Sand Bath Set Up?

xXHazelnutXx · 12-30-2010, 02:43 PM

Hiya, I would like to set up sand baths for each of my hammies, (2 dwarfs and a syrian) as I heard it can help with nails and coats but I have no idea how to, can I get sand brand from P@H? if so which is best? what do I put the sand in? is there a specific size? When should I give them sand? or should it be there permanently?
Sorry, loads of questions but I want to get it perfect

XD

KatiePillow · 12-30-2010, 02:48 PM

The only stuff I've seen in p@h is chinchilla dust, which you shouldn't use (it hurts their noses and respiratory systems I think)
I use the brand which is sold when I'm doing a big internet order, I've heard a lot of people use Charlie chinchilla or something?
I'm using versele-laga ''chinchilla bathing sand'' atm, BUT i think any called chinchilla sand is fine

I use a small dog food bowl for my dwarves, means they have space to roll, but it's personal preference really, mine are 5 inches in diameter and seem to work well

I keep mine in permanently, but my little girl buries her, so I leave it for a few days before refilling (otherwise would be too expensive)
Hope this helps >.<

wofunny · 12-30-2010, 03:02 PM

I use this sand, it is sand not dust. Bathing Dust for Chinchillas 3kg by B and D | Pets at Home

I put it in a plastic Chinese takeaway tub.

xXHazelnutXx · 12-30-2010, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatiePillow

The only stuff I've seen in p@h is chinchilla dust, which you shouldn't use (it hurts their noses and respiratory systems I think)
I use the brand which is sold when I'm doing a big internet order, I've heard a lot of people use Charlie chinchilla or something?
I'm using versele-laga ''chinchilla bathing sand'' atm, BUT i think any called chinchilla sand is fine

I use a small dog food bowl for my dwarves, means they have space to roll, but it's personal preference really, mine are 5 inches in diameter and seem to work well

I keep mine in permanently, but my little girl buries her, so I leave it for a few days before refilling (otherwise would be too expensive)
Hope this helps >.<

oh geez, thanks for telling me :S
so chinchilla sand is ok, um I'm sure i can find some in a pet shop near me, I would buy online, but it always takes forevrrrrr XD
could I use a plastic dish for my syrian? like the tupperware ones? because I dont think they make dog bowls big enough :S but I'll use that idea for my dwarfs thanks

xXHazelnutXx · 12-30-2010, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wofunny

I use this sand, it is sand not dust. Bathing Dust for Chinchillas 3kg by B and D | Pets at Home

I put it in a plastic Chinese takeaway tub.

Oh is it sand? um ok so I can use it, okay that makes it easier because I like to use brands from pets at home as there normally good quality (get woodshavings from there because of dust extraction)

and plastic is fine? okkkk easy enough thanksssss

Ellie · 12-30-2010, 03:09 PM

I would use a plastic dish yes, I got mine in the pet section in Asda for £1.40 each, they aren't very wide but are quite deep, my Syrians don't really roll around anyway just dig.. I got charlie chinchilla sand off ebay and it came pretty quickly. Just be very careful you use SAND not dust!

amyXlovesXhamstersX · 12-30-2010, 03:13 PM

If you are wanting a big container to put sand in for a syrian how about a ice cream tub? If you cant get chinchilla sand you can get kids play sand and dry it out, but as everyone has said please make sure it is sand and not dust

KatiePillow · 12-30-2010, 03:14 PM

Tbh, You can use just playpit sand for them, you have to bake it to dry and clean it first..I don't think it has as good cleaning properties as chinchilla sand, is all good for digging and their claws though

On subject of dust:
Do hamsters need to be bathed? - Hamster Central WIKI
The wiki says

Quote:

Make sure you stay away from any products labeled “Powder” or “Dust”. These products may cause respiratory problems in your hamster.

Just realised he didn't suggest dust >.<

**Hope** · 12-30-2010, 03:18 PM

Charlie Chincilla sand is best, but any pet 'sand' will be fine. You can use childs play pit sand, but it usually comes moist in the bag, and does need drying out which can be a bit of a hasle. I just use a plastic takeaway tub for mine, so when it gets a bit 'smeggy' I can just change it for another.

I have triedthe powder from pets at home and although the grain is quite corse, when you rub your hand in it it does leave a dusty residue behind.

xXHazelnutXx · 12-30-2010, 03:22 PM

Okkkkk so just as long as its sand and not dust, easily tell the difference..ummm might try an icecream tub for my syrian and small plastic tubs for my dwarfs.
thanks for that link katie, all the info from that and everyone has been really helpful, well off to find some sand 2moro.
thanks people! xx