How can I fix my hamster's leaky water bottle?

Question

I just bought a new hamster cage with the water bottle included. It's the kind with the metal ball bearing at the tip to dispense water. Well, my hamster runs on his wheel and rumbles the cage a little bit (the wheel can only be attached to the wire walls, as is the water bottle). well, all the rumbling is causing the ball bearing to shake and leak water. Is there a water bottle out there that wouldn't do this? Any solutions? Thanks!

Answer 1

There are some water bottles out there with heavier balls in them, but that may be more difficult for your hamster to use.. it may just be the quality of the water bottle you have. Usually the ones that are included are not as reliable as those that you buy yourself. If I were you, I'd go out and just buy another water bottle and see how that works. Oasis and Lixit make pretty sturdy bottles. It may just be something that happens in your cage, though. :x Hopefully it works out for you!  

Answer 2

Get a new one!  

Answer 3

i know it stinks, but to answer your question...NO all water bottles will do this trust me!

Answer 4

There is a water bottle that doesn't work that way and its called a True Value. It works on a lever release system. It has a rod with a rounded tip that the animal nudges and it causes the lever to move over slightly, releasing water that flows down into the rod and to the tip. When the animal stops nudging it, the lever springs back and closes and stops the flow.

Also, hamsters can drink out of a bowl (a small bowl or dish that is made just for that purpose). Its just that most people prefer the water bottle so the water doesn't get dirty and needs changing less frequently (and doesn't spill).

Have you checked to see if the bottle leaks at other times? Because the cage would really have to move for it to leak as though the hamster was drinking (because they have to push the ball in, stopping the vacuum and holding temporarily to release water). Check the valve ring on the inside to make sure its there and not broken, bent or corroded. Make sure the ball is there and moves properly and the bottle is clean, free from residue. Lastly, it often helps to make sure the bottle is almost completely full (but does have to have a little air in the hose area) and after filling it, squeeze it slightly and release to help start the vacuum. I hope this helps without being to much info!