My pigs are drinking from water bottles

[erikahand83]

I brought my two piggies Midnight and Ralphy home yesterday. I set up their cage with hay, pellets, waterbottles and gave them some veg last night when we got home. I haven't seen or heard them drinking from their water bottles yet. I know they are getting water from the veggies I'm giving them but I just don't know if its enough to keep them well hydrated. Should I show them how to use the water bottles or just give them some time? Any advice will be appreciated.

[Pumpkin_RIP]

I would really encourage the water bottles, but if they don't get the hang of it soon enough, then try puting a small bowl of water in their cage. When I first got my piggie, she didn't seem to get the water bottle the first two days, but then all of a sudden she started using it. It could be either a. Your pig is just young and confused, or b. He/she is just stressed ouy right now with the new home. Watch the water level to see if they are drinking, the may be using it, just not when your around. Good Luck!

[Haley0489]

When I got my GPs they didn't drink either. They were just too nervous to do much exploring...after a day or two they came out and ate and drank just fine.

[erikahand83]

Well my two boys started drinking out of their water bottles a little bit yesterday. Of course right after I posted they weren't drinking out of them, little turds. I think they will be fine, just a matter of settling in.

[mikew]

Your lucky. I got my two female sows last Wednesday and I still haven't seen them drink out of their water bottle. I have made sure that their bowl of veggies is nice and moist though. I am not too worried right now.

[erikahand83]

I think they kinda sensed that I was nervous about them not drinking and so I was giving them veggies more often, like 4-5 times a day in small amounts. Once I cut back to twice a day they started drinking out of the bottles, probably out of necessity for more water. They are sneaky and can pull tricks to get what they want. I've also found out that they are stronger and faster than I thought. I was holding a baby carrot inside their cage tonight so they come over to me and I could pick them up, Ralphy the white and orange pig grabbed the carrot and took off. Midnight of course was watching the whole thing and did the same thing when I tried it with him. Sneaky little things, and alot smarter than I remember too.

[Ziggy&Herald]

Yeah, I tried to use a carrot at first too, mine did the same thing. Before I knew it the carrot was no longer in my hand, but on the other side of the cage with my pig. They are sneaky little creatures aren't they?