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Normal Water Intake?

B

BaaaaL

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hey everyone!

I have two female guinea pigs, both about 4 months of age. I have noticed that on some days, they seem to drink more than they should (according to some sources). I have found it extremely hard to find any hard numerics on their normal water intake, and from what I gather, 1dl per kg should be the norm. My bigger piggy weighs about 715 grams at the moment, the smaller being 470-ish (she is somewhat younger), and they generally drink about 1.5 dl per day. I have ruled out tooth problems, since they are eating all the time, wheeking happily, and generally quite active all around. The only "issue" they seem to have is some occassional sneezing for which we have already seen a vet, and ruled out URIs (we will be getting a second opinion just in case next week). Is this water amount normal? At what point should I start to worry? Thanks!
 
I think if it's just a variance day to day I wouldn't worry. Mine seldom drink, but if they've had a lot nuggets they do drink more. If they are drinking an awful lot it would be worth getting them checked out to be on the safe side, but I wouldn't be too concerned about a little more some days, or even a lot on an occasional day. I always qualify with I'm not an expert.
 
Thanks!

Well, they habitually consume around 1.2dl.between the two of them, sometimes a bit more, so it's not like on one days, it is nothing, other times a lot. I also have to note that they mostly eat hay and pellets, and get veggies only once per day as advised, so that probably has something to do with it. I'm not overly worried, as we'll see a vet soon, was just wondering what is a "normal amount", as some ppl say their piggies never seem to drink and others empty a bottle in a day.
 
BaaaaL said:
Hey everyone!

I have two female guinea pigs, both about 4 months of age. I have noticed that on some days, they seem to drink more than they should (according to some sources). I have found it extremely hard to find any hard numerics on their normal water intake, and from what I gather, 1dl per kg should be the norm. My bigger piggy weighs about 715 grams at the moment, the smaller being 470-ish (she is somewhat younger), and they generally drink about 1.5 dl per day. I have ruled out tooth problems, since they are eating all the time, wheeking happily, and generally quite active all around. The only "issue" they seem to have is some occassional sneezing for which we have already seen a vet, and ruled out URIs (we will be getting a second opinion just in case next week). Is this water amount normal? At what point should I start to worry? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hi! Water intake varies individually enormously in guinea pigs. Some guinea pigs do not drink at all and others drink a lot on a daily basis. it doesn't influence their life expectancy or health. I have had both non-drinkers and piggies with a regular high water intake live to a higher than average lifespan.

Guinea water intake also varies according to temperature, humidity (radiators, air con or climate), water content in their food etc. You do not drink exactly the same amount every single day, do you?

You may find this guide here helpful: All About Drinking And Bottles
 
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