Baby ham not had a drink :(

[Ellie]

Dynamite still hasn't had a drink although he has been with us from 6.30pm Monday Night...

His water bottle is in an easy access place and he climbs round it so I think he knows its there...

We have tried everthing..

Tapping the bottle when he is close to it, wiggling it.
When he was walking round putting the bottle near his face,
Squirting the water when he was near by (which frightened him)

We did squirt a tiny bit onto the plastic level and seen him have a lick once but it literally wasn't long enough to do him any good...

Left a bit of cucumber in there for him, but he didn't want to know...

I might just be being over cautious as he's a baby and I'm worried about what he can get..

He is fine in himself, still hyperactive monkeybaring round awake from 7pm - was still up when we got up at 7am.. He is eating...

Any Ideas?

I might put a bottle lid of water in there, but don't want him to only drink from that, as he might grow up thinking thats how he gets his water?

[SnickersTheFirst]

Maybe smear a bit of banana on the spout of the bottle? The smell and taste should encourage him to start licking it and he may discover that it's also for water.

[Ellie]

I'm pretty sure he had a waterbottle at lisa's though so wouldn't he know what one was for? Hmmm...

What about an egg cup with a bit of water in?

Bit worried about putting the lid in incase he eats it?

He seems to be absolutely fine, He's not even nervous or anything so pretty sure he's not stressed!

I will try the banana though Thanks

[SnickersTheFirst]

No idea, prehaps he's just taking in his new surroundings still. I'm sure he'll drink soon but if he doesn't then I'd put in a bowl of water temporarily.

[shazzy]

To be honest they only drink a little amount so you wouldnt necessarily notice that the water bottle level has gone down. I am sure he has taken a drink while you are not looking - but yes maybe put a little bowl in the cage just in case

[suga]

Maybe try putting a shallow dish of water in for the time being just to ensure he can get to some easily.

[souffle]

I wouldn't worry as baby hamsters drink very little. I am quite sure he knows where it is and can work it. Be sure to run your finger over the ball and make sure it is working every day. Are you giving him babyfood or porridge or any wet foods as he will be getting fluid from that.
If he was dehydrated he would not be acting normally and bopping around.

[Fidgetthefirst]

Maybe you could mark the water level, and see if it goes down and then you'll no

[mangoandmimi]

well if your worried maybe a big chunk of cucumber or something just to make sure shes getting some moisture?
but tbh they barely drink much - they are very small!

[fluffymunchkins]

he may be choosing to drink when nobodys around so he feels safe
I know i never saw Treo drink for the first few weeks and his water bottle never seemed to go down either!