General Hydration

[paigeherbbasil]

I had my guinea pigs for just over a year now and always wanted them to drink from a bowl rather than bottle as I heard it is better for them however they were a gift and my mam said that the workers said they won’t be able to drink from a bowl as they are used to a bottle, can I introduce a bowl now or is it too late?

 

[bpatters]

Actually, a bottle is much better. They're guaranteed to both pee and poop in a bowl, which doesn't make for very sanitary water. You do need to give them fresh water in the bottle daily.

 

[4boipigs]

I tried a bowl for a while, but it got bedding and poop in it quite fast! I'm much happier using bottles.

However, I'm sure they could figure out how to drink from a bowl. Leave both as an option for them during the switch. I switched my hamsters from bottles to bowls and they did just fine. They are not messy like guinea pigs tho, so I don't worry about them fouling their water.

 

[ItsaZoo]

I would provide a bottle, and also try giving water in a cup. I use a ceramic cup for pellets. It’s an older coffee cup that’s short and wide. I hook the handle onto the side of the cage with a bent paper clip. I hang it so it’s off the floor an inch or so. It hangs at an angle and stays clean, yet it’s accessible. To get them interested in the water, drape a few little pieces of lettuce leaves over the edge.