Sand bath for dwarf hamsters?

[Pharaoness]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if I could get a sand bath for Photini? She's a dwarf hamster and often does things in her bedding that make me think she'd love a sand bath! I was thinking chinchilla sand. Would this be okay for her? Would it get into her nose? She's really tiny. Please let me know!

[cypher]

A sand bath is pretty much an essential for a dwarf ham so I'm sure she'd love one, do be careful to get chinchilla sand, not dust, the Supreme Petfoods Science Bathing Sand is the best one & is available in both the UK & US, it may also be sold under the new Tiny friends brand name now.
You don't need anything special to make one, just some small container that's deep enough to have a good dig & roll in, she may pee in it too but it's very easy to just lift the clumps out.

[Pharaoness]

Originally Posted by cypher

A sand bath is pretty much an essential for a dwarf ham so I'm sure she'd love one, do be careful to get chinchilla sand, not dust, the Supreme Petfoods Science Bathing Sand is the best one & is available in both the UK & US, it may also be sold under the new Tiny friends brand name now.
You don't need anything special to make one, just some small container that's deep enough to have a good dig & roll in, she may pee in it too but it's very easy to just lift the clumps out.

Yay okay great, and thanks so much for the recommendations for the brands! I'll get her a sand bath then would Kaytee chinchilla bath sand be okay? Here's the one: Kaytee Chinchilla Bath Sand https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0002568HM/..._4WpyxbQM8ZC8S

[cypher]

I have no idea about that one but one of the reviews makes me think it may be too dusty, this is the one I mentioned & you can be sure it's safe.

[Gimleyand Meeko]

I use Childrens Play Sand and a glass container for a modern look, also the Childrens Play Sand lasts ages I have had my bag for a year now and it has nearly run out

[Pharaoness]

Originally Posted by cypher

I have no idea about that one but one of the reviews makes me think it may be too dusty, this is the one I mentioned & you can be sure it's safe.

The sand costs $10 while shipping is $25... are there any available with Prime? I have prime so I try to buy things on amazon with it. I don't mind paying shipping, but certainly not $25 actually I even wouldn't mind paying $25 shipping on an item that costs over $100, but I can't pay shipping that's 2.5 times more than the product itself

[Pharaoness]

Originally Posted by Gimleyand Meeko

I use Childrens Play Sand and a glass container for a modern look, also the Childrens Play Sand lasts ages I have had my bag for a year now and it has nearly run out

Oh wow okay, where could I purchase some??

[cypher]

I didn't notice the shipping tbh, that is a bit over the top! Maybe have a search around & see if you can find it available anywhere else?
That's the only brand I trust after trying a few.

Some people do use play sand but you will need to sterilise it which basically means baking it in the oven but I can't remember times or temp.

[Pharaoness]

Originally Posted by cypher

I didn't notice the shipping tbh, that is a bit over the top! Maybe have a search around & see if you can find it available anywhere else?
That's the only brand I trust after trying a few.

Some people do use play sand but you will need to sterilise it which basically means baking it in the oven but I can't remember times or temp.

I'll try to search for it elsewhere, otherwise I'll just sterilize the sand =) I'm guessing at 350 F for 1 hour should be good, no?

[chesca_27]

I would wait for someone who has sterilised sand to tell you Although I think ErinsAnimals has mentioned it in a few cage tours.