Types of Waterbottles

[realisedsin]

This is going to sound odd, but do rats tend to prefer one type of water bottle over others? I had always wanted a giant glass waterbottle, so when I got a sturdy enough cage to have one, I purchased it. Last night I noticed it was empty, so I refilled it. Instantly all 7 boys were clustered around it trying to drink at once. They had 3 other full waterbottles.
I went and checked, and I realised that since the big bottle had been put in this weekend, no one's touched any of the little plastic ones, they're completely full!
Has anyone else noticed something like that? It seems really strange, since They always used the other ones before.

 

[lilspaz68]

It could be the bottle itself, it could also be the location...mine have locations they prefer so I will find one bottle empty and the other one barely touched at at times LOL.

I love The Big Thirst where everyone decides that they MUST drink at the same time.. :laugh4:

 

[realisedsin]

Lol, thats the thing, there's one like, right next to it. I felt like such a bad ratmom when they mobbed it. >_<

 

[fenshae]

I've noticed them mobbing the water bottle as well...I think it's a peer pressure thing. "OMG they're getting something I don't have! RUN!"

Personally, *I* prefer the Lixit brand (the kind with a spout instead of a ball) but I haven't noticed any real preference with them.

The glass may taste a bit better than plastic, though, depending on the age? Plastic does tend to soak up flavor so it may have obtained a funky taste depending what sort of water you have (hard, etc.)

 

[jorats]

Mine will rush to the bottle each time I add fresh cold water.

 

[victoria]

My guys seem to change preferences from time to time, whether I use all the same bottles or not. I go through phases where I will change a bottle more frequently than the others for a few weeks and then they will decide on a new favourite for another few weeks... they're a little odd like that.

 

[kscanuck785]

mine prefer 2 smaller bottles over the 2 other ones who are larger..
and I've put them in different locations but they still empty the smaller ones while leaving the larger ones full...
and other than size, they are the same...

go figure ! LOL

 

[Blue]

Just a quick question for you all. Do you guys have both the water bottle and food on the same level?

 

[jorats]

I have my water bottle on the same level as the food but I also gave a bowl of water on a lower level.

 

[arresai]

Smeagol decided he didn't like the plastic water bottles in the boys cage and promptly chewed the edge off both of them. I came to find the boys cag completely flooded on two levels :? Needless to say, mommy was not impressed. Thus the two new glass bottles that they mob.

 

[jorats]

lmao