How long can hamsters go without water? - Page 2

HollyHamster · 06-09-2012, 10:48 AM

Why would you leave a hamster without a full water bottle? I always have water bottles full of water for my hams.

ButterNut · 06-09-2012, 10:50 AM

I could of sworn I put it back in. I dont usually leave her without one.

Womblehands · 06-09-2012, 10:53 AM

Did you forget to put it back when cleaning? It can easily happen if you are in a rush its just unlucky that it happened when you went away.. Is there any food in the cage that has moisture at all?

Erin Loves Dwarf Hamsters · 06-09-2012, 10:54 AM

Guys I think right now scorning isn't the right path to take, BN is clearly very upset and knows what she has done, like WH says its an easy thing to do, Ive done it before and learned from my mistake, consequently it hasn't happened since. Helpful tips are whats needed right now!

Hammies can go a few days without water as they preserve what they do drink (desert animals remember) and lots of hammies escape and go missing for days with no water, they just come back very thirsty! Just keep an eye on her, give her some extra water (maybe a bowl too) and she should be ok. You can check for dehydration by gently pinching the skin on her back. If it snaps back like the skin on the back of your hand does then she is fine if it doesn't snap back she is dehydrated.

M&Ms suggestions is great about leaving spare bottles, I also like to leave a bowl of water in case the bottle leaks. If you are leaving her for longer than 24 hours in future you will need someone to come and check on her at least once a day anyway as it is against the law to leave a pet alone for longer than 24 hours.

I hope she is ok

Edit: just seen that you aren't back yet, I would try and get someone to go over to her if you can or get back ASAP . Don't panic yourself hun just do your best to get water to her!

Michelle89 · 06-09-2012, 10:54 AM

....so how do you know you haven't put it in? Are you positive you've left it out? Hope the wee one is ok when you get back, Im sure youl be more careful in the future, i'm a total worrier if i leave them even for 12 hours I double and triple check lol x

ButterNut · 06-09-2012, 10:54 AM

Just seeds, dryed fruit, and the usual hamster food.

Im just hoping shes ok...

I just remember that I DONT remember putting it in. Im pretty sure Its not in there.

Womblehands · 06-09-2012, 10:57 AM

Im sure she will be hun, the fruit will help. Maybe you could leave a key with a neighbour you trust so you have an emergency contact at home who could nip in to help..

SnickersTheFirst · 06-09-2012, 10:57 AM

She should be fine, I know it's slightly different but my gerbils once went just over 2 days without water as I didn't realise their bottle was broken. When I put they water back in they drank a lot but they were fine. But now I check every single bottle works when I refill it.

ButterNut · 06-09-2012, 10:59 AM

Im always going to double check from now on.

What would happen if I left for a 7 day vacation? Well, im sure it wouldnt be good.
I cant wait to go check on her. I bet shes so thirsty.

Michelle89 · 06-09-2012, 10:59 AM

Im sure she will just be pretty thirsty when you get home , if your in the UK at least the weather seems to have cooled a bit so she wont be roasting or anything. Just keep calm as theres nothing you can do until your home and then you can spoil her with juicy foods

x