Hamsters can be thirsty little critters. One of the things that you are going to have to buy is a water bottle or bowl of some sort to make sure your hamster has access to water all day, every day.
This guide will help make choosing the best water bottle for your hamster so much easier. You will find reviews for ten great hamster water bottles that you can consider purchasing, along with a complete buyer’s guide with information on everything from why you need a water bottle to what kind of things you need to consider when picking one out.
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10 Best Hamster Water Bottles Currently On The Market
This water bottle looks a little different than some of your traditional water bottles, but it really is a great design. It is a patented Choco Nose design that does exactly what the name suggests: it does not drip, even if your hamster likes to jostle his water bottle all around.
The Choco Nose Water Bottle is also a really great water bottle if you travel with your hamster. The nozzle easily detaches from the water bottle it came with and attaches to most pet plastic water bottles. Additionally, it is really easy to attach to your hamster’s enclosure by just screwing it on or securing it with a bracket depending on where you want to hang it.
Finally, this water bottle holds 12 ounces of water, which is more than enough for one hamster. It is also very compact, so you do not have to worry about it taking up too much space or overcrowding your hamster.
- Two nozzle lengths so you can adjust it how your hamster needs
- Designed to be chew-proof and extremely stable
- Does not leak, no matter how much your hamster jostles it around
- More expensive than several water bottles
If your hamster tends to get stressed out easily or likes to pull his water bottle right down, the Lixit Wide Mouth Water Bottle is a great option. It attaches really easily to the side of your hamster’s cage, but it is installed out the outside rather than the inside. This makes it super secure, but it also means that it is easy to take it off to refill it or clean it without disturbing your hamster.
It holds 8 ounces of water, but it is on the bulkier side. However, this is not a huge issue as it attaches to the outside of your hamster’s cage and therefore will not cause any overcrowding problems.
The only real issue is that it does tend to leak occasionally after your hamster takes a drink, which can create a bit of a mess and cause your hamster’s bedding to become mushy and wet.
- Attaches securely to the outside of your hamster’s cage
- Holds eight ounces of water, which is plenty of water
- The wide mouth is super easy to clean
- It might leak just after your hamster takes a drink
The Midwest Home Water Bottle is another really cute but unique-looking water bottle. It is really easy to attach to the walls of most enclosures (twist it on with a wire cage or suction cup it on in a glass cage), and then once you do attach it, you do not have to keep un-attaching it to fill it back up. All you have to do is lift off the cap at the top and pour in some water. This helps make refills really quick and painless, though you still have to take it off to clean it.
It comes in three different sizes, and it is made out of quality materials. The plastic is both durable and BPA-free, and the spout is completely stainless steel and stands up well to chewing.
The only downside is that several buyers have found that it starts to leak with time.
- Made of durable and safe BPA free plastic and stainless steel
- Comes in three different sizes so you can get what you need
- Attaches easily to both traditional hamster cages and glass tanks
- Some buyers complain that it starts to leak with time
If you are looking for a high-quality water bottle on a budget, the Oxbow Enriched Life Chew Proof Glass Water Bottle is a great option, especially if your hamster likes to chew on nozzles. Most of this water bottle is made out of glass that is BPA-free (therefore safe for hamsters) and super easy to attach to most types of cages.
Additionally, the nozzle is made out of stainless steel, so it will stand up well to lots of chewing. It also has a built-in water level indicator so you can easily track how much your hamster is drinking each day.
The only downside to this water bottle is that some users experience leaking after drinking, just like some of the other water bottles on the list.
- Budget-friendly hamster water bottle
- Made of sturdy and safe glass and stainless steel
- Built-in water level indicator helps you keep track of how much hamster is drinking
- Some hamsters report regular/consistent leaking
If you are looking for a simple but trustworthy water bottle, consider the Living World Eco Water Bottle. It has a really simple design, but it is a great option if you are wanting to ensure that your hamster’s bedding stays dry. Your hamster will not only prefer dry bedding, but it will also help extend the time between cleaning out the cage completely.
The bottle is made out of glass and stainless steel, making it super durable and easy to clean. It also comes with a water level indicator so you can track the amount of water your hamsters are drinking without ever detaching it from the wall. When you do need to dismount it to clean it, it is really simple to do so.
However, while this bottle is great for many reasons, it is on the more expensive side.
- Made out of safe and durable glass and stainless steel
- Built-in water level indicator to easily track water consumption
- Resistant to drips and mess
- It is on the more expensive side when it comes to hamster water bottles.
the Lixit All Weather Water Bottle is a budget-friendly, simple hamster water bottle. It comes in a variety of different sizes, ranging from just 8 oz all the way up to 32 oz. It is also possible to buy this water bottle in packs of 2 or 3, which is great if you have multiple hamsters or a larger enclosure.
Other benefits include a really cute graphic decorating the main portion of the water bottle and the fact that it attaches to the outside of an enclosure rather than the inside. This is often more secure and makes it easier to take on and off without disturbing your hamster.
Finally, you can trust that it will last a long time as it is meant to hold up in all different kinds of conditions and weather.
- Comes in a variety of different sizes ranging from eight to thirty-two ounces
- Can be ordered in packs of one, two, or three water bottles
- Attaches to the outside of your hamster’s cage rather than the inside
- Definitely one of the more simplistic designs on this list
Kaytee is a really trustworthy brand when it comes to small animal products, and this chew-proof water bottle is no different. The water bottle is made of super-durable glass and stainless steel that are both completely safe for hamsters. It attaches easily to the inside or the outside of your hamster’s cage with a spring attachment hanger that will ensure that the water bottle does not easily get knocked down.
One of the more unique features of this water bottle is the cute little duck floats in the water bottle. This duck is not just there for decoration, but rather it helps you figure out how much water is in your hamster’s water bottle with a quick glance.
The only problem is if the water bottle does start to leak, it tends to drain rather rapidly, which can create a mess and may prevent your hamster from having access to water.
- Floating duck makes it easy to track water level
- Glass and stainless steel both are very sturdy
- Attaches easily to the inside or the outside of your hamster’s cage with a spring hanger
- If it does start to leak, it tends to drain rather quickly
The RentACoop Water Bottle is a really great option if you are particularly concerned about leaking. A major frustration with a lot of hamster water bottles is that they tend to be advertised as no leak but end up leaking anyways. You do not have to worry about that with this unique nozzle design.
It holds up to 32 ounces of water and stays completely leakproof all day long. It is also super easy to refill by just opening up the top and pouring more water in. This means you do not have to constantly take it in and out of your hamster’s cage, which can be extremely stressful.
It does look different from most hamster water bottles, so you may have to retrain your hamster even if he is used to drinking from a water bottle.
- An actually leakproof nozzle design
- Holds up to 32 ounces of water and is super easy to refill
- Attaches easily to the side of a wire cage with a metal bracket
- Unique nozzle, so you may have to retrain your hamster to drink out of a water bottle
If you want to have the best of both worlds (bowl and bottle), the Wontee water bottle is a really great option. You can hang the water bottle portion right onto the sides of the cage, or you can leave it free-standing in the stand that it comes with.
Additionally, on the side of the stand, you will find a small hamster water bowl to give your hamster more drinking options. This can be really great if your hamster is new to drinking from a bottle and you are worried about dehydration.
It comes in three different colors (blue, pink, and yellow) and two different sizes (80 ml or 125 ml). It is also super stable whether you leave it in the stand or attach it to the side of the cage. The only downside is, some people find that it is a bit small for larger hamsters like Syrian hamsters.
- Comes in three different colors and two different sizes
- Comes with both a water bottle and water bowl
- Can be left free-standing, or the bottle can be attached to the side of a cage
- It may be a bit small for larger hamsters
If you have limited space in your hamster’s enclosure, the B.C Hamster Hideout Drinking Waterer is a really great option because it will both provide your hamster with a place to drink and a place to hide out when he wants a little privacy. Plus, a water bottle on a stand can be a lot less hassle than a water bottle mounted to the wall.
Other major benefits include the fact that it is super easy to clean (both the stand and the water bottle), very stable, and designed to be drip-free.
However, you should check the dispenser regularly because some people report problems.
- Great if you have limited space
- Doubles as a hideout and a water bottle
- It is super easy to clean
- Some owners report problems with the dispenser
What Is The Best Water Bottle For Syrian Hamsters?
For Syrian hamsters, you want to go for the bigger water bottles. Consider options like the RentACoop Water Bottle and the Lixit Wide Mouth Small Animal Water Bottle.
What Is The Best Watter Bottle For Dwarf Hamsters?
On the other hand, dwarf hamsters need smaller water bottles that are lower to the ground. The 3-in-1 Hamster Hanging Water Bottle is a really great option, and you could also consider the Lixit All Weather Water Bottle.
Why Do Hamsters Need Water Bottles Inside Their Cage?
A key part of being a responsible hamster owner is making sure that you provide your hamster with everything he needs to live a healthy, happy life. One of these needs is easy to access fresh water all day, every day. One of the easiest ways to do this is to buy a water bottle that can easily attach to the side of your hamster cage and keep it full.
Hamsters are extremely vulnerable to dehydration and cannot go more than a day or two without water. If your hamster is spending a lot of time exercising (like running on his wheel), dehydration can occur in only a few hours. For this reason, your hamster needs to be able to easily access water at all times. You should also be changing this water out every single day to make sure the bottle is always full and fresh.
What Are The Benefits Of a Water Bottle VS. a Water Bowl?
There are two main ways that people go about providing water for their hamsters: water bottles or water bowls. People tend to have pretty big reasons behind their preferences for one over the other; however, there really are pros and cons to both.
The main benefit to a water bottle vs. a water bowl is lack of contamination and better hygiene. Water bottles are completely closed except for the opening where your hamster drinks out. Because of this, you do not have to worry as much about bacteria growing inside the water or dirt from the rest of the cage getting into the water and making your hamster sick.
Additionally, some larger water bowls are dangerous for hamsters because your hamster could crawl into it, be unable to crawl out, and end up drowning. This is only really a risk with water bowls that are too big, but some hamster owners still prefer to stay on the safer side and stick with a water bottle.
On the other hand, some people prefer to use water bowls because it is a much easier and more natural way for hamsters to drink. However, it is not all that hard to teach your hamster to drink out of a water bottle rather than a bowl. Check out the later section for step-by-step instructions on teaching your hamster to use a water bottle.
Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Water Bottle
- Type of Hamster: There are a couple of reasons why you need to consider the type of hamster you have when trying to pick out a water bottle. The main reason is simply how big your hamster is going to be. Bigger hamsters (like Syrian hamsters) can reach up a little higher to get to their water, while small dwarf hamsters will need a bottle closer to the ground. Additionally, bigger hamsters will generally need to drink more water, so you may want to consider a bigger water bottle.
- Type of Habitat: If you have a wire cage for your hamster, attaching pretty much any hamster water bottle should be easy. However, if you have a different kind of habitat (like a glass tank), you may need to look for a special water bottle that can be attached to that specific kind of enclosure. If you cannot secure the water bottle well, it will not be functional.
- Space: The size of your hamster’s cage/the amount of space you have in the cage will determine how big of a water bottle you can get. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you cannot find a water bottle that will fit easily in your hamster’s cage without overcrowding him, you likely need a bigger habitat.
- Number of Hamsters: If you have multiple hamsters, you will either need a bigger water bottle that can hold enough water for multiple hamsters, or you will need to get multiple water bottles.
- Number of Bottles: There are two main reasons why you might want to go ahead and get multiple water bottles. First, if your hamster’s enclosure is especially large and you want to make sure he has easy access to water no matter where he is in the enclosure. Second, if you have multiple hamsters and are concerned about them getting territorial.
Can I Use A Water Bottle Designed For Other Small Animals?
One of the nice things about being a small animal/pet owner is that a lot of the supplies/accessories designed for small animals are interchangeable. Things like beds, toys, etc., that are designed for one small animal (say a gerbil) can be used for other small animals (like a hamster.) This is also true for water bottles. Oftentimes, hamsters can drink out of water bottles that are actually advertised for a whole host of other small animals like gerbils, bunnies, chinchillas, ferrets, etc.
The main thing that you want to be careful of when looking at water bottles designed for other animals is that you do not end up with a water bottle that is too big for your hamster to drink out of. Sometimes, water bottles meant for slightly bigger animals like bunnies or ferrets have a spout/nozzle that is too big for hamsters to easily put their mouths around, which can prevent your hamster from being able to drink and lead to dehydration.
How To Teach a Hamster To Drink Out Of a Water Bottle
The good news is that hamsters instinctively know that they need to drink, so the hardest part about training your animal to use a water bottle is teaching him that there is water inside of the thing strapped to the side of the cage. Once you accomplish that, your hamster will usually take it from there.
The easiest way to entice your hamster into checking out a new water bottle is by dabbing a bit of peanut butter or some other yummy treat on the end of the nozzle. When your hamster goes to lick off the delicious treat, he will discover the stream of water.
If this does not work, you can detach the water bottle and try holding it up to your hamster’s mouth, almost like you are nursing him. Once he starts drinking this way, you can put the water bottle back in the cage and try the peanut butter again.
Now, there is no reason to panic if your hamster does not drink from his water bottle on day one. It usually takes hamsters a little while to get adjusted to a new space. However, if it has been a couple of days or more and your hamster has still not started drinking, you should either reach out to your vet or try a water bowl instead.
How Do I Clean a Hamster Water Bottle?
There are two main ways that people go about cleaning their hamster’s water bottle. The first is with an animal or dish-safe soap and a baby bottle brush. A baby bottle brush will allow you to easily get into all the corners of your hamster’s water bottle to clean out any bacteria. You can also use a brush made for straws to make sure the nozzle is completely cleaned out as well.
On the other hand, some people clean out their hamster’s water bottles by soaking them in warm water and vinegar solution. Vinegar is a great way to naturally disinfect your hamster’s water bottle and any other accessories. Just make sure your wipe or rinse it out well after you are done. Your hamster does not want to be drinking vinegar-flavored water.
However, you may be able to find a water bottle for your hamster that is dishwasher-safe. This is often the most convenient way to clean your hamster’s water bottle, but it can be a bit more expensive and challenging to find one that is fine to go in the dishwasher.
You should wash out and replace your hamster’s water every single day. However, you do not need to soak or scrub your hamster’s water bottle quite that often. About once a week, or if you ever start seeing algae grow in the water bottle, you should do a deep clean.
How Much Water Do Hamsters Drink?
The amount of water that your hamster needs to drink really depends on your individual hamster. It depends on factors like how big your hamster is, whether your hamster is a male or a female, how active your hamster is, and also the type of food he eats. However, the average amount that hamsters need to drink in a day is 10 to 30 mL which is about 2 to 6 teaspoons every day.
Larger hamsters need to drink more than smaller hamsters. For this reason, if you have a Syrian Hamster, he will likely drink closer to 20 mL a day, while some dwarf hamsters drink closer to 5 mL. It should be approximately 10 ml of water for every 100 grams of weight.
Furthermore, studies have found that female hamsters tend to drink at least a little bit more than their male counterparts. Additionally, more active hamsters tend to need to drink more water, just like you need to drink more water when you exercise to avoid becoming dehydrated.
How Do I Know If My Hamster Is Dehydrated?
Dehydration can very quickly become a major or even fatal problem for hamsters. For this reason, it is important to know the signs and symptoms to look out for. Common symptoms of dehydration in hamsters include:
- sunken eyes
- lethargy or fatigue
- dry mucus membranes
- weakness
- labored breathing
- loosened skin
Dehydration is also common if your hamster becomes sick with some other bug that causes him to either have diarrhea or throw up. If your hamster is sick, you are going to want to pay extra close attention to make sure your hamster is getting plenty of fluids.
An easy test if you are concerned that your hamster might be dehydrated is to lightly pinch the skin at the scruff of your hamster’s neck. If, when you let it go, it immediately goes back to the way it was before, your hamster is likely fine. However, if it stays in a tented position, it is likely that your hamster is dehydrated.
Can You Use A Hamster Water Bottle In A Glass Tank?
An essential part of using a water bottle for your hamster is being able to attach it to the side of your hamster’s enclosure. This is pretty much always a simple process if you have a wire cage for your hamster, but it can become a bit trickier if you have a glass tank or habitat.
If this is the case for your hamster, and you prefer a water bottle over a water bowl, you do not have to give up completely. You simply need to find a water bottle meant for glass tanks. These water bottles will attach with some sort of suction or sticky device rather than a tie or bracket of some sort.
These water bottles can be a little bit less stable than the ones that tie onto the side of a hamster’s cage, but they still work great nonetheless.
Related articles:
- 10 Best Hamster Food Available on the Market
- 10 Best Hamster Treats
- 10 Best Hamster Bedding You Can Buy Online
References and Resources
- Heavy water as a tool for study of the forces that control length of period of the 24-hour clock of the hamster, C P Richter
- Nutrition of the Golden Hamster, Jack M. Cooperman, Harry A. Waisman, C. A. Elvehjem
Contents
- 10 Best Hamster Water Bottles Currently On The Market
- 1. Choco Nose- No-Drip Small Animal Water Bottle
- 2. Lixit Wide Mouth Small Animal Water Bottle
- 3. Midwest Homes Water Bottle
- 4. Oxbow Enriched Life Chew Proof Glass Water Bottle
- 5. The Living World Eco Water Bottle
- 6. Lixit All Weather Water Bottle
- 7. Kaytee Chew Proof Small Animal Water Bottle
- 8. RentACoop Water Bottle For Hamsters
- 9. Wontee 3 in 1 Hamster Hanging Water Bottle
- 10. B.C Small Animals Hamster Hideout Drinking Waterer
- What Is The Best Water Bottle For Syrian Hamsters?
- What Is The Best Watter Bottle For Dwarf Hamsters?
- Why Do Hamsters Need Water Bottles Inside Their Cage?
- What Are The Benefits Of a Water Bottle VS. a Water Bowl?
- Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Water Bottle
- Can I Use A Water Bottle Designed For Other Small Animals?
- How To Teach a Hamster To Drink Out Of a Water Bottle
- How Do I Clean a Hamster Water Bottle?
- How Much Water Do Hamsters Drink?
- How Do I Know If My Hamster Is Dehydrated?
- Can You Use A Hamster Water Bottle In A Glass Tank?
