Lately, many pet owners choose guinea pigs for their companions, and it is completely understandable. They are cute, adorable, with a sweet and entertaining personality that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.
However, as with any other pet, they require proper guinea pigs care if you want your furball to have a happy and healthy life.
One of the things to take into consideration when caring for your cavy is ensuring it has the appropriate amount of fresh and clean water. And, to provide the water it needs you will need the best guinea pig water bottle for your ball of love.
Below you will find a guide on what to look for in the best water bottle and we will explain the reasons why it is important to choose the best one for your pet. Also, we will go through our five picks and look at their pros and cons to help you choose the best one for you.
Guinea pig water bottle – how does it look like?
A general description for a water bottle for guinea pigs would be a small container, which can be made of different materials, and an angled spout for drinking made of steel. Even though cavies have strong teeth, they won’t be able to damage the steel drinking spout.
There is a ball at the tip of the spout which serves to prevent the water from dripping out and on the floor.
Usually, the water bottle is easy to set up because it has a wire clip that just attaches your pet’s cage to the bars. Sometimes, there may be a stand for the guinea pig water bottle or it can be utilized with a bottle cage of wire that can be adjusted.
One option for installing the water bottle is to place it inside the cage. This would be a suitable choice if the space between the bars is too narrow for the drinking nozzle to go through it easily.
Also, you could position the guinea pig water bottle on the outer side of the cage and the spout will stick through the bars, thus allowing your furry companion to drink water whenever it wants.
The importance of guinea pig water bottle and why it is a better choice than a bowl
It is crucial for your furball to have enough supply of fresh and clean water throughout the day. If you are someone who spends most of their hours at work, then having a big water bottle for your guinea pig will put you at ease because you’ll be certain that it will have access to a sufficient quantity of water while you are not at home.
You might think that a bowl can contain enough water for the whole day, and you’ll be right. But, if you consider the lively and active nature of your cute ball of love you will understand that the bowl on the floor of its cage can be easily pushed and the water can spoil the bedding and mix with feces.
In relation, having a water bottle is a cleaner and more hygienic choice. Moreover, you won’t have to worry if your cavy tipped over the bowl and doesn’t have enough water to drink.
Also, guinea pigs enjoy more drinking water from a water bottle than from a bowl, and their water intake is higher when they use a bottle. These adorable furry creatures love chewing, so drinking from the nozzle is close to chewing.
Also, drinking from a bottle has some benefits for the cavies’ mental health, and since they consume more water, the additional fluid in their bodies prevents the creation of urine stones.
How much water does your cavy drink?
Having the best guinea pig water bottle will give you a clear idea about the quantity of water your furry companion drinks every day.
Monitoring your cavy’s water intake is of utmost importance because if it drinks less or more than it should be drinking, the little one might have a health problem. Keep a close eye on its daily water intake and this may prevent a small issue from becoming a serious health problem.
If you notice inconsistency in the quantity of water it drinks, take your ball of love to a veterinarian to avoid any major health problems.
The best place for the best guinea pig water bottle
When installing your guinea pig’s water bottle, make sure you place it at the proper height for your cavy. Why the height is so important? Keep reading to find out the answer.
Positioning the water bottle higher than it is supposed to be, would create difficulty for the cavy to make contact with the nozzle, which may lead to a decrease in its water intake.
In contrast, if the bottle is too low then it will require your guinea pig to do some acrobatic movements in order to drink water.
So, what is the most suitable height at which the water bottle should be placed? Fixing it just above the cavy’s head height would be the most appropriate. It will be just at the right position for the guinea pig to reach the nozzle.
If you have or planning to have younger and smaller guinea pigs, then you will need another bottle which will be placed lower and at the proper height for the baby one.
Furthermore, another important thing to take into account is the location of the water bottle inside the best guinea pig cage.
Avoid fixing the bottle near where the little ball of fur sleeps to prevent dripping water from flowing into the bedding.
It is convenient for the bottle to be near its food bowl, but ensure it is not too close because if water goes in the food it will become soggy and your piggy won’t eat it.
Temperature is another thing to consider. If you expose the bottle to sunlight it may lead to algae growth inside. Furthermore, your furry friend would not enjoy drinking warm water.
On the other hand, breeze and cold places can create frost, so choose the position of the water bottle carefully.
Whether you decide to put the bottle inside the cage or outside of it, keep in mind your piggy’s desire for chewing.
Few more points to look at…
Does it leak?
Non-leaking capacity is one feature you need to look at when choosing a guinea pig water bottle. Why is it important for the bottle not to leak? As we mentioned above, the water can spoil the bedding and make your piggy’s food soggy and inedible.
Furthermore, you will have to clean more frequently and keep refilling the bottle to ensure your cavy is getting enough water.
How much water does it hold?
You will want to get a larger water bottle to avoid constant refilling. The water capacity of the bottle is an important characteristic to take into consideration, especially if you have more guinea pigs. Higher water capacity will ensure that the proper amount of water is provided to your pet or pets.
Does it show the quantity?
Indicating grids on the water bottle will help you to easily monitor the water intake of your pet. You will know if the little one drinks enough water, and if there is enough water left until the end of the day. Some bottles may come with figures, which are also helpful to see the water level in the bottle.
What about the material?
The most common materials used for guinea pig water bottles are glass and plastic. The bottles made of glass are safer when it comes to resistance to chewing and they don’t leak any hazardous chemical materials in the water. They are safe to place them inside the cage as well. However, they can be a little bit on the pricey side.
On the other hand, water bottles made of plastic are lighter, easy to transport, and they are affordable. They are easier to install and attach to the cage. If you choose a BPA-free plastic water bottle it will be safer for your piggy’s health and it will last longer.
Moreover, stainless steel and ceramic are other materials that can be part of the water bottle. For example, it may have stainless steel nozzle.
When it comes to the shape of the water bottle, the best choice would be cylindrical without any sharp edges that could be harmful to your furry ball of love.
Is it durable?
If the bottle is scratch-proof and chew-proof, you have a winner. Cavies like to scratch, so a durable surface, resistant to scratching is going to be safer for your pet and it will save you money and time spent on replacement bottles.
What type of nozzle it has?
When it comes to shape and length properties, nozzles can have twisted ends or they can be straight. Just choose the best one for your ball of love. But, one important feature that can’t be overlooked is resistance to chewing. The little one will want to chew the nozzle because that’s its nature.
Is it steady?
The steadiness of the hook or built-in hanger is something to keep in mind too. The water bottle should be stable and secure when it is positioned on the cage.
Is it easy to clean and maintain?
Since you will need to clean the guinea pig water bottle daily, choose one that can be easily cleaned and maintained. If you choose a bottle made of plastic, remember that if you use hot water to sterilize and clean, it can melt. Also, the nozzle should be easy to clean as well.
When cleaning, use a bottle brush, and once a month you could use a sterilizing kit that is safe for your pet.
Is it convenient to use?
Since you’ll be cleaning the bottle often, it is imperative that it is convenient and easy to detach and attach. The bottle should come with all necessary accessories like a hook, a stand, or a strap.
Is it affected by changes in temperature?
You may choose to take your pet on a holiday or a road trip. The water temperature shouldn’t be affected by the outside weather. This will ensure that your little cavy has fresh and drinkable water wherever you take it.
The best guinea pig water bottle – our top five
Now that you know what to pay attention to when choosing a water bottle for our guinea pig, take a look at our top five choices and pick the best one for your furry companion.
Choco Nose No-Drip Small Animal Water Bottle
Choco Nose is a brand that was created with lots of love and affection towards all furry friends. The name is inspired by the charming and cute noses of pups, and their usual color which is normally dark brown. Their products are stylish and practical.
The nozzle of this water bottle is patented and leakproof. It is effective in preventing water leakage which means there is no messy bedding and soggy food.
Furthermore, the nozzle is chew poof, so it won’t be damaged even if your little ball of fur tries to chew it off with its nibbling teeth.
The material is BPA-free which makes the bottle eco-friendly and safe for the piggy.
It is lightweight and easy to install, which makes it convenient to use.
Moreover, the maximum water capacity is twelve ounces, which is perfect for a daily water intake.
You can even choose from three different colors of the nozzle.
Pros
- It contains a patented, leakproof nozzle
- The nozzle is chew proof
- It is easy to install and maintain
- It is BPA-free and eco-friendly
- Its maximum water capacity is twelve ounces
- The nozzle comes in three different colors
Cons
- After refilling, you will need to ensure that water is coming out
- You need to clean it daily, otherwise, algae may appear in the bottle
Lixit Wide Mouth Small Animal Water Bottle
Lixit offers various choices of quality animal care accessories, and they are one of the largest manufacturers of watering devices for small animals.
If you are looking for a water bottle that is easy to clean and maintain, this would be a perfect choice. It has a wide mouth bottle which makes it convenient for cleaning.
Also, the material is resistant to temperature changes which means you can use it outdoors or indoors without the fear of it being discolored or damaged. The material is durable, thick plastic, and BPA-free.
The stainless steel nozzle is safe for your cavy and it is resistant to chewing. Furthermore, the special double ball-point tube with a silicone seal prevents water from dripping in the bedding and making a mess.
The bottle comes in eight, sixteen, and thirty-two ounces and you choose different colors and designs.
Pros
- It has a wide mouth bottle, making it easier for cleaning
- It is made of durable, thick, BPA-free plastic, so it’s safe for your pet
- The nozzle is made of stainless steel, which means it is chew-proof
- It contains a two ball-point tube and silicone seal, which contributes to the prevention of leakage
- It comes in different sizes and colors
Cons
- It needs to be set up properly, otherwise, it may leak
You & Me Flip Top Water Bottle
You & Me is a brand that gives pet owners a variety of items to choose from for their companions. You can find anything from pet gates, parrot cages, to water bottles for small furry animals.
This water bottle for small furry friends has sixteen ounces of water capacity, which is more than enough for your pet’s daily need for water intake.
The bottle’s material is BPA-free plastic, safe for your pet’s health, and light to handle.
Also, the nozzle is stainless steel with two ball sipper tube. Your pet won’t be able to chew the nozzle and water won’t be leaking on the floor of your cavy’s cage.
The locking bracket of the bottle is adjustable and attaches securely to the cage.
The bottle’s flip flop top cap is easy to open and makes it convenient for cleaning.
Pros
- It contains flip flop top cap
- Its water capacity is sixteen ounces
- The plastic material is BPA-free
- It has two ball sipper tube
- The nozzle is made of stainless steel
- It has an adjustable locking bracket
Cons
- If it isn’t properly positioned, it may leak
Rotteck Weather Resistant Small Animal Cage Accessory
Tucker Murphy™ Pet offers a wide variety of accessories and furniture for all animals. They provide crates, condos, cages, and other small items for chickens, dogs, cats, and other furry and feathery friends.
The water bottle for small pets from Tucker Murphy™ is another great choice because besides being drip-resistant it is weather-resistant too. The small ball placed inside the nozzle prevents water from flowing unless suction is placed on the spout.
If you decide to place your little furry friend outdoors for fresh air, the water won’t be affected by changes in temperature.
The material of the bottle is durable plastic, and the nozzle is made of stainless steel.
Another great feature of this bottle is the printed measurements and the see-through design. It allows for easier tracking of your guinea pig’s water intake.
Moreover, the bottle comes with a wire hanger and it is super simple and easy to install.
Pros
- It has a small ball blocking the tip of the nozzle, thus preventing water from dripping
- It is weather-resistant
- The bottle is made of durable plastic with a see-through design
- The nozzle is made of stainless steel, making it safe for your piggy
- It comes with a wire hanger
- It is easy to install
- It has printed measurements for monitoring your pet’s water intake
Cons
- The water capacity is around eight ounces
Lixit Deluxe Glass Animal Medium Tube Bird Cage Water Bottle
This is another great quality water bottle offer by Lixit. It’s made of glass and stainless steel nozzle and holder. The stainless steel is easy to clean, sanitize and it is resistant to rust.
The material of the bottles makes it scratch-proof, chew-proof, safe for your guinea pig’s health, and easy for you to clean because it is dishwasher friendly.
Furthermore, the rubber stopper is non-toxic and USDA-approved, which you can safely wash in the dishwasher as well.
You can choose between sixteen and thirty-two ounces of water capacity. So, if you have more than one cavy, the thirty-two-ounce option will do great.
Pros
- The bottle is made of glass, making it easier for cleaning and scratch proof
- The holder and the nozzle are made of stainless steel, which means they are resistant to rust, easy to clean, and safe for your pet’s health
- You can choose from two water capacity options
- The rubber stopper is approved by USDA and it is not toxic for your little one
- It is dishwasher friendly
- It doesn’t leak
Cons
- It is a little bit heavier since it is made of glass
- It is pricier than the plastic bottle options
Conclusion
There is a variety of water bottles for guinea pigs, and it may seem overwhelming if you don’t know what exactly you are looking for. However, using the guide and the information in this article will equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the best guinea pig water bottle for you and your cavy.
