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New Guinea Pigs, haven't seen them drink water?

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GinnyforPhoebe

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Hi! We just got two guinea pigs (sisters). They are young, we got them from the Petstore. We've had them for a few days now and I have yet to see either of them drink water! They have water in a drinking bottle, but I also put water in their cage in a bowl. How much water do guinea pigs need? They have been eating lots of romaine lettuce, spring greens mix, broccoli and their pellets...but no water! I've tried to show them where the water is but they don't seem interested. They are still very nervous and getting to know us. Is this normal? how much water do they need?
 
It is normal for them to be very shy and nervous to start with. They are probably drinking while your not there :) They probably find it quite scary to come to the front of the cage and drink. Once they settle in, hopefully they will start to drink more. Although some piggies don't drink much at all but are still perfectly healthy. Make sure you keep their veggies wet so that they can get water that way.
Hope that helped x
 
If they are getting enough water from their veg they won't drink from their bottle. If you wash their veg well, and don't shake the water off then you will know they are getting enough.
Most piggies also like cucumber and celery which contain alot of water so that may be another option, introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts to prevent upset tummies.
Some piggies prefer their water in a small bowl but it needs to be changed regularly as it will end up with hay and bedding in it.
 
It is quite normal for shop piggies not to drink at first. Make sure that they have some extra juicy veg like chopped celery, cucumber or melon in this hot weather and keep the water bottle changed regularly.

The individual water intake can vary a lot. Most piggies will learn to drink; but there are a few that prefer to get by with the moisture they get from their food.

Here are more tips on how to settle new piggies: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?36239-FAQ-How-do-I-settle-shy-new-guinea-pigs
 
Thank you for all the responses! I was a bit nervous about these two because we purchased another guinea pig two weeks ago and she died from pneumonia on the 3rd day we had her. Her only symptom was not drinking and slightly matted eyes. We only had her 3 day so I did not know her regular personality - we just thought she was extra snuggly and lovey (she let us pick her up out of her cage easily) but she was still eating. By day 3 I noticed she just sat in the corner of her cage and her breathing seemed labored so I took her to the vets. At the vets she got a bloody nose and died shortly afterwards. It was HEARTBREAKING. :(
 
Welcome to the Forum, Sorry you had lost your little girl after only 3 days - so sad.

As everyone has said before often watery veg gives the mthe water then need but you will probably find them drinking form the bottle in time. Piggies are often scared at first but you will soon gain their trust. What are your piggies names?
 
So sorry to hear about your first piggy. How awful for you. I never saw my boys drink for about a week after I first got them, and they don't drink an awful lot even now. They have lots of fresh veg and cucumber daily, so I think they get all the need from that. :) Welcome, by the way. :)
 
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