Has your hamster been acting weird and drinking too much water? This behavior could indicate several medical issues that shouldn’t be ignored!
Read on to understand reasons, and how to stop your hamster from drinking too much!
Hamster Drinking Water Routine
Unlike other animals, hamsters need water daily. This is important as their overall health depends on adequate water consumption, which helps with digestion and regulates body temperature!
Check The Water Bottle
Look at the water bottle every day. Make sure it’s full. If it’s empty, fill it with fresh water.
Clean The Bottle
Clean the water bottle once a week. Use warm water and a small brush. Rinse well to remove any soap.
Keep Water Accessible
Place the water bottle or bowl in an easy-to-reach spot in the cage. Your hamster should always have access to water.
Observe Your Hamster
Watch your hamster drink. If it’s not drinking, check for any signs of illness.
Change Water Daily
Always change the water every day. Fresh water keeps your hamster healthy and happy.
Provide a Bowl Option
Some hamsters prefer bowls. If you choose a bowl, make sure it’s shallow and clean it often.
How Much Water Should a Hamster Drink Every Day?
As a general rule, the amount of water a hamster should drink daily is around 0.33 ounces of water per 3.5 ounces of body weight.
The amount of water hamsters need can vary by breed and size, but generally, they require about 1-2 teaspoons per day. Factors such as diet and activity level can influence their water consumption.
If the hamster drinks more water, it might result in watery diarrhea or uneasiness. However, if it doesn’t drink enough water, it can lead to dehydration and sickness.
How Much Water Do Different Breeds of Hamsters Drink
Hamsters come in several breeds, each with unique traits. Here are the most common ones:
Syrian Hamsters
Syrian hamsters, or Golden hamsters, are the largest pet hamster breeds and weigh one ounce per inch. They were first bred at the University of Jerusalem.
These hamsters enjoy living alone, so if you’re considering getting one, make sure it has its own space. The Syrian hamster typically consumes a moderate amount of water,
Chinese Hamsters
Chinese hamsters are small rodents native to China and Mongolia. Unlike other hamster species, they have a long tail, which gives them a unique appearance.
These hamsters are social animals and prefer to live in pairs or small groups. They are known for their curious nature and can be active, especially at night.
The Chinese hamster may require slightly less water than the syrian breed due to it’s smaller size.
Dwarf Hamsters
If you are facing problems deciding which hamster to go for, a Dwarf hamster might be the answer. They are the tiniest little breed member and can be litter-trained easily.
Dwarf hamsters often require minimal water, which corresponds to their smaller physique and metabolic rate.
There are three types of dwarf hamsters: Winter White Dwarf, Roborovski Dwarf Hamster, and Campbell Dwarf Hamster.
Why Is My Hamster Drinking So Much Water?
If your hamster is drinking more than the average 20 times a day, it could mean mild to severe issues like diabetes, urinary tract infection, or just a weather change really.
Food that is too dry or doesn’t follow the right pellet diet can also increase water intake. Try to monitor their activity for 2 days and check for any lump or changes in behavior.
If you have a female hamster, this condition could indicate she is likely pregnant and needs extra care. If you are able to find something strange or out of character, call your veterinarian immediately or visit the hospital.
Ways To Stop Your Hamster From Drinking Too Much Water
If you’re wondering how to stop your hamster from eating or drinking more than usual, here are some tips to follow:
Take the cage and place it in a cooler environment.
Consult your vet for veterinary medicine, mainly for such conditions.
Provide cold water to satisfy its thirst.
Keep your hamster busy with activities. Drinking more water could be related to boredom.
Give a more balanced diet so that the hamster feels full and doesn’t require more water than is necessary per day.
Also, know that water is essential for overall well-being. If the lab tests are clear, let the hamster drink as much water as it wants.
Final Thoughts
Hamsters need ample amount of water to survive. This means their owners should provide them with clean water daily. However, drinking too much water is bad and can indicate serious issues.
If you observe your pet drinking too much or too less water, contact a veterinarian.
