Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Navigation
Front Page
Forum
Gallery
Wiki

Ads by Google


Go Back   Hamster Central > Hamster Central Forum Topics > Housing

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-30-2015, 05:41 PM   #1
HoneyPetals
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5
Exclamation Chinchilla Dust question -

So I bought chinchilla dust today, only to find out its much to fine to use for hamsters. I haven't used it in my hamster's cage yet however.

My question is; is there anything i can do to the dust to make it okay for a hamster to use? Maybe something to mix in? I also read something earlier about using corn starch, and was wondering if its okay to use that? If there is nothing I can do, I plan to take it back and see if there is chinchilla SAND instead. Thanks in advance.
HoneyPetals is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2015, 09:54 PM   #2
DrKMcK
Retired Moderator
 
DrKMcK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Brooklyn, New York USA
Posts: 10,295
Default Re: Chinchilla Dust question -

Hello HoneyPetals and welcome to Hamster Central. There is nothing you can do to Chinchilla dust. You need Chinchilla sand, or children's play sand. Do not use cornstarch; it is too fine and can be inhaled by the hammy. I use the sand types pictured below and I get it from Amazon. Hope this helps.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Chinchilla Sand(400x209).jpg (83.1 KB, 18 views)
__________________
DrKMcK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2015, 04:40 AM   #3
BrainGirl
Hamsters on the Brain
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 6,458
Default Re: Chinchilla Dust question -

Agreed, avoid the dust and go for the sand. Chinchilla dust is extremely fine and is needed to keep a chinchilla's very thick coat in top condition. They've evolved to handle the dust with nostrils that clamp shut while bathing. Plus chinchilla dust will get into absolutely everything you own, even in rooms far from the bathing area! I'm developing asthma just from all the dust that has made its escape
BrainGirl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2015, 12:25 PM   #4
MummaBorris
Hamster Pup
 
MummaBorris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: uk
Posts: 56
Default Re: Chinchilla Dust question -

I have also been thinking about getting a sand bath recently - I have two russian Dwarfs. How often is good to let them go in it? Or do you put it in the cage for them to use as often as they like?
MummaBorris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2015, 01:09 PM   #5
catslovelycats
Hamster Pup
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 61
Default Re: Chinchilla Dust question -

I've got a small glass dish from a charity shop that I keep in Evey's cage all the time for her sand baths. I never see her do anything other than walk and sit in it, but every morning I see that she has been rolling around in it, judging by the amount of sand that's been displaced!
catslovelycats is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2015, 07:52 PM   #6
DrKMcK
Retired Moderator
 
DrKMcK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Brooklyn, New York USA
Posts: 10,295
Default Re: Chinchilla Dust question -

It is perfectly fine to leave it in the cage. My Almond adored his sand bath. The only time I would remove a sand bath is if the hammy has a problem with it. Sometimes a hammy may have dry skin issues that the sand exacerbates. Just keep an eye on your hammy and see how your little guys do. It's easy enough to remove the bath if a problem arises. The photos below are my little Campbell's hybrid, who has since passed away. The little ones are adorable, aren't they?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg P3070025 (400x300).jpg (60.8 KB, 10 views)
File Type: jpg P6130009 (640x480).jpg (35.1 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg P6130012 (640x480).jpg (29.6 KB, 8 views)
__________________
DrKMcK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2015, 12:55 PM   #7
Nienna
Hamster Pup
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 114
Default Re: Chinchilla Dust question -

Quote:
Originally Posted by DrKMcK View Post
Hello HoneyPetals and welcome to Hamster Central. There is nothing you can do to Chinchilla dust. You need Chinchilla sand, or children's play sand. Do not use cornstarch; it is too fine and can be inhaled by the hammy. I use the sand types pictured below and I get it from Amazon. Hope this helps.
The PetsMart here sells only chin dust, and I was looking on Amazon for sand.... Most of the recent reviews seem to indicate Kaytee has changed that product from actual sand to more of a dust type. (What is it with Kaytee fiddling with their products? ) Though I assume you haven't noticed any thing bad about it?

The only other chin sand on Amazon is $20+.

I love that miniature bathtub in your second post; that's brilliant!
Nienna is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2015, 01:33 PM   #8
BrainGirl
Hamsters on the Brain
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 6,458
Default Re: Chinchilla Dust question -

Hi Nienna,

You should be able to get play sand at any hardware store or garden centre. Don't get coarse sand meant for construction projects, that has too many sharp edges. Play sand is more rounded.
BrainGirl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2015, 01:51 PM   #9
Nienna
Hamster Pup
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 114
Default Re: Chinchilla Dust question -

Oh, thank you for the suggestion, BrainGirl.
Nienna is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
chinchilla, dust, fine, mix, sand

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO v2.0.43 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Copyright © 2003-2022, Hobby Solutions
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:27 AM.