The length of time a hamster can survive without drinking water depends on the amount of water it obtains from its food.
Survival Time of a Hamster Without Drinking Water: When a hamster doesn't drink water, if it doesn't replenish water through food at all, it can usually only survive for 2 to 3 days. If a hamster can intake a small amount of water through food (such as vegetables, fruits, etc.), it may be able to last for about 5 to 7 days.
Water Requirement of Hamsters: Hamsters have a very rapid metabolic rate and have a relatively high demand for water. Their daily water intake is approximately around 10 milliliters. If a hamster doesn't drink water for an extended period, it will die due to dehydration.
Influence of Environmental Factors: In a high-temperature environment, a hamster loses water more quickly. It may show severe dehydration symptoms like listlessness and reduced skin elasticity if it doesn't drink water for 2 to 3 days. However, in a low-temperature environment, a hamster's metabolism slows down, and it may be able to hold out for a bit longer.
Physiological Characteristics of Hamsters: The physical functions of young and old hamsters are relatively weak. They may suffer serious damage to their bodies if they don't drink water for about 3 days. In the initial stage of water shortage, a healthy adult hamster will try to maintain the water balance through its physiological regulation mechanism and may be able to hold out for a longer time.