Hamster Water Bottle Guide: Can Hamsters Have Water Bottles?

Must Know

Can Hamsters Have Water Bottles?

Allowing your Hamster to drink water from a water bowl can be risky as it may drown itself while drinking. You must choose a water bottle that is specifically meant for hamsters and not larger animals. (a hamster-sized bottle).

Also, water bowls can be a messy idea hence bottles are preferred. Water bottles ensure the hygiene and cleanliness of the water, unlike water bowls. However, you should clean them regularly to prevent the formation of algae and bacteria in them.

Table of Contents

Proper positioning of the bottle should be done to ensure your little friend does not have to stretch too far to drink water. A few inches (preferably 2-3) above its bedding would be better.

An advantage of using water bottles for your hamster is that you can analyze how often and how much water is consumed by your little friend.

Also, hamsters can tip over the water from the bowl, which won’t happen while using a water bottle.

Can A Hamster Drink Water From A Bowl?

Yes, a Hamster can drink water from a bowl. However, you must make sure the bowl is positioned properly and that it is shallow without any sharp edges.

Also, the water bowl gets dirty very easily and hence you must clean it often. It is always best to provide water bottles for drinking, but if your hamster does not understand how to use a water bottle, give it an option to drink water from a bowl. Meanwhile, let your little friend figure out how to drink water from a bottle.

Is A Bowl Or Bottle Better For A Hamster?

A water bowl or a water bottle: which is better for your hamster. Now, this is one of the most frequently asked questions and is an essential part of a hamster’s hygiene and survival.

Knowing what’s best for your little buddy requires us to discuss the topic in detail, see the pros and cons of each side and then come to a conclusion.

If you are planning to choose a water bowl for your hamster, note that they can tip over the bowl and even drown themselves while attempting to drink from a bowl. Hence it is important to choose a bowl that is shallow and heavy.

It is best to buy ceramic water bowls as they can be easily cleaned and are less messy. Choosing a material that is hard for your buddy to chew is important. You may notice lots of scratches on the plastic bowl. Ceramic bowls, being heavy, are difficult to get tipped.

Go for a size smaller than the hamster and the bowl should not be too shallow. Make sure the bowl does not consume a lot of space in the cage.

Benefits Of Using A Water Bowl

Water bowls can be easily cleaned. Regular cleaning of bowls would prevent the deposition of bacteria and algae in the bowl.
It is easier for your hamster to drink water from a bowl, without making too much noise.

However, you must note that there are many downsides to using a water bowl for your hamster. First of all, there are chances that your little buddy can drown himself in the bowl while drinking water. Also, note that hamsters do not like to get wet.

Water bowls have a higher chance of getting contaminated, which means they tend to get dirty more often, which is not good for your pet friend’s hygiene.

Plastic bowls are not at all good options for hamsters as they may attempt to chew and make long-lasting scratches all over the bowl. This makes water bowls unfavorable for hamsters.

All About Hamster Water Bottles

Although your hamster may enjoy drinking water from a bowl, you should mount a water bottle in their cage. These water bottles do not get contaminated like the bowls, and they ensure proper hygiene and avoid spillage of water.

Aside from the cleanliness and sterility of water bottles, these bottles are difficult to be tipped by the hamster. If you decide to have more hamsters in the cage especially from a very young age, it is better to have water bottles because you do not have to bother refilling the water every moment when hamsters tip over the bowl.

Can A Bowl Be Used By Hamsters?

Yes. Hamsters won’t have any problem drinking from a water bowl. You may also choose to use both water bowls and water bottles for your hamster and notice which is more suitable. ( And you won’t be surprised to note that bottles are way better for your hamster’s hygiene than bowls).

Remember that your hamster can tip over the bowl anytime, which would surely make the entire cage wet. This causes molds to grow all over the cage.

Your hamsters may also accidentally slip into the bowl. Getting wet is not at all good for your hamsters as they may get irritated and they do not like to get wet.

Another important point to consider is that hamsters often dig holes and use all their paws, which causes the sand and bedding to spread all over the bowl, making it less hygienic.

Hence, it is recommended that you use water bottles for your hamster. For elder hamsters, you should position the water bottle close to their bedding area so that they do not have to stretch too much to consume water.

Having a small-sized water bottle (preferably the size of a hamster) is the best size to choose for your hamster. This size should be sufficient to provide water for the entire day without having to refill.

Though few hamster owners find water bowls to be more convenient and better for their hamsters, you should always prefer a water bottle (cage-mouthed) for your hamster.

There are many reasons why bottles are more suitable than bowls. First of all, bottles can not be tipped over by the hamsters. If you decide to have multiple hamsters in the cage, there can be no smarter option than using water bottles.

Secondly, water bottles are least likely to be polluted by bedding, urine, pellets, leftovers, feces, and molds of the hamster. This ensures proper hygiene and fewer chances of disease.

Although water bottles are a safe and better option to opt for, you must also ensure that they are properly located inside the cage and only 2-3 inches above the bedding, making them convenient to be used by the hamsters.

Also, there are chances that the nozzle of the bottle can break which may cause leakage in the cage. You need to keep an eye on this. Also, clogging is more frequently noticed in water bottles, hence it is essential to check the nozzles and ensure their proper functioning.

It is essential to clean water bottles regularly. There are also chances of deposition of algae due to direct or indirect sunlight, so you must ensure proper cleanliness of the bottles.

The main advantage of using a water bottle is that it provides a sufficient supply of water for the entire day and does not require too much cleaning. If you are planning to buy the best water bottle for your hamster, here are some of the best options for you.

A Combination Of Food Bowl And Water Bottle

Getting a Newwic Hamster bowl is one good option. This includes a water dispenser as well as a food dispenser. These bottles are designed with a bowl and pipe made of stainless steel. This container also prevents spillage of water and food all around the cage.

Types Of Water Bottle For Hamsters

Leak Proof Choco Nose Bottle

Choco Nose bottles have nozzles that are leak-proof, ensuring efficient prevention of leakage. Its new and innovative design ensures proper hygiene and cleanliness of the water. Also, the size of the nozzle is small and ideal for almost all kinds of hamsters.

Chew Proof Water Bottles For Hamsters

RentACoop water bottle is one great option to ensure a chew-proof container. Also, it prevents dripping of any kind. This water bottle can be attached outside the cage of your hamster. Its unique flip-cap cover would ensure an easy refill of water. And you can also have a look at the water level of the bottle.

As this water bottle is easy to clean and refill, the hassle of cleaning these containers regularly is much less.

Leak-Proof Lixit Water Bottles

These water bottles are specifically designed for dwarf hamsters. These bottles usually form a vacuum inside which is good at holding the water and preventing chances of leakage. Also, these bottles have larger openings which makes them easier to be cleaned and refilled. And because of their flat bottom, you can also mount them inside the cage.

Chew-Proof Kaytee Bottles

These containers are quite small in size and are specifically designed for hamsters. As these bottles are made of stainless steel and glass, cleaning gets easier. Also, these bottles have string attachments to hold them safely inside the cage. In addition, the sipper tube of these bottles is drip resistant.

Both water bowls and water bottles are extremely affordable and readily available in the market. As hamsters need to stay hydrated to stay safe from various diseases, you must choose the best water container for them. Proper cleanliness and a fresh supply of water must be maintained.

Though water bowls may seem a better option for these little beings, these bowls are more likely to get dirty and messy. Also, there is a higher chance that your hamster may tip over the bowl and make himself wet while attempting to drink water from a bowl.

This is why water bottles are a better option for them as bottles ensure proper hygiene and sterility of the water. However, you must clean the bottle consistently to prevent the deposition of dirt or algae. Also, pay attention to the proper positioning of the bottle and make sure your hamster can easily reach the bottle without stretching too far. You should also pay attention to the functioning of the nozzle and make sure there is no leakage or dripping of water.

Remember that nothing is more important than the safety and hygiene of your hamster. So, take your time to pick the best water bottle for him and ensure the bottle has sufficient water capacity, has no leakage, can be easily cleaned, and is made of high-quality materials (preferably stainless steel, as it is more convenient to clean bottles made of glass and stainless steel).

I guess you got detailed information about both the water bowls and water bottles and understood their advantages and disadvantages. Now, it will be easier for you to decide what type of water container would be the best fit for your fluffy, little hamster.

How Does A Hamster Water Bottle Work

A hamster water bottle usually contains a plastic segment to store the water, a cap made of plastic, and a metallic tube consisting of a ball bearing. Due to the presence of this ball bearing, a vacuum is formed inside the bottle which would prevent the water stored inside from flowing out.

However, hamsters can interrupt this mechanism of vacuum if they push the ball bearing up. Hence hamsters can drink water from the bottle by licking the ball bearing.

How Much Is A Hamster Water Bottle

You may be wondering ” How Much Does A Hamster Water Bottle Cost?” Well, worry not, as the price of the hamster water bottles is not at all expensive.

Though the cost of each bottle may differ depending upon its features and designs, most of these bottles would cost around 20 to 30 dollars.

Of course, you can get other water bottles at a cheaper cost, you must also ensure the proper functioning and material of the bottle. High-quality bottles are always better for your little buddies. This means, no need to compromise on the hygiene of hamsters.

What Size Water Bottle For Hamster

4-ounce water bottles are the best for dwarf hamsters. As hamsters drink only 4 to 5 teaspoons of water every day, a 4-6 oz water bottle is considered to be the best fit for all hamsters. A smaller bottle can easily be mounted inside the cage. And a larger water bottle would cause more leakage of water.

What Water Bottle Should I Get For My Hamster?

While choosing the water bottle for your hamster, you must ensure that the bottle is leak-proof and is made of good quality material (preferably glass or stainless steel). The bottle should also be easy to clean. Below are a few options that will help you choose the best water bottle for your hamster:

Choco Nose No-Drip Water Bottle

Best Overall Water Bottle

Choco Nose No-Drip water bottle is the best water bottle that ensures a chew-proof construction and a compact size. This bottle can hold up to 12 ounces of water, which is more than sufficient. This bottle prevents dripping and is also easy to clean.

Pros: Can be easily cleaned, chew-proof, compact, and lightweight.

Cons: A bit costly.

Lixit Small Sized Water Bottle

Best Value Water Bottle

Lixit Small Sized Water Bottle has an external installation that solves the problem of chewing on the bottle. This also ensures easy cleaning and refilling without causing any disturbance to your pet friend.

It is a slightly larger and affordable bottle to choose from and can be considered a good value for money option.

Pros: External installation, three capacities, safe and secure attachment.

Cons: Larger and bulky, leaks occasionally.

Alfie Pet 2-In-1 Water Bottle

Premium Choice Water Bottle

Alfie Pet 2-In-1 Water Bottle is uniquely designed. It functions as a water supply and a hiding place for your little friend. This is not an ideal choice for larger pets. It is compact and can hold up to 2 and a half ounces of water.

Pros: Chew protection with ceramic sleeve, also acts as a hiding place, free from odors.

Cons: Consumes a lot of space, less water capacity.

Usage Guide

How To Fill A Hamster Water Bottle?

Step 1: Have A Look At The Size And Type Of The Cage

Look at the size and type of your hamster’s cage. You can find wire and solid sides in a small-sized cage.

Step 2: Buy A Hamster Water Bottle

Buy a water bottle as per the size of the cage. Make sure that the bottle should consume less space inside the cage. Have a holder-type bottle to prevent chewing of the bottle.

Step 3: The Filling Process

After mounting the water bottle inside the cage, open the nozzle of the bottle from the top. Then, fill the bottle with normal tap water.
Then, screw the nozzle tightly.

The first step is to choose the appropriate size of the bottle. It should be compact (preferably hamster-sized) and should be specifically made for smaller animals like hamsters. Also, be prepared to deal with occasional leaks in the bottle.

The next step would be to submerge the water bottle after removing the cap in warm water for a few minutes(2-3 minutes would be enough). After doing so, you need to fill the bottle with normal tap water. Also, it is important to fill it to the top for allowing the proper formation of a vacuum inside (which would help to prevent dripping of water).

Then, put your finger and run over the ball bearing of the bottle, and check if water comes out or not. If water does not come out, you need to push the ball further into the bottle’s sipper and let it drop back.

Place the bottle in an area free from sunlight. Even indirect sunlight can cause the formation of algae in the bottle, which would require you to clean the bottle more often.

Finally, mount the bottle in the cage a few inches above the hamster’s bedding ( making it easier for the hamsters to reach out and drink water).

How To Tell If Hamster Water Bottle Is Working?

The first thing you need to ensure is that the water bottle is not leaking. If you find the nozzle to be broken or any other issue causing the leakage of water, you should replace the water bottle as soon as possible.

Proper positioning of the bottle also plays an important role here. If the bottle is not tilting downwards, you must have a look at the holder of the bottle. You can either fix it or simply replace it with another holder.

If you tap the ball bearing of the bottle and if water starts flowing out of it, this means the bottle is working.

How To Set Up A Hamster Water Bottle?

The first step is to figure out the type and size of your pet friend’s cage.

The second step is to buy a water bottle specifically designed for hamsters. Make sure the bottle does not consume too much space in the cage. Choosing holder-type water bottles with nozzles would prevent chewing of the bottle.

The third step is to mount the bottle inside the cage of the hamster. Unpack the bottle from the packaging without destroying the packaging (as you may need the instructions to install the bottle). For solid-sided cages, you need to place the holder at the top of the ledge. For wire-sided cages, you need to slide the holder between the two bars of the cage and slide it down to fit it into its proper place.

The fourth step is to unscrew the nozzle, fill the bottle with normal tap water and then screw it. And finally, place the water bottle into the holder. Allow the nozzle to face downwards, which makes it convenient for the hamsters to drink water. Keep an eye on the bottle occasionally to ensure it is working properly.

How To Put A Hamster Water Bottle In A Tank?

There are many options you can choose to put a water bottle in a tank. The first thing you can do is to make use of industrial velcro and fix it to the side of the tank. Secondly, you can choose to use a metal water bottle hanger by hanging it on the side of the tank. This allows the water bottle to move easily from one place to another.

Another thing you can do is to use ceramic bottle stands, which may be rare to find in the market. However, metal water bottle hangers are considered to be the best option for many hamster owners.

Velcro can be used as it is readily available in the market and is quite budget-friendly ( costs less than $6 ). But you must have a chew guard holder installed inside the tank for using velcro. This is because while using the chew guard holder, the water bottle can be easily removed from the tank. Also, make sure to use industrial strength velcro as the regular velcro might not be strong enough.

You can also use an Oasis Bell Bottle as it can hang by itself and is made up of very good quality material.

Where To Put Hamster Water Bottle

The hamster water bottle needs to be inserted into the holder. But you must remember that the nozzle of the water bottle should face downwards for your hamster to drink water conveniently. Then you need to stretch the metal band a little bit (which is adjustable) and allow it to go over the bottle. This is done to keep the bottle in its position.

How To Hang Hamster Water Bottle In Aquarium?

If you keep wondering ” How to attach a hamster water bottle to the aquarium?”, then worry not as we have got several options for you. The first option is to use a good quality industrial strength velcro and fix it to the side of the aquarium.

The second option is to make use of a metal water bottle hanger and hang it over one side of the aquarium. Using a metal bottle hanger is highly recommended because it makes the movement of water bottles easier from one place to another. You can also buy a ceramic water bottle stand but they are rare to be found in the market.

How High Should Hamster Water Bottle Be

Proper positioning of the water bottle is important because if the bottle is too high or away from the reach of your hamster, he might find it difficult to hydrate himself. It is recommended to fix the water bottle only a few inches (1-2 inches) above the bedding of your hamster. This way your pet friend can easily access the bottle. The elder hamsters find it difficult to stretch themselves out too far which is why placing the bottle at a proper height is important.

How To Get Hamster To Drink From Water Bottle

Proper hydration is important for your hamster’s health. You need to make sure that they get a sufficient supply of water every day. You also need to keep an eye on the bottle to make sure it is functioning properly without any leakage or blocks.

Most hamsters (especially the young ones) are unaware of the fact that the bottle inside the cage contains a fresh supply of water. In such a case, you can put some peanut butter on the ball bearing of the water bottle. While attempting to eat the peanut butter, your hamster would also drink some water from the bottle.

If this does not work, you can simply remove the water bottle from the cage, pick up your little friend, and gently make him drink water from the bottle by pressing it into his mouth. After that, you may have to replace the water bottle.

How To Clean Hamster Water Bottle

The water bottle of your hamster needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of water. If you notice any particle depositing inside the bottle (such as deposits of mineral or food particles), you need to remove the cap and soak it in a bleach-water solution for a few minutes ( up to 35 minutes).

This will begin dissolving any deposits found in the bottle. You can use a cotton swab to clean the inner part of the tube from both sides and then soak it back to the bleach solution for at least 12 minutes.

You must rinse and hand wash plastic water bottles in soap solution. You should use a bottle brush for better cleaning. You must attempt to clean the bottle every week. You can also add some bleach to disinfect the bottle. The glass water bottles need to be scrubbed with a brush every week. You can also use the same bleach solution to disinfect the glass bottle.

Problems & Solutions For Hamster Watter Bootle

Why Are Water Bottles Bad For Hamsters?

Water bottles are considered to be a great source of water supply as they are more hygienic and less likely to get contaminated.
However, your hamster may find it difficult to drink water from a bottle.

He may also attempt to chew the spout. And the biggest problem with bottles is that there can be occasional leaking and dripping of water (especially in poor quality bottles), which would keep your little friend dehydrated and wet for a long time.

Why Is My Hamster Water Bottle Leaking?

Do you keep asking yourself the same question: ” Why Does My Hamster Water Bottle Leak? ” Before coming up with a solution, let us first understand the reason behind this continuous leakage.

If you notice continuous leakage or dripping of water from the bottle, you need to look at the inner part of the cap. You will notice a rubber gasket there. If you find this gasket damaged or missing, this would cause continuous dripping of water.

You need to fill the bottle with normal tap water until it is full. This is because half-filled bottles take much longer to form a vacuum, which will make the water leak more.

You should also tighten the cap properly after filling the water and put your finger over the ball bearing a couple of times. This would prevent further dripping of water. The smaller the water bottle, the faster the dripping would stop.

How To Get Hamster Water Bottle To Stop Leaking?

Some of the most common questions asked by many hamster owners are: ” How To Make A Hamster Water Bottle Stop Leaking? How To Stop Hamster Water Bottle From Leaking? How To Make Hamster Water Bottle Stop Dripping? How To Fix Hamster Water Bottle?”

But do not worry as we will discuss all the steps that you can take to stop the continuous leakage or dripping of water from the bottle.

The first step is to check the inner part of the bottle’s cap. You will find a rubber gasket there. If you find that gasket to be broken or missing, understand that this is the reason behind the continuous leakage of water.

The second step is to fill the water bottle with normal tap water at room temperature until the bottle is full. This is because half-filled bottles would take more time to form a vacuum inside the bottle, which causes more dripping of water.

After filling the water bottle and tightening the cap, you need to push the ball bearing present at the sink a couple of times. Then you have to hang the bottle on the cage of your hamster and tap the ball bearing a little more. This would stop the leakage of water. The smaller the water bottle, the faster the leakage stops.

For large-sized water bottles, you have to hold them with the tube facing up, squeeze them to release a little bit of water, and then place them on the cage by turning them over. These large-sized bottles usually take more time to form a vacuum.

Holding the water bottle in your hand would cause dripping because of the pressure exerted by your fingers on the bottle. This dripping would usually stop after you mount the bottle on the cage.

Most water bottles would drip after your little hamster drinks some water from them. Also, due to exposure to sunlight and warmth, occasional dripping may occur. It is better to keep the bottle far from sunlight and warmth.

How To Give Hamster Water Without Bottle

Some hamsters may find it more convenient to drink water from a bowl. In such cases, you should place the water bowl on an elevated platform to ensure that your pet friend does not make it dirty by throwing away his bedding.

You should also pay close attention to his hygiene and clean the bowl regularly to avoid contamination of water. Also, choose a good-quality bowl that is scratch-resistant and difficult to chew on.

How To Make A Hamster Water Bottle

A DIY hamster water bottle can be a great option in your budget to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of your pet friend’s water supply.

First, use a sharpie to mark the center of the inner part of the bottle’s cap. Then, you need to pierce that cap into the Sharpie mark using a hammer and a long nail. Then, replace the cap of the bottle.

Now, using a power drill, slowly drill through the hole of the cap. (1/4-inch of drill would do). Now, you have to take out the cap and fix a rubber stopper at the outer part of the cap with the use of silicone. The bottle hole should be in the same line as the stopper hole.

It would take a few days to cure the silicone. Now, put the plastic tube into the stopper and make it flush with the stopper hole. Now, bend the plastic tube at an angle similar to other hamster water bottles.

Now, wash the bottle and rinse it well. And wrap 12 gauge wire around the bottle, typically a few inches above the bottom. Your water bottle is ready to be used.

How To Attach A Hamster Water Bottle To A Tank

There are numerous ways in which you can attach a hamster water bottle to a tank. Firstly, you can make use of a good-quality industrial strength velcro and attach it to the side of the cage.

The second best option is to choose a metal bottle hanger and place it at the side of the tank. These metal hangers make water bottles move easily from one place to another.

Summary

It is always better to use water bottles for your hamster as it ensures the hygiene and cleanliness of the water. Using a water bowl can be risky as the chances of contamination are higher.

Water bottles can help you monitor how much water is consumed by your pet friend. But make sure that the bottle is positioned properly and at a height that is convenient for the hamster to reach.

You must also look at the proper functioning of the water bottle and make sure it is not leaking. You do not want your little friend to get wet and hence you should replace the bottle immediately if you notice any leakage in it.

Place the bottle away from direct or indirect sunlight to avoid the formation of algae inside the bottle. To attach a water bottle to your tank, you can use industrial-strength velcro and place it at the side of the tank.

Make sure the rubber gasket is present inside the cap. Then fill the bottle with room temperature tap water until the bottle is full. This would ensure the proper formation of the vacuum, preventing any leakage from the bottle.

Then, you have to tighten the cap properly and push the ball bearing a couple of times. This would stop the leakage of water. Also, note that the smaller the water bottle, the faster the dripping would stop.