How much do guinea pigs drink?

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I am new to keeping guinea pigs and am worried that our 2 new little piggies aren't drinking enough.

We've had them for 2 weeks now - they are 16 weeks old. I have given them a shallow tray and a bottle to drink from. They never seem to take anything from the bottle but the shallow dish gets dirty very quickly (they love to jump in it). Should I worry about them getting dehydrated? They are getting hay, hard feed and some apple, carrots or brocoli every day. TIA.

It varies from pig to pig. As long as you are supplying water, they will take what they need. They may be getting most of what they want from their food. If you're concerned, give them some cucumber, or some wet grass for a bit of extra in their food.

Are they wetting their hutch? I thought ours were on hunger strike when we first got them, but relaxed once I realised that they were weeing and pooing copiously.

Thanks for that. Yes, they do seem to be wetting and they are definitely pooing. A lot! I will see if I can get some grass from somewhere for them.

How long does settling in normally take a pig? They seem to be getting to know us a bit more now and are less inclined to hide as soon as we come into the room. They are so sweet though - gorgeous creatures.

It can take a while - they're shy creatures and yours are only babies. Handle them quietly but frequently, and they'll come round.

If their poos are normal little beans, then they're not dehydrated, by the way. Dehydrated poos are small, slimy and often stuck together.

I'm sure they're fine.

Um. They are DDs guinea pigs and she loves them to bits. The problem is protecting them from DS who is 3. We are really careful not to let him get too close but I do worry that his exuberance is a bit of a trial for them. Well, I live in hope that he will calm down.

GPs are from Peru originally so used to hot climates. I never used to see mine drink either. I think they get a lot of fluid from their veggies.

We got 2 little guinea pigs 3 weeks ago and ours don't drink much either - their bottle hardly seems to go down at all. I have seen them using it and they're weeing plenty so not too worried.

I'm reading this listening to our old boar noisily swigging from his bottle in the next room (he bashes the bottle against the bars of his hutch, none of our other pigs have ever felt the need to do that). I fear slightly that his kidneys may not be in great condition, but he is plump and happy for now.

A lot of them don't drink much, but it's really important that they always have the opportunity.

Ooo! Our piggies are settling in nicely. In fact I just caught DH kneeling on the floor having a conversation with them.

"Guru guru guru squeak!"

"Squeak! Guru guru guru."

Love your DH talking to them My DH wasn't really interested in them until we got them and he loves them now.

Ours are getting used to me and DH now although they still hide from our 2yo, but that's basic common sense on their part really She's very gentle with them but isn't very good at staying still and quiet!

I am falling in love with our little piggies. They are growing so fast!

A couple of quick questions

• can I compost the litter from their cage?

• is there such a thing as too much fresh fruit or veg? At the moment they are getting all the apples that DS starts but does not finish and I wonder if that is too much?

TIA.