What sand do you guys use?

heidii · 03-17-2022, 04:47 PM

I bought two bags of 5kg sand from Komodo, but it's SO fine! I tried washing one of the bags, and whilst the dusts gone, the particles are so small I don't feel like risking it with my hamster.

Giving one bag to someone I know, but now I have 5kg of sand in a massive tub and no clue what to do with it!

What do you guys use?

Lilafernim · 03-17-2022, 05:02 PM

I actually personally really liked the Komodo sand for that reason. You don’t want anything too course or it could scratch more than bathe them. I just like to think of it like exfoliating to them, like when we get bits in our face washes. As long as it’s not the calcium one it should be fine.

My hamster uses sand solely as a toilet so I use the range £4 kids play sand and bake it. That’s a lot more coarse but personally if it’s for a hamster that bathes in it I wouldn’t use play sand but I know a lot of people do. As long as it’s not dusty or containing calcium or colours then it should be fine.

heidii · 03-17-2022, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilafernim

I actually personally really liked the Komodo sand for that reason. You don’t want anything too course or it could scratch more than bathe them. I just like to think of it like exfoliating to them, like when we get bits in our face washes. As long as it’s not the calcium one it should be fine.

My hamster uses sand solely as a toilet so I use the range £4 kids play sand and bake it. That’s a lot more coarse but personally if it’s for a hamster that bathes in it I wouldn’t use play sand but I know a lot of people do. As long as it’s not dusty or containing calcium or colours then it should be fine.

It's not the calcium one, but I'm just worried somethign like that could easily cause impaction? I'm still drying it out, but I'm not sure how comfy I am using it.

sushi_78 · 03-17-2022, 06:03 PM

I noticed the same thing with Komodo sand and am not keen on it for that reason. I also noticed it forms very hard clumps when wet.

I use sepiolite chinchilla sand. I've used various brands but Zooplus sell a JR Farm one which is good.

LunaTheHamster1 · 03-17-2022, 10:15 PM

I use the komodo sand, the white looking one. I love it, best sand I have used, not dusty. Not sure if that is the same one you are using. Before this i used to get one from zooplus i think it might have been JR farm brand, Serendipity from this forum put me on to that one.

Ria P · 03-18-2022, 12:42 AM

I've always used the Tiny Friends Farm sand readily available from petsathome, Wilko, The Range and independent pet shops. Prices vary so i stock up when it's on offer.

Charlie Dunn · 03-18-2022, 01:24 AM

I also use tiny friends farm sand. It’s funny though as some of our hams love (and have loved) a sand bath but others not at all! X

Ria P · 03-18-2022, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie Dunn

I also use tiny friends farm sand. It’s funny though as some of our hams love (and have loved) a sand bath but others not at all! X

Not only that but sometimes the type or location of the sand bath makes a difference as well. Our Clive twice went behind his plastic sand toilet and tipped it over because he wanted his sand glass jar. I got the message the second time and don't argue with him now.

cloudy · 03-18-2022, 02:36 AM

I have two bags of the Komodo sand. I bought it from Hopes healthy treats. I have read mixed reviews so I am not sure if I should use it or not.

LunaTheHamster1 · 03-18-2022, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloudy

I have two bags of the Komodo sand. I bought it from Hopes healthy treats. I have read mixed reviews so I am not sure if I should use it or not.

That's the one I am using, you can also get it from wilkos. I have used it for a while now, with no issues.