Mindy10
Well-Known Member
So Blossom has been home since yesterday morning and I have not seen her drink water. I have a bowl and a bottle in her cage. Im not sure what else I can do to get her to drink. She is eating plenty. Mindy
Not Drinking Water
- Thread starter Mindy10
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Korr_and_Sophie
Well-Known Member
Since she is new to you, she might be shy and won't want to drink in front of you. With a bottle, the level would go down so you can easily see if she is drinking. While bowls still go down, it can be harder to see small changes. You could try measuring the water and then remeasure it in a few hours to see if it has gone down any.
If she is used to eating veggies, you can give some soaking wet. This helps get water into her. Also keep in mind that if she is getting moisture from veggies she won't drink as much from a bowl or bottle.
If you are really concerned, you can try syringing her some water. Get a small syringe (you can try to baby aisle at a store for one) and fill it with water. Have her on your lap (a towel is good as this can be messy), and gently give a bit of water at a time. There is a spot on the side of the mouth between the front and back teeth that you can put the syringe in and she won't be able to bite it. Be careful giving water this way and only give a small amount at a time and give her a chance to swallow.
Some people will give a dish of juice mixed with water to encourage them to drink. It is important to also have fresh water available.
If she is used to eating veggies, you can give some soaking wet. This helps get water into her. Also keep in mind that if she is getting moisture from veggies she won't drink as much from a bowl or bottle.
If you are really concerned, you can try syringing her some water. Get a small syringe (you can try to baby aisle at a store for one) and fill it with water. Have her on your lap (a towel is good as this can be messy), and gently give a bit of water at a time. There is a spot on the side of the mouth between the front and back teeth that you can put the syringe in and she won't be able to bite it. Be careful giving water this way and only give a small amount at a time and give her a chance to swallow.
Some people will give a dish of juice mixed with water to encourage them to drink. It is important to also have fresh water available.
Odds are shes drinking, especially if shes eating, peeing, pooping no problem.
Dont syringe her fluids unless necessary! (she stops eating or isnt peeing and pooping)
Give her some time to settle in, try to keep it calm around her cage, give her a day or so where you dont go near it so she can be brave enough to go to her bowls.
Dont syringe her fluids unless necessary! (she stops eating or isnt peeing and pooping)
Give her some time to settle in, try to keep it calm around her cage, give her a day or so where you dont go near it so she can be brave enough to go to her bowls.
missyscove
Christina - Moderator
I moved this to Nutrition and Behavior where I think you'll get more responses.
Do you know what she was drinking out of before?
I'd agree that she probably is drinking and you just haven't seen it. If you are offering veggies, you might go ahead and soak them just to be sure she's staying hydrated but as long as she's still pooping and peeing normally I wouldn't be too concerned.
Do you know what she was drinking out of before?
I'd agree that she probably is drinking and you just haven't seen it. If you are offering veggies, you might go ahead and soak them just to be sure she's staying hydrated but as long as she's still pooping and peeing normally I wouldn't be too concerned.
