Chinchilla Dust question -

[HoneyPetals]

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.

[DrKMcK]

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.

[BrainGirl]

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

[MummaBorris]

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?

[catslovelycats]

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!

[DrKMcK]

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?

[Nienna]

Originally Posted by DrKMcK

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!

[BrainGirl]

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.

[Nienna]

Oh, thank you for the suggestion, BrainGirl.