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Post by moselle69 on Jul 14, 2005 18:17:09 GMT -8
I hope this isn't a goofy question...I have an 8oz water bottle for my 2 gerbils and so far they only go through about 2oz per week - and then I change the water each week when I clean out the cage. Are they drinking enough? I've been checking and it seems to work just fine when I tap the spout thingy. Was it pointless to get such a huge bottle?  Should the water be changed more often? |
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Post by reallybes on Jul 14, 2005 20:16:50 GMT -8
Hey Moselle, no question is too goofy so go ahead and ask anything you want! Gerbils are desert animals so they don't drink as much as other pets .. and I'm sure they know where their bottle is (and have complete access to it) so they will drink when they feel the need.. If your gerbils aren't drinking enough they'll become dehydrated and probably start licking the glass. For me personally, I change the bottle everytime it's half full (or half empty  ) so it really depends on you. Bottle size doesn't matter as long as it is conveniently within their reach |
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Jul 15, 2005 0:12:50 GMT -8
Gerbils. as have been pointed, do not have a great requirement for a lot of water. But the water does get stale sat in the the bottle and is best changed daily, though I admit mine are more like one day in three. I do not leave the same water in the bottle till it's empty.
Your 8oz bottle os fine, gerbils sometimes have thirsty days and you get home and find your just filled bottle totally empty!!
There is a school of thought that gerbils dont need water bottles at all and can get their water needs from their food but this is not adequate for healthy happy gerbils so please do not try it. They do need a regular supply of fresh water.
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Post by moselle69 on Jul 15, 2005 6:47:30 GMT -8
Thanks for your advice - I'll start changing the water more often, though.
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Post by malabui on Jul 15, 2005 13:06:03 GMT -8
-I always change the water daily. I mean, you wouldn't want to drink water that has been out for several days. It just isn't hygenic.
-Also, the reason the bottles contain more water than even several gerbils can drink is, because the weight of the water helps the ball bearing. When there is alot of air in the bottle, it is harder for the gerbil to get the water out
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Should the water be changed more often?
) so it really depends on you. Bottle size doesn't matter as long as it is conveniently within their reach 