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Old 03-26-2017, 06:12 PM   #1
HarleytheHamster2017
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Default Why Do Hamsters Need Sand?

I'm just wondering why hamsters need sand? None of my hamsters had it. Why do they need it?
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Old 03-26-2017, 06:20 PM   #2
Crystalroborovski
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Default Re: Why Do Hamsters Need Sand?

Sand isn't really a requirement for hamsters. Hamsters use sand to roll around and bathe in and also sometimes dig in. Rolling around in the sand is like taking a bath for them. Since hamsters are clean animals sand baths are something they usually like. I've heard Syrians don't always use their sand baths, but I'm pretty sure dwarves (especially robos) love them!
Again, while sand baths are not an absolute neccesity for hamsters they are a fun way to stimulate natural hamster behavior and keep your hamster clean remember to NEVER under any circumstance bathe your hamster in water. This is hazardous to their health. And also, if you decide to provide your hamster with a sand bath be sure that you use sand and not dust as dust can cause respiratory issues. Hope this helped
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Old 03-26-2017, 06:27 PM   #3
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Default Re: Why Do Hamsters Need Sand?

Well sand has many benefits,as long as it is safely sourced(high quality chinchilla sand or sterilized play sand only)!

Firstly,there's sand bathing.This keeps the coat in good condition and along with a high quality diet and appropriate healthy extras maintains skin and coat health.Not only is this important for looking good,but for the sake of comfort for example itchy or greasy skin and fur can be quite uncomfortable

Secondly,sand can also provide a place to use as a toilet.This helps humans quite a bit,but it also can help hamsters if you can avoid inappropriate frequent cage cleaning much longer(although the best way to keep this minimal is appropriate substrate depth and a large cage preferably a square meter or larger for Syrians or half a square meter for most dwarf species with Chinese and robos being able to be kept in slightly less space in some situations).Stress from overcleaning is a very serious thing,and it can also wipe out good bacteria from the environment as well.An oversterilized environment isn't good for any creature(even humans)as it can also increase the chances of illness,whereas very slight routine exposure in most cases helps to develop immunity

Third and last,it is one of many forms of enrichment.Enrichment is crucial to having thriving captive animals,whether the animals are kept in zoos or kept as pets.You really want to have as much enrichment as possible,and as long as everything in the habitat is completely safe(nothing should be inedible,and if it is it must be chewproof such as ceramic and resin)and the hamster can move properly through the habitat there really is no reason to simply keep a basic setup in all but the most extreme of cases(which the majority of owners will not face).
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Old 03-26-2017, 10:32 PM   #4
cypher
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Default Re: Why Do Hamsters Need Sand?

It depends on the species, some syrians really aren't all that bothered with sand though some do enjoy it, with Russian hams I would say it is essential for keeping their coats in good condition, it helps a little with nails overgrowing & they absolutely love it, I can't imagine a Russian not having sand! Robos love to dig & sand is a great for them to dig around in with the same benefits as for Russian hams, all my Chinese hams really enjoy their sand baths too so it definitely has benefits although more important for some species than others.
It is the best thing for litter trays too, most hams seem more inclined to use sand than anything else to pee in & it's easy to keep clean used that way.
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Old 03-26-2017, 10:45 PM   #5
HarleytheHamster2017
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Default Re: Why Do Hamsters Need Sand?

WOW! Thanks for the advice.
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