Spring water for our piggies; I may try some Penta water on him and  
see if it helps.

There used to be a site that gave chemical breakdowns on almost every  
bottled water available. The last time I looked it went from a free  
site to a pay site - but there are other resources. Water bottlers  
usually list the source and basic chemical content (mineral content,  
pH, etc.).