Hamster not drinking water from the water bottle in Habitrail OVO (+ Extra questions)?

They are new to the cage and still need to explore. Your hamster will see the bottle and wonder what it is. It will go to it and try nibbling it. It will realize that this is for water and it will remember that. NO the food dish should NOT be full at all times. See this is what hamsters do. They will stuff all of the food into their cheek pouches and bring it to the place where they store their food or where they sleep. They will only eat 1/4 to 1/2 of the food you give them. Put like 3 pellets in once or maybe twice daily. Check how much food the hamster has stored and then depending on how much food they have left over put in more or less food in their bowl. I had the habitrail adventure cage and the water bottle stuck in to the main part of the cage. My hamster would only drink in the morning, mid day and at night. She would also drink after exercise. The hamster will learn over time that your hands are not food. However if you have food smells or food on your hands at the time of holding your hamster then it may smell the food and nibble on your hand or fingers. Wash your hands before and after handling your pet.