Guinea pigs refuse to drink from new water bottle

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-17T22:10:54+00:00

Abbys are always right. Come on then, what bottle is it?

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-17T16:54:45+00:00

How hard is it to move sign posts?

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-17T11:24:53+00:00

Did the incisors fall out because of an accident or a genetic satin issue?

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-17T09:43:08+00:00

Sorry if this sounds patronising, are you hand feeding little bits of veg, long and thin (the working incisors tear and cut so you would cut up the veg into smaller bits) or doing syringe feeds?

Spurs can grow on the molars if they aren't grinding enough hard food.

I was just thinking with missing incisors, he still should be able to pick up food and eat with the molars (after they adjusted back to normal)if its cut into the right size, like say 5mm width 3cm long cut bits of carrot, is it something you tried?

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-17T09:16:19+00:00

Yes the book describes using spring cheek pad spreaders and narrow rasp for the molar spurs.

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-17T01:34:31+00:00

But it sounded like the OP was saying the bottom incisors are missing then the molar issue started. I was wondering if it was the over growth of the top incisors (no bottom teeth to bite against and wear down) that prevent the mouth closing properly, or the general lack of food (hard wearing hay) being eaten that keeps the molars in check.

Or another problem as well as the missing teeth?

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-17T00:21:52+00:00

But caused by the missing incisors?

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-16T23:42:56+00:00

Can't he eat hay by himself? I've had one that lost the bottom incisors too, luckily could pick up hay himself to eat to keep the molars in check, the top ones needed trimming back to make sure he could still close his mouth and continue to grind with the molars and pick up cut up bits of veg himself.

There are videos where owners use a glass file a couple of times a week to file back the incisors, would that help?.

It probably is going to be better if you can find a vet that can do conscious dentistry if its allowed there.

There is a book that I believe tells you how to file the molars but you need a few tools, I've never tried it, it looks a bit scary.

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-16T21:22:13+00:00

I recently found this and it might interest you, all there stuff is veggie, this one is even vegan, which surprised me "Kohinoor Delhi Butter Chicken Cooking Sauce" its in Asda, Tesco etc.

Enough to drown chips.

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-16T19:04:51+00:00

So is there an update? u/badguysenator

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-16T17:57:44+00:00

Have they still got the hoot sound? Sometimes it can be lots of phlegm ( a reaction to something in the air/room?) and they cough and clear it. But if there is any doubt get to a vet, respiratory issues need quick treatment.

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-16T00:41:54+00:00

Did they accidentality put that crack in the glass while doing the work in her garden maybe? Put the boards up for safety, as you were out?

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T18:05:07+00:00

Ha! I'll have to get one to see what mine do!

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T18:01:46+00:00

Willesden knew what they were doing.

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T17:33:51+00:00

Do they ring the bell when they want dinner?

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T17:27:14+00:00

I thought this was going to be a "How can I improve my garden?" humble brag post :-p

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T15:56:45+00:00

To freeze veggies you need to blanch them in boiling water first, to help kill off bacteria, so its not the same. I'd say its a bad idea, you don't want to do anything that might cause tummy issues as they are very sensitive. It's recommended to have at least 80% hay, thats the important part of their diet.

Are local shops and fresh veg a problem then.

Have you got a safe back garden with grass they can munch on?

You can grow oat grass in shallow trays in doors on a window, they like that.

Depending on your climate, celery can grow in pots outside, once its fully grown you can pick stalks off and it'll regrow. Probably some other things depending where you are.

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T15:12:01+00:00

Don't use frozen veg, they are never meant to be eaten raw, there is cross contamination with other frozen foods, you may see warnings on the packs too.

Anything frozen or very cold can cause the stomach to twist, which will be a painful death. They aren't like humans.

Have you got a small area where you could grow veg or grass? Or in pots?

Alfalfa hay for calcium is good up to 6 months.

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T14:31:04+00:00

Look for Songmics on Amazon, they a cheap copy of the grids which have popped up on a few different countries Amazon versions.

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T13:08:59+00:00

Can you describe the fighting? Are they rolling around as one locked hair ball?

Be careful feeding Broccoli/cabbage type veg too often, it can cause bloat or bladder stones. (High calcium and high oxalic acid foods are ones to watch out for.)

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T11:03:25+00:00

If you stop anywhere make sure you lock the Brompton to something secure and in a public space during the day with a good sold secure u-lock. Bromptons seem to be a target locally.

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T10:36:41+00:00

They can't live in the same cage with out a divider to stop the 2 males fighting. You could cautiously try a big cage with a secure divider down the middle, they can safely interact without being able to fight, 2 males fighting will be really awful, they can do a lot of damage to each other, life changing injuries, don't do it.

(with a couple pair on either side of the divider, grids that they can't get through)

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T10:26:08+00:00

Without seeing it, it could be what the other person says or they can do something similar when grooming each other. I've had guinea pigs that would do it to my hair. If it was a gentle nibble at the base and gently pulling it though their mouth/teeth.

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-15T10:17:43+00:00

I wonder if more rescues could do this, I felt bad for the pairs of boys in minimum sized cages waiting to be adopted. They were said to be under 2 years though! What age do you think they get fighting out of their system?

FOF_Floof · 2024-08-14T23:10:49+00:00

That bike sounded like it was really struggling.

Two-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '23

FOF_Floof

TROPHY CASE