Red-coloured wet 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
Hi Gretchen,

    I believe that the blood was from a urinary tract infection. The classic signs are, blood in the urine, excessive drinking and making a squealing sound when they are urinating. Your hamster/s were doing what they needed to do to get rid of it. Sometimes though, the infection is too bad and drinking a lot of water isn't enough and they should be seen by a vet.
    In this case, your hamsters should be fine, but if the blood in the urine should appear again and your hamster/s is making a squealing sound when urinating, then they should be seen by a vet.
    If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing!