Hoiw long before they learn to use a water bottle?

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

Hi

I've got some 3 week (ish) old boys here at the mo. (fosters) and they don't seem to know what a water bottle is. I've played safe and given them a bowl as well as a bottle but it doesn't stay clean long! How long will it take them to learn to use the bottle and is there anything else I can do to encourage them? Can they smell water?

They're getting lots of greens etc. so they're not dehydrated but I'd like the reassurance that they can get water if they need it!

Sophie
x

 

[Black Jack]

I would be very hesitant about putting a water dish in - as yiou say it just gets dirty, piggies can't lap as cats and dogs do, if the bowl were to be tipped up then all the bedding and possibly piggies would get soaked. Some piggies just dont drink a lot of water and as you say they're getting plenty of fresh veg they're probably getting sufficient water from the veggies. I'd just leave them to it and stop worrying!

 

[Angeladeedah]

Mine were like that for weeks after I brought them home - they did eventually start using the water bottle. Meantime I made sure that I gave them lots of veg that they would get water from. Once they're thirsty they'll find out!