General Guinea pig spines and feeding bowls?

[HollyG]

So I?m not very well versed in guinea pig anatomy and such. I know their spines can?t bend like hamsters do, which is why they can?t use those exercise bowls. So is there any sort of bending/stretching that should be avoided in regards to their spines?
I?m asking because I have a feeding bowl that attaches to the cage side. To get to it, the pig has to stand on their back feet and bend in what looks to me like an odd way. I know a lot of places sell these types of bowls and they come with a lot of store bought cages, but usually the cages are too small anyway.
Anyway, I?m wondering if these bowls are bad for guinea pigs. I?ll attach a picture to show what I?m talking about. The way she is bent makes me think I should switch to a food bowl on the floor but I could be wrong.
Thanks in advance!

 

[HollyG]

****Also, I apologize if this should have gone under the medical/veterinary discussion, admins feel free to move it if it shouldn't be here.

 

[spy9doc]

I don't think she is going to move in a way that will injure her, but the picture tells it all.......the bowl is obviously w-a-a-y too high for her. :crazy: Get a new bowl! The bowl ideally should be larger in diameter and not so deep. I previously used heavy ceramic bowls that I often purchased at a discount store in the kitchen section. They are often sold as creme brule bowls, etc.

Because one of my boys picks up the bowl with his teeth and slides it across the cage, often spilling all the contents, I switched to a stainless steel bowl that Target sells in its stores in the pet section or you can also order it online. He can't pick it up and the rubberized bottom prevents him from being able to slide it on the fleece. They range in price from around $5 to $8, depending on size and color. It's a great investment and will last a long time.
(broken link removed)

 

[HollyG]

I am definitely not using this bowl anymore; the bowl unfortunately is the lowest it will go because the plastic sides of the cage go up a few inches. I only put that bowl on while cleaning her other bowl that she peed on right before dinner time.
I was just curious because I know a lot of the store-bought cages come with these food bowls on them. When my brother gave her to me she was in a smaller cage using this bowl and I replaced both as soon as I could.
I have two different bowls for her currently; one for veggies in the morning and one for pellets in the evening. I really like the ones I have now; one was like $3 on amazon and it is ceramic and tip-proof and the other is plastic and tip proof.