My new hamster won't drink :(

bird · 10-16-2012, 03:44 PM

Hi all.

I recently got my new, (and first) hamster, a Winter White called Perry. He's 10 weeks old and I've had him for four days.

I've given him cheese and apple aswell as his food and his water. I know he's eaten the treats, but nearly all of the food is still there. Also, his water hasn't gone down once and i've changed it every day. I'm worried that he's not drinking

cactus · 10-17-2012, 02:08 AM

It doesn't look like my Syrian drinks a lot either, I change his food and water daily and some days it looks like he's eaten and drunk a lot and others it looks as though he's had nothing at all. I know my Loki drinks because I see him do it either in the evening or morning but the water level never seems to go down much either. If you can't keep an eye on Perry all the time maybe you could set up a video camera and film if he's drinking while you're out? I thought for a while that Loki wasn't going to drink right because he kept chewing his bottle instead of drinking from it but I just happened to catch him mid drink a few times and it put my mind at rest. If Perry is acting normally, playing and his waste is fine then I wouldn't worry too much about him. I would recommend you keep a close eye on him at least but it is possible still that he's drinking and you're not catching him in the act. As for the treats I'd give him a few less to encourage him to eat his food. Loki has a treat of apple every few days as I'm still introducing the new food into his diet. It makes sure he eats his food, though he's never finished his food outright either. I always make sure he has some just in case. I hope some of this helps.

souffle · 10-17-2012, 02:49 AM

Don't worry. They drink such a tiny amount that you would not even notice it. Remember hamsters are desert creatures and have kidneys that conserve water and concentrate urine. He will be getting enough if you are feeding fresh veg or fruit. Check the bottle every day by running your finger over it to make sure the ball is moving freely.
If it is a type of bottle like a sippy we find some hams cannot work these so you should change to a traditional bottle.
They don't eat an awful lot either and store food so should never really 'finish a plate' like other animals would. It is only about a teaspoon a day they eat. If he is active, curious, glossy and bright eyed he is having sufficient for his needs so you should not worry

bird · 10-17-2012, 05:02 AM

Thanks guys you put my mind at ease.
It's a traditional bottle and i tested it it's fine.

I got him out for a play last night and he was absolutely fine, he ate some brocolli and wee'd so he seems normal.

Thanks Cactus for the suggestion about not giving so many treats, I'll remember

and thanks souffle for your help!