Question about adding a cold water bottle to keep hams cool

[Pastacat]

In a lot of the "How to keep hamsters cool in summer" lists, they suggest putting a full water bottle that has been left in the fridge outside against the cage. I have a question about this: wouldn't the bars get wet and rust? For now, I put a water bottle against the tray of Topaç's cage, but I dont know if it would be effective.

 

[Maz]

I haven't come across that one - one method that is popular is just using a couple of household ceramic mugs. You put the mug in fridge until it's cold and then put it in the cage on it's side, so the handle supports it, and it makes a cool place to go. The reason for using two is you can swap them over - one in the fridge, one in the cage, and alternate them

 

[Pastacat]

I haven't come across that one - one method that is popular is just using a couple of household ceramic mugs. You put the mug in fridge until it's cold and then put it in the cage on it's side, so the handle supports it, and it makes a cool place to go. The reason for using two is you can swap them over - one in the fridge, one in the cage, and alternate them

I thought about the mugs, but I am a bit concerned about it rolling down the platform if I put it on a platform and Topaç getting crushed by the mug if I put it on the bedding. I ordered a small ceramic cat food tray, but it will probably be a while until it arrives.

 

[Maz]

I think if it’s on its side, resting on the handle, it won’t roll . The handle acts like a kind of tripod. Technically a hamster could push any ceramic hide off a shelf if they see their minds to it but they don’t. Especially if it’s in the corner of the platform near the back - ie not very close to the front.

 

[Pastacat]

I think if it’s on its side, resting on the handle, it won’t roll . The handle acts like a kind of tripod. Technically a hamster could push any ceramic hide off a shelf if they see their minds to it but they don’t. Especially if it’s in the corner of the platform near the back - ie not very close to the front.

Oh, I see. I'll look if we have any ceramic mugs at home.

 

[Maz]

Or a terracotta plant pot on its side - that would roll so would need to be wedged in with something.

As for a bottle of cold water on the outside of the cage - it’s a possibility but maybe not actually touching the bars. A bag of frozen peas on the top of the cage is one thing some people do. They can of course be refrozen again for the same purpose but would t be edible any more once frozen and defrosted a few times. You could put them on a thin piece of cardboard so the bag can’t get chewed through the bars.