Why won\'t my hamster drink any water?

I bought a young male fancy hamster (around 7 months old?) about a month ago, and he seems to be quite happy. He has a water bottle with a standard metal spout, but he never seems to drink any water. I've been watching the water level constantly, and it doesn't go down AT ALL. The cage he was in at the pet store had a very similar water bottle, so I'm guessing he knows how to use it. My previous hamster, a female golden teddy bear, used to drink all the time (not just at night... I could actually see her drinking). Even when I put the water bottle in front of my hamster and squeeze a water droplet out, he doesn't seem to care, even though he notices it. I'm afraid he will get dehydrated; I am feeding him bits of fruits and vegetables to get water into his system, but I'd feel a bit better if he was drinking from the bottle as well. Any advice?

Hamsters are originally from the desert and not big drinkers. He may be getting enough from the fruits and veggies. Keep the water fresh by changing it regularly even if he doesn't seem to be drinking and make sure it's actually flowing by tapping the tip of the spout with your finger. Water bottles release water when the hamster laps at the spout. Some bottles, especially those with the little ball bearing on the tip, can get clogged. He might not be able to get water out even if it's coming out when you squeeze it.

Other than that, as long as he's peeing and pooping regularly he's fine. If you've had him a month and he hasn't died of dehydration it's not likely he's going to. Hamsters are tiny so hunger and thirst will kill them really fast.

well, if he is acting ok, than i guess just leave him.

Also, regardless if the bottle is full or empty. If it has been there for 3 days. And you havent refilled it. He wont want it because it dosent think its refreshing!!

Also, hamsters are noucturnal, so he may be drinking water at eleven oclock, and you may not know it.

I am sure he is fine!~

good luck!! and could you pray for my hamster. It has wettail.

hmm well i think maybe he's not thirsty? lol no ok here's what you should do...

1) get advice from a vet
2) get the EXACT water bottle from the pet store
3) ask the pet store that you bought him from why that is
4) KEEP feeding him juicy fruits so he DOESN'T get dehydrated
5) did you ask your parents? they are usually willing to help in a pet problem

if you put any special water drops in take them out...some hamsters don't like them, mine didn't so I got clean water and it seemed normal again, also try using bottled water instead.

a hamster book I read at B and N

try bottled water or filtered water. not from the tap. the store you got him from might have given him filtered water. he's just a picky little hamster

owner of a long haired teddy

you cannot use tap water,( from the sink ) must be filtered water such as Britta filtered or water from the store. Or try beer LOL