Leaking bottle!

pinkneon · 07-19-2016, 03:00 PM

I noticed Sweep's bottle was pretty empty and thought he'd drunk a lot, but the substrate under it was soaked so it's been leaking. Is this normal in this weather? He has a glass bottle ... Also, I put a small bowl under the bottle but now he refuses to use the bottle and stands or sits in the bowl ... I don't want to leave the bowl in the cage all night if he's just going to sit in it, and I'm worried if he's not supervized he'll drown or something. What can I do?!

Kiki_3173 · 07-19-2016, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkneon

I noticed Sweep's bottle was pretty empty and thought he'd drunk a lot, but the substrate under it was soaked so it's been leaking. Is this normal in this weather? He has a glass bottle ... Also, I put a small bowl under the bottle but now he refuses to use the bottle and stands or sits in the bowl ... I don't want to leave the bowl in the cage all night if he's just going to sit in it, and I'm worried if he's not supervized he'll drown or something. What can I do?!

I've noticed that the warmer it is, the more Butters bottle drips. I put a rock under it, which keeps the bedding from getting soaked. I also noticed that if I tighten the bottle spout a quarter turn, it slows down the dripping. I have Oasis Bell Bottles, but it's worth a try!

Pebbles82 · 07-19-2016, 04:57 PM

Have you got a spare bottle? If not just make sure the bottle is screwed tight but check it still lets water out, then if it drips you can just spot clean that bit of substrate in the morning and take the bowl out. As long as the bottle doesn't completely empty itself, that's the main thing.

pinkneon · 07-19-2016, 05:02 PM

Yes have a spare bottle and that one is leaking too! Both are done up as tight as possible but still drip like mad. Have never seen them drip like that before! They're emptying pretty quick. I only refilled the smaller one about 10 mins ago and it's almost empty!

freyashamsters · 07-19-2016, 10:57 PM

In probably wrong but maybe the heat loosens the ball inside? If the problem persists I'd fill up a small ceramic bowl with water and change it when it gets warm

souffle · 07-20-2016, 12:22 AM

It's the heat and the changes in pressure inside and outside the bottle due to air expansion and contraction. It is more pronouced in hot weather especially if you are using ice in the bottle. Just keep checking it

Renlikescake · 07-20-2016, 03:47 AM

You should always have a spare bottle at hand. If you don't have a spare bottle you can put some water in a bowl with a couple rocks(sterilised rocks) in it so it doesn't get knocked over and maybe put it on something like a level where bedding wont get in.
Sometimes the spout of waterbottles will expand due to heat and the plastic can be affected too.

Pebbles82 · 07-20-2016, 05:23 AM

It does seem strange that a glass bottle would expand in the heat but maybe the ball bit does. Maybe try some different bottles and have a bottle stand in the cage, or an extra small bottle above one of the shelves, so he can always get water. I used to keep two bottles in the cage for quite a long time after having some issues.

Those little ferplast drinky ones I mentioned before would be good for clipping to the bars above one of his shelves - they have a clip that means you can keep the bottle on the inside and it's easy to take in and out of the clip - I really like them. I have never had any issues with those at all (except when I didn't screw it up tight enough once and Charlie unscrewed it by pushing it round lol). The trick is fixing it over the shelf somewhere that is easily accessible through the top door. They're not expensive really - I get two at a time to save on postage (plus it's always good to have a spare). I think bottles don't have that long a lifespan really anyway - 6 months maybe.

Fpi 4660 Drinky75 Drinky B.

pinkneon · 07-20-2016, 05:31 AM

Thanks. Have one of the smallest size of the "normal" bottles - can't remember what that is called now LOL - as well as the glass one and I noticed they only leak if the water inside is cold - so straight from fridge - which is odd! But he has both bottles and when I am able to supervize will give him a bowl too, as I left one under the glass bottle and he sat in it rather than use the bottle!! So have removed that for now because I am worried he will either drown or get sick from sitting in water! Though he did look quite funny dabbing his paws in it - looked like he was paddling!

Pebbles82 · 07-20-2016, 05:34 AM

Yes sounds good taking the bowl out, I would worry about that too, plus not very hygienic if he is paddling and it's not good for them to get wet either.