I've read the calcium in hard water can be bad for piggies but no one I know has bothered filtering water for their piggies and they've been fine so I can't tell if getting a water filter is over the top or not. If you guys have hard water where you live do you filter your water for your piggies?
Filtering water?
- Thread starter Katie98
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Eddie & Elvis
Adult Guinea Pig
I have a water filter to be on the safe side. I'd say it's worth it because I wouldn't want to risk my boys getting bladder stones or anything. I have no idea how much calcium they get from hard water but I do know that water and pellets is where. they get most of their calcium from so better safe than sorry. I hope this helps 
Mo & Stubbins & Vani
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The Brita jugs filter out calcium which is what you are hoping for with a piggy that it prone to calcium sludge/stones. It is also best to remove as much calcium as you can from their diet, though, to prevent these problems from occurring. You really only need to do this if you live in a hard water area.
Water Filter Pitchers | Brita®
Water Filter Pitchers | Brita®
Mo & Stubbins & Vani
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There are a lot of factors in play when it comes to the formation of bladder stones and sludge. Calcium absorption is a complex process. White pees with powdery residue is the body’s way of excreting excess calcium and as long as it is being excreted than hopefully it’ll all be well, but for some piggies it simply won’t be and issues will occur.
Filtering water and ensuring limited amounts of grain free pellets are fed are the best way to going towards preventing such issues occurring, and then ensuring low calcium veg is fed (or more that high calcium veg isn’t fed often). Water and pellets contribute more calcium to the diet than people may know.
It’s not an exact science though - some people may never filter water etc and never have an issue. Others will do these things and still have problems, but all anyone can do is their best and the advice is to filter etc.
I’m in a hard water area and I filter water. I also only feed up to 10g of grain free pellets between my two piggies (so just 5g each) but it’s not each day either, some days I don’t give pellets at all.
Filtering water and ensuring limited amounts of grain free pellets are fed are the best way to going towards preventing such issues occurring, and then ensuring low calcium veg is fed (or more that high calcium veg isn’t fed often). Water and pellets contribute more calcium to the diet than people may know.
It’s not an exact science though - some people may never filter water etc and never have an issue. Others will do these things and still have problems, but all anyone can do is their best and the advice is to filter etc.
I’m in a hard water area and I filter water. I also only feed up to 10g of grain free pellets between my two piggies (so just 5g each) but it’s not each day either, some days I don’t give pellets at all.
LMPigs
Junior Guinea Pig
We already used a Brita filter on our tap (because the water in London is a bit grim) before we got guineas so now we just use it for them as well.
I think the forum advice is that if you're in a hard water area filter is recommended, otherwise not necessary unless your piggy is prone to bladder issues.
I think the forum advice is that if you're in a hard water area filter is recommended, otherwise not necessary unless your piggy is prone to bladder issues.
Mo & Stubbins & Vani
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I forgot to add...
In my specific location in the US, almost everyone uses their fridge water dispenser.
I use an EveryDrop filter on the fridge, which prevents lead, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, chlorine, waterborne parasites, and (I am almost certain) calcium.
The tap water in our area can be consumed, but it does contain contaminants. I drink a little bit of it when brushing my teeth, but would never give it to the piglets or drink it in large quantities.
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In my specific location in the US, almost everyone uses their fridge water dispenser.
I use an EveryDrop filter on the fridge, which prevents lead, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, chlorine, waterborne parasites, and (I am almost certain) calcium.
The tap water in our area can be consumed, but it does contain contaminants. I drink a little bit of it when brushing my teeth, but would never give it to the piglets or drink it in large quantities.
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