Is tap water OK for guinea pigs?

A good rule is to offer your guinea pigs the same type of plain water that you drink. If you drink tap water, that's fine for your guinea pigs.

Do guinea pigs need bottled water?

Guinea pigs drink a lot of water and need the bottles cleaned and fresh water added daily. It is recommended that you have more than 1 water bottle in the cage. Do not put anything but water in the bottles. Do not put vitamin C drops in the water.

Can guinea pigs drink dirty water?

Guinea pigs can drink water from a bowl but this isn't a hygienic way of providing their water as it can become contaminated with urine and faeces. It's important your guinea pigs have a proper water bottle feeder so they have access to clean water. If the water is dirty, they may not drink it and could become ill.

What is the best way for guinea pigs to drink water?

The most common and best way of providing your guinea pigs with fresh water is by using a water bottle. These simply clip onto the side of their cage, and have a little drinking spout that pokes through.

What is toxic to guinea pigs?

Make sure you do not feed your guinea pigs the following foods (this is not an exhaustive list): cereals; grains; nuts; seeds; dried beans, corn, and peas; buttercups; garden shrubs (such as hemlock or privet); lilies of any kind; sweet peas; nightshade; oak; avocado; onion grass; onions; potato tops; mushrooms; ...

All About Guinea Pig Water | Bottle or Bowl? Tap Water, Filtered Water or Bottled Water

What happens if guinea pigs don't drink water?

It's possible for guinea pigs to die if they don't have water from any source. Typically, they'll get a lot of their water from watery vegetables like celery, cucumber, and other produce. If they don't have vegetables to eat, then that only leaves the bowl of water or bottle of water that you leave out for them.

Can I give my guinea pig a hot water bottle?

There is some controversy to the usage of hot water bottles as guinea pigs may chew the plastic. However is covered efficiently this should not pose an issue. Some owners prefer to use small animal pet heat pads which can be warmed in the microwave.

Do guinea pigs need water at night?

Vets don't make any clear recommendations on the length of time a guinea pig can survive without water, but no pet should be deprived of water for more than 12 to 24 hours. Simply put, it's best to ensure your pet always has access to water.

Why do guinea pigs lick their pee?

Yes, very occasionally piggies lick pee if it contains important information (pheromones) about the status/health of another piggy.

Are water bottles or bowls better for guinea pigs?

Water bottles are preferred by most owners and experts as the best way to provide clean, fresh water to guinea pigs. However, water bowls are a safe alternative if your guinea pig is elderly, injured, or simply dislikes using water bottles.

Do guinea pigs eat their poop?

Not only is guineas eating their own poop perfectly normal and natural, but it is also essential for their health. Many small mammals perform the same practice, and there is actually more reason to worry if they are not eating their poop!

Can a guinea pig swim?

Yes, guinea pigs can swim, but no, they don't enjoy it. If they have no other option in their natural habitat, swimming will allow them to escape predators. They may also decide to get their paws wet if there is a food source nearby. But their desire to go in the water stops there.

Can pigs drink from a bowl?

As you can see, there are plenty of solutions for mini pigs who like to tip water bowls. One warning: Keep your pig's water bowl in a shaded area to avoid the water getting too hot to drink.

How can I tell if my guinea pig is dehydrated?

Your guinea pig may be dehydrated if you see any of these problems: thick sticky saliva, crusty eyes, poor appetite, small amounts of dark colored urine, or hard dry fecal pellets. In order to correct dehydration, extra water must be given to your guinea pig.

Can guinea pigs have ice cubes?

Guinea pig owners shouldn't feed their guinea pigs ice cubes, because it's bad for their teeth, ice can be bad for their digestion, their tongue and lips can get stuck to the ice. Plus, ice isn't as nutritious as veggies and there's plenty of better ways to cool your little friends down in warmer weather.

Do guinea pigs like to be in the dark?

So, do guinea pigs like the dark? Yes, guinea pigs prefer the dark. They are prey animals and can easily be spotted during daylight hours by predators.

How long can Guineas go without water?

Healthy guinea pigs may go up to 24 hours without water. These times are reduced if the guinea pigs are old, sick, pregnant, nursing, or exposed to high temperatures.

Is it OK to keep guinea pigs in your bedroom?

It is critically important to the long-term health and happiness of your guinea pig that you place its cage central to family activity or at the immediate periphery. Do not put cages in children's bedrooms. The guinea pig should be part of family life, even if it is designated as one person's pet.

Should you cover a guinea pig cage at night?

How Much of the Cage Should you Cover at Night? Covering the whole cage at night can create problems and affect your guinea pigs breathing. That means that you should only cover part of their cage at night. This ensures that the cage remains properly ventilated while still letting in some light.

How much water should a guinea pig drink in a day?

Guinea pigs normally drink about 100 mL/kg (3.3 ounces/2.2 pounds) of water daily, as cited in the book “Ferrets, Rabbits, And Rodents Clinical Medicine And Surgery.” This amount might increase or decrease slightly because of ambient temperature or humidity, activity level, or illness.

Can you give guinea pig a blanket?

Blankets give your guinea pigs something to snuggle up under, which helps them better maintain their body heat. Any blanket will do, though smaller is probably better. A small fleece blanket is a great option. You can also cut up old towels to use.

Can guinea pigs get water from food?

Guinea pigs are able to get all the fluid they need from their intake of fluid-rich vegetables, like celery and cucumbers. Make sure to still provide them with water to drink, though!

Can guinea pigs drink milk?

Guinea pigs are herbivorous creatures, and because of that, it is important to avoid ever feeding them any dairy products, including milk, according to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. The furry rodents are lactose intolerant, which means that their bodies simply do not digest dairy items sufficiently or adequately.

How long can you leave guinea pigs alone?

How Long Can You Leave a Guinea Pig Alone? A guinea pig on its own is at risk of dehydration, starvation, injury, illness and loneliness, which is why it needs constant care and attention. Although some websites suggest that you can leave a cavy alone for a maximum of 24 hours, we recommend no more than 12.