Guinea pigs should have fresh water available at all times. An adult guinea pig drinks around 100ml of water per day, although individual needs can vary depending on diet, temperature, activity, and other factors.
Completely refresh and refill their water every day, even if there is still water remaining. Guinea pigs can backwash while drinking, and hay, food, and other debris can quickly contaminate their water. Adding fresh water to old water does not remove these contaminants.
Water bottles
Water bottles designed for small animals are the most common and hygienic way to provide water. We recommend 16 oz bottles for guinea pigs. Hang the bottle at an appropriate height so your guinea pigs can easily reach the nozzle without having to stretch or strain.
We always recommend providing more than one water bottle in the cage. If one becomes blocked or stops working, your guinea pigs will still have access to water from the other bottle.
Water bottle maintenance
Check your water bottles every day for leaks, clogs, or other defects. Tap the nozzle to make sure water is actually dispensing. A bottle can appear full while the nozzle is blocked or malfunctioning.
Clean water bottles regularly to prevent buildup of algae, bacteria, mineral deposits, and other debris. Warm water and dish soap are usually all you need. A small baby bottle brush works well for scrubbing the inside of the bottle. Clean the nozzle and rubber washer as well, since debris can become trapped inside.
For bottles that are difficult to scrub, some owners use a small amount of uncooked rice, warm water, and dish soap. Secure the bottle and shake it gently; the rice helps scrub the inside as it moves around. Rinse the bottle thoroughly afterward to remove all traces of soap and rice.
Always rinse bottles thoroughly after cleaning before refilling them with fresh water.
Leaks and troubleshooting
If your water bottle is leaking:
- Check that the rubber washer inside the nozzle is present and clean.
- Fill the bottle right to the brim, so the water is just slightly over the top, before attaching the nozzle.
- Keep the nozzle pointing upward while carrying the bottle to the cage. Do not squeeze the bottle.
- Flip the bottle right before attaching it to the cage. You should hear a brief hiss as the vacuum seal forms.
- Check that it is dispensing water without continuously dripping.
Never squeeze a water bottle, as this can disrupt the vacuum seal and cause it to leak.
If you continue to have problems, you can try a glass water bottle. Because glass is rigid, it is less likely to lose its vacuum seal during normal use.
Water bowls
Water bowls can be used if that is your preference, but they are not our preferred option because they're messy and require frequent refilling and cleaning. Bedding, hay, hair and feces will contaminate the water, introducing bacteria and increasing the risk of disease. Guinea pigs can also tip the bowl over, which may flood the enclosure and create persistently damp conditions that encourage the growth of mold, fungus and other harmful microorganisms.
If you use a water bowl, choose a heavyweight stainless steel or ceramic bowl, or a bowl that clips securely to the side of the cage. Replace the water whenever it becomes contaminated and clean the bowl regularly.
Additives
Never add vitamin C drops, supplements, flavorings, or any other additives to the water supply.
Vitamin C drops can change the taste of the water, which may cause some guinea pigs to drink less or stop drinking altogether. Adding vitamin C to water is also an ineffective and outdated way to provide supplementation. When supplementation is needed, give vitamin C separately like a medication rather than adding it to the water.
Your guinea pigs should always have access to plain, fresh water.