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View Full Version : Ahhhh, Why!

Cammiehammie
03-23-05, 10:00 PM 03-23-05
Why does my hamster keep chewing through her water bottles. Tonight is the third one I replaced in a month. It makes her bedding yucky, and it can make her sick. I even give her the chewed ones as toys. She also has many chew toys. I tried a lil Vinegar on it. That must have made it yummier, she chewed through quicker. Is there a rubber type water bottle? I need to patent one if not. Does anyone elses hamsters do this? How can I stop this annoying behavior? :D :mad:
J mouse
03-23-05, 11:45 PM 03-23-05
What kind of cage do you have? My hamsters don't chew on there water bottles because they are attached from the outside.
Cammiehammie
03-23-05, 11:51 PM 03-23-05
She is in a bin. I have a few extra wire cages, but I thought the room would be nice since she is having babies the 27th.
J mouse
03-24-05, 12:18 AM 03-24-05
You could try a ceramic water bowl.
Cammiehammie
03-24-05, 01:07 AM 03-24-05
I have a 2 extra ceramic bowls for her litter when they ar born this Sunday! Do you think it is a good idea when she is so far along? I am scared she will get use to the bowl, and not drink, or babies drowning. Maybe I am paranoid :D .
J mouse
03-24-05, 02:01 AM 03-24-05
You can put a sponge or paper towel in the so they won't drown. But what do you mean by "she will get use to the bowl, and not drink"?
Cammiehammie
03-24-05, 02:04 AM 03-24-05
I meant that if I give her a bowl, and when the babies come, I return her to the bottle, I fear she will not drink anything. The sponge idea should take care of that! Thank You.
Jiffykat
03-24-05, 07:45 AM 03-24-05
I have a few ideas for you, first of all, don't give her chewed ones as chew toys, that is teaching her that it is okay to chew on them. Also try hanging the water bottle high enough that she can only reach the end to drink from it.
LilSnooPydOG
03-24-05, 09:13 AM 03-24-05
Can't you buy a water bottle guard? I know they sell those...

Even with a bin, you can attach it to the outside. You just need to drill a hole for the spout to fit through, and 2 more for that wire thing that helps it hang on to cages.

And yeah, don't give the chewed ones as toys. That just makes her think "these are my toys, so I can chew them", and doesn't really help you any.