Pigs won’t drink from water bowl

[Rumblestiltskin]

I’ve only had my 2 pigs since March so still learning.

Although housed inside during this hot spell I’ve made a temporary pen with grids downstairs as it’s much cooler here. So far I’ve been putting them back in their cage overnight as temperatures drop but provided ice pads/bottles. The biggest reason I’ve not left them downstairs at night is they won’t drink from the water bowl I’ve provided but I hear them drinking from the bottles once back in their cage. I’ve tried to clumsily attach a small bottle to the grids (small due to weight) and they haven’t used this either (although I’m not 100% sure they can access it or if it would fall off if they tried). They’re not big drinkers.

Will some pigs just not drink from a bowl? And is it therefore necessary I put them back upstairs at night even if its hotter up there?

 

[midwesternrodent]

Yes. My pigs are very picky about water. I am convinced they will die of thirst if I don't provide the correct bottle, they won't drink out of a bottle unless the "ball" sticks out a certain amount from the end. I would not count on them understanding the change, and I'd make sure to provide them with a watering method they're familiar with.

Long term, You could try to train them by putting the water dish under the bottle. They might give it a try then. But honestly, I'd probably buy more bottles.

In that cage in particular, I'd secure that bottle better than it is so there is no danger of it falling off. It may also be helpful to mount it higher, might just be my pigs but they won't drink out of a bottle that is that low to the ground.

 

[RosieLily]

My pigs wouldn't tolerate a bowl.. The sassy divas were troubled that the water in a bowl got their chins wet.

 

[Rumblestiltskin]

Yes. My pigs are very picky about water. I am convinced they will die of thirst if I don't provide the correct bottle, they won't drink out of a bottle unless the "ball" sticks out a certain amount from the end. I would not count on them understanding the change, and I'd make sure to provide them with a watering method they're familiar with.

Long term, You could try to train them by putting the water dish under the bottle. They might give it a try then. But honestly, I'd probably buy more bottles.

In that cage in particular, I'd secure that bottle better than it is so there is no danger of it falling off. It may also be helpful to mount it higher, might just be my pigs but they won't drink out of a bottle that is that low to the ground.

Thank you. I’ll try to put the bottle higher. The spout is exactly the same as the 600ml bottle. I have a spare 600 ml bottle but as the grids aren’t secured to anything I’m doubtful they’d cope with the weight? Hence the bowl. The boar has checked the bowl out, my sow avoids it.

 

[midwesternrodent]

You may be able to get away with zip tying a support to the water bottle itself to stablize everything. I've used a small block of wood or even a stick before, just something to take up the weight of the bottle so it's not all on the cage.

 

[piggieminder]

The grids will take the weight of that bottle. I attach bottles with the wire that comes with them to pens made up like that when I'm moving my boys around or doing bondings and never had a problem. If the bottle seems too heavy only half fill it and keep an eye on the level in case it goes down. Mine don't drink half of one of those bottles in 24 hours.

 

[midwesternrodent]

The grids will take the weight of that bottle. I attach bottles with the wire that comes with them to pens made up like that when I'm moving my boys around or doing bondings and never had a problem. If the bottle seems too heavy only half fill it and keep an eye on the level in case it goes down. Mine don't drink half of one of those bottles in 24 hours.

That is also true. They're sturdier than they look when zip tied together.

I have had some issues personally when they're set up like pictured, but usually it's been because I need to secure the grids better to the other grids.

You could also try mounting the bottle on the inside of the cage, if possible.

 

[Rumblestiltskin]

You may be able to get away with zip tying a support to the water bottle itself to stablize everything. I've used a small block of wood or even a stick before, just something to take up the weight of the bottle so it's not all on the cage.

Oh that’s a good idea ! Ill have a look around

 

[Rumblestiltskin]

The grids will take the weight of that bottle. I attach bottles with the wire that comes with them to pens made up like that when I'm moving my boys around or doing bondings and never had a problem. If the bottle seems too heavy only half fill it and keep an eye on the level in case it goes down. Mine don't drink half of one of those bottles in 24 hours.

Brilliant thanks I’ll give it a go. Do you put the bottle on the inside or outside? They’re on the inside of their cage because I was advised in that set up they couldn’t access the bottle otherwise

 

[Rumblestiltskin]

That is also true. They're sturdier than they look when zip tied together.

I have had some issues personally when they're set up like pictured, but usually it's been because I need to secure the grids better to the other grids.

You could also try mounting the bottle on the inside of the cage, if possible.

Ok that’s great if I’m struggling I know to check the grids too!

 

[Rumblestiltskin]

Thank you so much all. I’ll get on it

 

[Rumblestiltskin]

The grids will take the weight of that bottle. I attach bottles with the wire that comes with them to pens made up like that when I'm moving my boys around or doing bondings and never had a problem. If the bottle seems too heavy only half fill it and keep an eye on the level in case it goes down. Mine don't drink half of one of those bottles in 24 hours.

Mine drink very little too

 

[Rumblestiltskin]

The grids will take the weight of that bottle. I attach bottles with the wire that comes with them to pens made up like that when I'm moving my boys around or doing bondings and never had a problem. If the bottle seems too heavy only half fill it and keep an eye on the level in case it goes down. Mine don't drink half of one of those bottles in 24 hours.

Ta da! Plus Duncan tucking into his hay cigar. 4pm is wake up time!

Thank you

 

[midwesternrodent]

Mine drink very little too

Just as a note, this can be normal if they get a lot of vegetables. You do need to provide them with a water source, but they can get a lot of water through their diet.

While it's not typical if I've given my pigs a lot of cucumber (for example, I wouldn't make it a big part of their regular diet due to the calcium content), since there's so much water in there I have had days where my piggies go without touching their bottle.

Again, that isn't a regular occurence and you need to provide a wayer source, but if they eat a lot of water heavy treats they might not be too thirsty.

 

[Rumblestiltskin]

Just as a note, this can be normal if they get a lot of vegetables. You do need to provide them with a water source, but they can get a lot of water through their diet.

While it's not typical if I've given my pigs a lot of cucumber (for example, I wouldn't make it a big part of their regular diet due to the calcium content), since there's so much water in there I have had days where my piggies go without touching their bottle.

Again, that isn't a regular occurence and you need to provide a wayer source, but if they eat a lot of water heavy treats they might not be too thirsty.

I generally give them a handful of veg each but it does tend to be the watery stuff like lettuce mixes, cucumber with some herbs celery and pepper. They get a slice of cucumber each a day it’s one of my sows favourites as she’s a fussy eater.

 

[piggieminder]

If you find the sides of the cage get pushed out with having no connectors or Corex I put some heavy books or some bricks round the outside.

 

[Rumblestiltskin]

That’s a good idea. Duncan does love to shove objects around.

Greatly relieved they’ve both drunk from the bottle just now and to be contrary Duncan followed up with a drink from the bowl. I’ve not seen them drinking before - if they have to put their heads to the side do
I need to increase the height of the bottles? I’m thinking yes, which means I’ll need to do the ones in their cage too.

 

[midwesternrodent]

I've never thought about that. I have a couple of bottles at different heights, and one space cadet who is always drinking with their head tilted to the side regardless of the height.

In my case though, I think she's playing with the water and draining it because I have also seen her drink normally on occasion. She only does the side tilt when they've exhausted their toilet paper rolls and can't get the other pigs to chase her.

I'll let someone else chime in on if it's a discomfort thing, I just thought I had a weird piggy.

 

[midwesternrodent]

I replied without looking at your pictures.

Yeah, I'd raise those up. I have two bottles in my cage, one where the outlet is at about 4 inches high, and another at about 6. I have some big piggies so you might want lower depending on their preferences but I feel comfortable saying those are a tad low as is.

 

[piggieminder]

I would try them a bit higher and see how they go. Some piggies will just put themselves at an angle that looks awkward. Mine like to pull the spout to the side and stand side on rather than in front!