I think we've all been there. The first thing I'd say is - hamsters drink really small amounts - especially when they're babies - and you don't really notice the level in the bottle going down much at all. If you change the water every 2 days you might think it hasn't gone down at all sometimes.Thank you so much for this. As I posted this, he just had a drink! I literally nearly cried!Hello and welcome
What species is he? Syrian, Russian Dwarf, Robo or Chinese? If you have some cucumber, that's a bit better for hydration than lettuce. Lettuce can apparently cause gas or digestive issues - but it's fine in tiny amounts. Cucumber would be better though. Just a small piece, no bigger than his ear each day.
Do you know how old he is? Some of us have a nightcam (ie petcam/baby monitor) which can be very reassuring as you can see what they've been up to overnight and you'd see if he was using the bottle or not. Main thing is to make sure it's not too high to reach and it's letting water out ok. I tap the spout each day to check that.
What is his name? Looking forward to meeting him!
Edit - just seen your introductory post and he's an adorable Syrian! Do you see him at all in the evenings or is he hiding away? They sometimes do hide away a bit for the first week or two while they're settling in.
I'm only partly joking - hamsters can be very in tune with our emotions which is really lovely. He sounds absolutely great, and just like my cream banded Syrian! Active and out in the evenings. My other syrian is more of a shy lazy boy who doesn't come out much. How long have you had him? The first two weeks it's best not to disturb anything in the cage or clean anything, while they settle in and scent mark. Talk to him through the cage so he gets used to your presence and voice. It's also best to wait that two weeks before attempting to have him out of the cage for any taming/handling. Unless - he shows he wants to come out as some are more keen than others and sooner. If he comes to the door or shows like he wants to come out, you could try offering him a tube to walk into ( a rat tube or pringles tube is ideal) - providing you have a secure area set up to take him to. If it's in another room, then put the tube down in a box on the floor near the cage and carry him to the playpen or bathtub in the box. If you carry them too far in the tube at first, they push hard at your hands and it might make you jump and drop it. My other one (the one that looks a bit like yours) wanted to be out a lot almost straight away - but he was a few months old when I got him as a rescue.We've had him for 3 days! There's noway I'll get him out yet, just want him to feel at home first, and comfortable enough with my voice and scent etc. He seems very confident and enquisitive. He is 9 weeks old.Ah you see - hamsters are very intuitive and sensitive to emotions! He picked up that you were worried and probably read your mind
So you know he can use his water bottle now
I've just been doing bathtub playtime/taming with my young syrian recently
