Literally just ate the water bottle

by River Tue 08 Nov 2016, 8:33 pm

I came home yesterday to find that the girls had eaten various small holes into the top of the water bottle, simultaneously causing it to leak, soiling the bedding and emptying the bottle. Luckily when I had noticed it, there was still a drop or so of water left so I can assume they didn't go without water for too long. Anyways, I made a little structure to hold a bowl in place - and prevent it from collecting bedding and the likes - and intended to only keep it there for 24 hours or less, but I got sidetracked, so they'll have it for a tad longer.
Which isn't really a bad thing, actually. I'm quite fond of bowls, despite how difficult they are to keep both in place and away from bedding and leftover seeds. I've found the position the mice are in to drink is more natural, and they're able to get more water this way, so while I do like it I don't think I have the time to keep remaking the structures to hold it in place. Unfortunate, really.
Which brings me the question: are there any small and glass water bottles? I had a bottle guard but they still managed to climb up it and eat the bottle away. But I can't recall ever seeing a suitably sized glass bottle, so if you can send me some recommendations, that'd be very neat.

by Peachy Tue 08 Nov 2016, 8:50 pm

My girls chew bottles too, despite promises to kick their butts. Razz

I have this glass bottle: http://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/small-animal/small-animal-feeding-supplies/small-animal-waterers-bottles/super-pet-chew-proof-water-bottle-1038761

But I also found that they don't chew these kinds, I guess there's no where for their teeth to grip:
http://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/small-animal/small-animal-feeding-supplies/small-animal-waterers-bottles/you-and-me-universal-water-bottle

by River Tue 08 Nov 2016, 8:52 pm

I feel like the second one surely can't be good for their necks, though. Not a natural position to drink in, or even close to it. I'll find the first one, though. Thanks!

by CinnamonPearl Tue 08 Nov 2016, 9:14 pm

Glass bottles are the best to go with because low grade plastic can leach chemicals into the water. Not good! Especially with pet supplies; you just never know. Plus with glass, you can boil them to disinfect them.

by EverythingAnimal Tue 08 Nov 2016, 9:31 pm

I heard the same thing CP when I was looking for a decent hummingbird feeder- the cheap plastic ones will kill little hummers, I can imagine it could do the same for mice.

by CallaLily Wed 09 Nov 2016, 6:40 am

Just a heads up. Be extra careful with that Kaytee bottle. It's the one I have that randomly stops putting out water and from what I've read from others, I'm not the only one. So just be sure to check it often. I found if I hung it at just the right angle it would be ok - propping a bit of cardboard behind it. Someone else mentioned swapping the spout out for one from an old plastic bottle takes care of the problem too.

by CanadianExport Wed 09 Nov 2016, 8:30 am

There is also the oasis bell bottle and guard it has a rounded top to it so they would have a hard time getting to the top to chew. I am on mobile so I can't link right now. We tried glass bottles but they either leaked or the mice couldn't push the ball to get water.

by CinnamonPearl Wed 09 Nov 2016, 10:10 am

The Kaytee water bottle has a simple solution. Use the glass bottle and the spout from a plastic one!

by CallaLily Wed 09 Nov 2016, 10:23 am

Was it you who said that before? I couldn't remember. Definitely a solution. I had other bottles on hand anyway, so I just packed mine away. Laughing

by Peachy Wed 09 Nov 2016, 10:28 am

I think it was Brynne, because after I read it I tried it with one of my bottles too. Razz

by CallaLily Wed 09 Nov 2016, 10:30 am

Did it work for you too, Peachy? I've been keeping it in mind if my other bottles break for whatever reason.

by CinnamonPearl Wed 09 Nov 2016, 10:43 am

It was Brynne!

by Peachy Wed 09 Nov 2016, 10:45 am

It did work! I only had one spout that stopped working, but I switched them all anyway. Smile

Since so many of my girls have been bottle chewers, I have tons of spouts and few bottles that still work. lol

by River Wed 09 Nov 2016, 5:12 pm

Got the Kaytee Water Bottle, and then while adjusting the water bottle holder I somehow managed to break it. Soo....any DIY water bottle holder ideas till I can get another?

by AnonymousMouseOwner Wed 09 Nov 2016, 5:24 pm

I honestly just make my own water bottle holder out of wire, it always works for me. I get a good long piece of wire, then wrap it around the bottle and bend it over the side until it looks like this really bad drawing I made to demonstrate Laughing

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