Water

[Janey]

I've just seen a post on Facebook from a piggy owner asking if other people in UK are switching to bottled water for their piggies instead of tap water as she's been having a lot of trouble with bladder sludge and stones. Just wondering if tap water actually contributes to this as I live in a hard water area, and have to descale kettle regularly?

Somebody replied saying distilled water has no minerals in - now I don't know if that's right or not, but would that be safe to give to piggies?

 

[Betsy]

I have a Brita Water Filter and I give my piggies filtered water as this takes out some if not all of the calcium. You will also find that if you use it in your kettle too you will not have to descale your kettle.

 

[Wiebke]

I've just seen a post on Facebook from a piggy owner asking if other people in UK are switching to bottled water for their piggies instead of tap water as she's been having a lot of trouble with bladder sludge and stones. Just wondering if tap water actually contributes to this as I live in a hard water area, and have to descale kettle regularly?

Somebody replied saying distilled water has no minerals in - now I don't know if that's right or not, but would that be safe to give to piggies?

Distilled water is not healthy and most bottled water is high in calcium. The best way is to filter your water; that can really make a difference!

These guides here contain tips for drinking and a balanced long term low calcium diet:
All About Drinking And Bottles
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diet

 

[gizzy]

Dito
Filtering the water may take out some calcium but there are other minerals esensiol to good health that are also removed,

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

I also filter my water for many reasons now, firstly the calcium (can cause bladder stones) and also the chlorine levels which aren't always consistent and can be quite high... I also drink filtered water myself now and swear I feel better for it! Pigs really do improve your health!

 

[Janey]

Finally got around to ordering a Brita water filter jug today - looking forward to receiving it and seeing whether the piggies will notice any difference in their new and improved tasting water

 

[Betsy]

I notice the difference!

 

[Janey]

Might even try it myself too Betsy - see if I do too!

 

[DM030819]

Definitely try it yourself @Janey, the filters are supposed to be changed every month or so anyway so get as much use out of it as you can. There's definitely a difference in taste.