When To Be Worried? Brown Pee?

[cfarrell25]

I currently have a 8-9 month old boar, his brother recently had stones ( vet said that it was a genetic thing as I feed them hay, veggies barely any pellets or treat, daily vitamin c supplement (oxbow), nothing that could of caused stones at such a young age) and I. Am now worried for him. He doesn’t drink much water (despite my best effort, he won’t seem to want to drink from the bottle... - I thought it was maybe the taste of the water so I started filtering the water and still no luck, although I suppose the veggies give him enough water to pee) and i noticed that his pee dries a brownish colour (nothing too dark, whereas his brother with stones had clearly blood in his pee when I took him in) so I’m a little paranoid and alarmed that this may be a warning sign. He seems overall well, eats, sleeps doesn’t cry when goes to the bathroom (that I've noticed anyway)... but has anyone noticed this with the perfectly normal healthy piggies? Looking for some advice... I’ve attached a picture of the dry bedding, taken in natural light for some perspective... also, any clues on why he won’t drink any water? Any tips on how to make him drink more water if it’s a problem?

 

[Betsy]

He may be getting enough water from his veggies. Have you tried a water bowl? Some piggies prefer those. If in doubt a vet visit is advisable. Take the bedding with you to the vet to show him/her.

 

[cfarrell25]

Update - I’ve been wTching him very closely and I waited until he peed - which was a good amount, clear (not even yellow or any other tint really), no whimpering.. so I think I can chill out (I am really paranoid since his brothers diagnosis)... it probably oxides a brownish color once dry..I also have a water bowl, two waterbottles but no success, although the amount he’s peeing suggest he does probably get enough from the veggies, or he may be drinking from the bottles/bowl when I’m not around...

 

[Wiebke]

Update - I’ve been wTching him very closely and I waited until he peed - which was a good amount, clear (not even yellow or any other tint really), no whimpering.. so I think I can chill out (I am really paranoid since his brothers diagnosis)... it probably oxides a brownish color once dry..I also have a water bowl, two waterbottles but no success, although the amount he’s peeing suggest he does probably get enough from the veggies, or he may be drinking from the bottles/bowl when I’m not around...

The pee looks perfectly normal to me; the natural oxidisation can throw people.
Drinking in guinea pigs can vary enormously without endangering their health.
More information here: All About Drinking And Bottles