Red-coloured et shavings

Question
Hi there, I have two hamsters and about a month or so ago, I noticed some redness on their shavings (these shavings were also wet).  My roommate later told me that she had given them a strawberry, so I figured that this was what caused it.  It hasn't happened again since, but I have read some stuff online about blood in the urine and excessive thirst and I seem to remember them going through their water like mad around that time.  Could this have been a kidney/urinary tract infection?  And would the fact taht it's stopped happening mean that they are okay now?  Thanks so much!

Answer
Hello Gretchen,
hmmmm.. wow this is kinda tough because if your friend gave them the strawberry that would especially explain the redness. When a hamster has a urinary tract infection, it generally doesn't clear up on it's own and you will constantly see little bits of blood in the urine. I personally think they may have just peed where the strawberry was at or something because you said it hasn't happened since they were given the strawberry. Personally, I think they are okay now, especially if it's been a about a month ago.