water bottle problem

[pooky]

at the moment, one of my gerbils is in a "crittertrail X" cage (but not for long) but i have taken a differant water bottle then the one that comes with the cage, and put that in there. this water bottle is mostly the same as the one i have in my 20 gallon, which he is used to useing.

but latley i have been scared that he isnt drinking enough or cant find the water bottle, so i have taken the new water bottle and ofered it to him right infront of his mouth. he will sometimes drink a little bit, then stop, but if i do the same with the other water bottle which he is used to using, he will take a longer drink, as if he dosent want to use the first one or something.

is this a bad thing to be doing? will it make him think that whenever he is thersty a water bottle will appear so he can drink out of it, and therefor not go to look for it when he is actually thirsty? or will the power of thirst make him go and find it when he gets thirsty? so basically, should i stop doing this and let him find the water bottle on his own when he gets thirsty, or does it matter?

please help me, because i am going away on holiday for a week soon, and i need to know what to do before i leave.

thank you.

[sandy]

Just make sure

1. the gerbil can reach the water outlet (it's not too high to reach)

2. the water bottle is feeding correctly (water is in the spout or feeding tube, not just in the bottle) check this by tapping the end of it, if water comes out, its ok

If you are really concerned, put some celery in the tank with your gerbil while you are away. One big stick would be ok for a weekend, but for a longer holiday you need someone to come in and take care of your animals for you every day.

[pooky]

hey, i didnt think of that celery idea thanks. but could i use lettuce instead? because we dont have any celery in the house, and my mom dosent have time to go buy some, because she is spending so much time getting ready for our vacation (i will also do all those other tests on my water bottle anyways, so i can be sure)

thanks for your tips

[sandy]

a carrot is fine also, or a 1/2 apple. Just be sure its squeeky clean before putting it in, dirt can carry bacteria which could make your gerbils sick. Lettuce I don't recommend, as it is too watery and doesn't last very long. Its also a very common cause of gerbils getting sick because it spoils so fast.

[pooky]

ok, i will probable do a carrot or half of an apple. and i will do my very best to make it as clean as i possibly can

thanks for your help.