[PIGGYMAMMA495]

I feel it is all based on the individual pigs needs. I myself use bottles for pigs that are babies or that come to me young. However I have had pigs that came to me from bad conditions that would not drink from a bottle. I went bonkers thinking I did something wrong because they wouldnt drinnk from the bottle. I always to this day place 4 bottles in the cage all over the place, but they do not touch it and drink from the bowl.
I understand that a bottle is more hygenic, however I dont see what is bad about a bowl, only if you are there to change the water frequently. My piggies have the occasional hay in there and a long time ago they had a poo in there. But they are piggies so I cant blame them for that. And even if they had a poopie in thier water bowl for lets say ten minutes till I found it, The bowl is cleaned out and scrubbed and freshend with new water.
I never heard of a piggy inhaling the water into their lungs. I asked my vet who personally said, "Yes, Im not going to say it can not happen, But that can happen to any cavy when they are getting syringe fed, or to a baby nursing. Now I agree a bit with my vet.
I would keep trying the bottle, but it can all be because that is how the cavy feels it wants to drink. I treat my piggies like humans and allow them to show me what they like. I never had a problem with a bowl. However I do not have all my piggies using them. But there is 3 that do.
I know of a woman in NY that uses only water bowls. She hasnt had any problems and is older. So I think it's all in each person views and also piggy preference. So maybe get in touch with someone that uses bowls alot and they can give you thier opinion as well.
Every person has their own values and care preferences. Of course we will disagree alot on most things, but that is what makes us all human beings.
If I ever read that there is deaths or fatalities due to bowl uses in guinea pigs I will be the first person to start syringe feeding the piggies their water to ensure proper water intake until they got onto the bottle thing, which would take a long time.