If you tend to overthink things like I do, you might be pondering how to go about setting up your guinea pigs’ water. What’s the ideal temperature? Do they prefer bowls or bottles?
The preferred choice for guinea pigs is soft or filtered tap water at room temperature. While most guinea pigs opt for water bottles, a few may prefer bowls instead. It’s a good idea to offer both initially to determine their preference.
This article will cover what guinea pigs can drink, whether tap water is suitable for them, and more.
What Can Guinea Pigs Drink?
Guinea pigs should only consume water. Please refrain from giving them other beverages! It’s recommended to keep their water at room temperature, but don’t worry too much as long as it’s not extremely hot or cold.
It’s advised not to add anything to your guinea pigs’ water, including vitamin C. These drops don’t offer much benefit as vitamin C breaks down when exposed to light. Many guinea pigs dislike the taste, leading them to drink less, which can result in health issues.
Instead, provide a variety of fresh vegetables daily, particularly those rich in vitamin C like bell peppers.
What Do Baby Guinea Pigs Drink?
Of course, baby guinea pigs also nurse from their mothers. If you’re concerned that your baby guinea pigs aren’t getting enough milk, consult your vet for guidance. They may suggest carefully syringe-feeding a guinea pig formula or Critical Care.
Never give baby guinea pigs cow’s milk or kitten formula.
Can Guinea Pigs Drink Out of a Bowl?
Guinea pigs can indeed drink from a bowl, and I recommend offering both a bowl and a bottle to your newly adopted guinea pigs. This can be especially helpful if you’re unsure of their drinking preference from their previous home, though most people typically use water bottles.
Ensure the bowl is sturdy and cannot be easily tipped over, as spilled water can leave your guinea pigs without hydration! Additionally, it’s not healthy for them to sit in damp bedding.
Bowls can be challenging to keep clean as many guinea pigs tend to kick debris into their water bowls, such as feces or bedding. This is a major reason why most individuals prefer water bottles.
Water Bowls vs Water Bottles for Guinea Pigs
Most guinea pigs seem to favor water bottles over water bowls and tend to drink from them more frequently, which contributes to their well-being. Water bottles also provide mental stimulation.
If your guinea pig chooses to drink from a water bottle, it’s likely the best choice–but every guinea pig is unique, so follow their preferences.
Keep in mind that guinea pigs can be trained to drink from bottles if they are unfamiliar with them! They can learn by observing others, or you can try demonstrating by tapping the spout with your finger.
How Many Water Sources Do Guinea Pigs Need?
Your guinea pig enclosure should always have at least two water sources. This could mean two bowls, two water bottles, or one of each. Occasionally, bowls may get overturned or contaminated, and water bottles may malfunction, so having a backup is crucial in such situations.
If you have multiple guinea pigs, it’s advisable to provide one bowl or bottle per pig to minimize territorial conflicts.
Can Guinea Pigs Drink Tap Water?
Many guinea pigs do well with tap water, but there is a debate regarding whether filtering their water is necessary.
This is due to the fact that many households have hard tap water, which contains calcium. Excessive calcium, or an improper calcium to phosphorus ratio, can lead to bladder stones.
If your guinea pig is prone to bladder stones and you have hard tap water, your vet might recommend filtered water. However, there is no conclusive evidence linking tap water to bladder stones in guinea pigs.
Personally, I have always provided my guinea pigs with tap water without any issues. Nevertheless, genetic factors must be considered, and it’s possible that my guinea pigs were less susceptible to stones than others. In the future, I may opt to filter their water just as a precaution!
How Much Water Do Guinea Pigs Drink?
The amount of water your guinea pig consumes will vary based on their diet and the season. Many guinea pigs drink more water during hot summer months and less in winter.
If you are feeding them lots of watery vegetables, you may notice a decrease in their water intake, which is normal and not a cause for concern!
If your guinea pig’s drinking patterns change inexplicably, it’s advisable to consult a vet as this could indicate an underlying medical issue.
In general, most guinea pigs thrive on filtered, room temperature water provided through a water bottle. However, exceptions always exist!
If your water is not hard, filtering may not be necessary. And if your guinea pig prefers drinking from a bowl, that’s perfectly fine too.