Hamster drinks a LOT...

[rework]

About 6 months ago we got a new dwarf hamster. One thing we've noticed about this one is that it drinks a lot of water. More than twice what the previous ones drank. Other than that, the hamster seems perfectly healthy.

I've read a bit on this and some sites say that this could be a sign of kidney problems or even diabeties. Has anyone run into this and been able to do anything? We don't have many vets who really know much about small animals around, and considering what they want to charge, I want to be sure there is a reason to pay it.

Thanks.

[foam]

hey! I've a hamster that drinks a lot of water too. exactly like what you described. i don't think the hamster is ill or anything 'cause i have kept mine for two months? about there. anyway, my friend who's a hamster breeder says that the hamster could be drinking water for fun. i think she said something about feeding them bean sprouts. :) but i haven't tried that yet.

[coloreds]

I would assume that they have diabetes more then being sick. If you got it at a pet shop it is more likely because they inbreed heavily