charlie chinchilla sand safe?

[n_t]

hi guys, im worried about something...

i have a syrian hammy mink banded SH, about 9-10 weeks now in a two tier cage, in the upper level he has a big tray which i've filled with charlie chinchilla sand. well he loves to play in it, but earlier i noticed him sniffing the bars and actually a few grains of sand that were on the bars went up his nose!!!! will this cause problems internally? if he inhales the sand whilst playing in it? he spends loads of time rolling around in it, digging etc but now i'm worried because i saw him inhale a few grains please answer quick guys...if i need to i will take the sand out.

[liam4mail]

I believe once it is sand and not dust it is fine.

[leafpool14]

The sand is totally safe! It's the chinchilla dust thats a killer! It causes all sorts of respiratory problems, and isn't very pleasant

[n_t]

so you guys are sure the sand is safe? but then if it's safe then what happened to the sand that went up his nose? how does it come out again? or does it have no effect on the body?

[leafpool14]

He would have probably sneezed it out, or just blew it out with his nose. But if it was still there, he would rub it off when he cleans his face

It's like if you got sand up your nose, you would have the urged to rub or sneeze, either one, it wouldn't harm him or have any effect

[n_t]

oh ok well thats a relief to know! i kept on trying to look at him to see if i could see anything slightly different with him that would force me to take his most favourite toy away lol. but now i know its completely safe i wont worry anymore! thankgod...i was starting to worry!!!

[souffle]

We have used the charlie chinchilla sand for many years and have never had any problems nt. I have also noticed it stuck to their noses on occasion and heard them sneeze or snuffle it out. The nose cleanses itself naturally so don't worry about it. If you see any nasal discharge though and other signs of illness you need to ensure he is well and does not have a chest infection or a cold which will need vet treatment.

[ellisyellis]

mine love chinchilla sand too and they like it. no probs

[sarah]

I used the charlie chincilla sand all the time for TInker who adored it in his sand bath. I never had any problems with it but it is important to get the sand and not the dust.