Not drinking much

[Alicia]

I'm beginning to worry about 2 of my boars, Billy and Barry. They live seperatly but in the same shed because they have had fights before when together, and they both have water bottles which I bought from a pet shop near me. I have noticed that neither of them seem to be drinking much at all. I fill it up once a day, normally in the evening when I feed them, and they drink hardly any of it. They have quite watery veg most mornings and I know that it's cold weather so they wouldn't get hot and thirsty in this weather which could be why they aren't drinking much, but I'm worried because neither of them are drinking much and both the water bottles are the same. When I refill the bottles I check to see that water comes out and it does, so I know it works. My other lone boar has a simular sized bottle and drinks almost half of it a day. Billy and Barry both seem quite healthy and active and I'm confused as to why they don't drink much? It really is hardly anything, probably about the same amount as a teaspoon a day. Do some guinea-pigs just drink less than others or should I be worried about their health?

 

[Cozmo]

At the moment there might not be anything to worry about, but keep a close eye on them. One of my boars hardly drinks at all in the winter, and in Summer he drinks loads. It could all be down to the harsh weather we've had.

If they have watery fruit and veg that might be all they want at the moment, but at least they are getting some form of water in take. You could try giving them chunks of cucumber if you're not already at that has a high water content.

If they are eating, pooping, peeing and behaving normally, I doubt there is much wrong, but keep an eye on them all the same. I'd also weight them and see if they've lost weight.

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

This is one thing I keep questioning. I have 2 boars that live together. One I have never yet seen drink, the other one is always at it !

 

[flintstones]

I have 3 piggies, and they rarely ever drink... They get all there water from there veg. Which seems to be more than enough.

I believe it's more of a concern if they drink too much (correct me if I'm wrong) As it can indicate kidney or liver problems.

I have no textbook stating this, but it is information I have picked up from other threads.

Ps. I wouldn't worry, some guinea pigs do drink more than others.

 

[Joey&Gizmo]

Guinea lynx is a good site to look at for reference and this is what they say about water intake.

''WATER CONSUMPTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water consumption is different for each guinea pig. Consumption is dependent on temperature, taste of water, activity, and preference. A guinea pig provided ample vegetable matter (rinsed and still wet) might appear to drink very little during the day. If you are concerned, check for signs of dehydration.

Possible causes of excess water consumption:

Diabetes
Kidney failure
Pain
Hunger

Ill animals (especially those with molar problems) may be unable to eat but will drink excessive amounts of water. Make sure your guinea pig is not just playing with the water bottle (or that the water bottle is not leaking) if you suspect your pet is drinking too much.''

This is the link for you, just scroll down to water. http://www.guinealynx.info/normal.html

 

[Cavy2009]

Both my boars have a water dish too. They don't seem to drink as much.

 

[Alicia]

Thanks for the help everyone, I've checked their bottles today and they have drunk a lot more! Sorry to be paranoid I worry loads that something is wrong with my guinea-pigs but it seems that they just weren't thirsty yesterday. I feel so stupid now :red

 

[shazbo]

when my boys were outside they didnt seem to drink at all but since bring inside they always drinking

 

[Cavy2009]

It's better to be paranoid, than to not care. Read some of my earlier posts! I knew nothing about raising an unexpected family of pigs.@)