Just bought a new type of water bottle (well one that is now end of line)..

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BonBon2010

BonBon2010

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It's got a lever in center of the nozel that the small animal should push up to get water. My guys just don't seem to get it. I've marked the bottles so I know if they're drinking, and after their first night with it, there's no change in the level. How can I encourage them to work it out?
I keep going back to the cage, flicking the lever with my finger, and they come over to watch, but even though they approach the bottle, they treat it like the old ball bearing nozzle, by grabbing it and tugging (obviously in frustration). I know piggies can be trained, but I need all three of them to click. Thinking of putting old bottles back in along side it, but that defeats the object, and they'll probably just avoid it :(
Any tips or suggestions? Thanks in advance guys :)
 
Is it the ferplast sippy type ones where they have to push up on the spout?
I have one of those and a generic plastic water bottle. It took my girls a while to figure it out and after several weeks I still didn't think they were using.it until i caught them one day guzzling it down.
I would keep a normal ball bearing bottle on the cage as well so they can use that if needs be, if they are interested in the new bottle they will keep trying it, they probably are aware that they can get water from it but just haven't figured it out.
 
I learned to make them use it by gently tapping it on their nose, whilst hub held each pig. They got it then.
 
Well, I just tried Pigjes suggestion, much to Treacles disgust :)) If Guinea Pigs could swear, she certainly just did :x As for Humbug, she squirmed like she never skirmed before.. have added water to their nuggets, until I find out what my Oh did with the waterbottles.. :^-
 
at the same time Treacle lost weight, which at the time I put to her age (rising 6 ).. New bottle failed, no one would drink from it, so gave them a bowl instead.
Treacle continued to be thin.. Gave in the other day and returned their old water bottle.. in just a few days, treacle has gained weight again, and looks healthy.
She was definitely drinking from the bowl, but obviously prefers the bottle. So glad to see the podgy one is back :))
 
BonBon2010 said:
I honestly thought her age was catching up with her :Ayociexp118: She still popcorns like crazy, you'd think she was a youngster :))
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Aw bless, they are such a worry aren't theymallethead...but well worth it:)). Hehe..how cute :D She sounds lovely :)^)
 
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