What is sand bathing???

WinterDaHamster · 03-12-2012, 02:10 PM

Hey everyone I'm new to the Hamster world and I was wondering what sand bathing is and what it does for the hammies?

Humphrey Furball · 03-12-2012, 02:15 PM

A sand bath is basically a shallow dish of sand (a couple of centimetres or so). Hammies basically roll around in it and it helps clean their fur (especially if they have a tendancy to be a bit greasy). Some hamsters take to it and can over-use it, causing skin to get a bit dry. Digging around in the sand can also help keep claws trimmed (a bit like filing our nails!)

Gemmish · 03-12-2012, 02:16 PM

Sometimes you'll find that some rodents fur gets greasy, you can use a sand bath to help make the fur less greasy! You can bob it in a bowl and they'll roll around in it! Lot nicer for them than bathing in water!

MandyP · 03-12-2012, 02:20 PM

My hamsters love there sand baths

I noticed a big difference in there coats too

WinterDaHamster · 03-12-2012, 02:30 PM

Do you know were to get it from?

MandyP · 03-12-2012, 02:32 PM

Chinchilla sand is good. You can buy it from most pet shops. You must make sure its sand not dust. The dust is bad for there little lungs. I will see if i can find a link for you

MandyP · 03-12-2012, 02:33 PM

Supreme Science Bathing Sand 15L Small Animal Litter & Bedding for Sale

Cathii · 03-12-2012, 03:30 PM

Roborovski hamster's fur, so I have heard, have a tendancy to be more greasy than other hamsters' coats.
My hamsters look ever so funny when they twist and turn on their backs in the sand! It's not an essential need, but is normally good if you are taking your hamsters to shows.
I buy the 1.5 litre carton of Supreme Science Bathing Sand, it's for Chinchillas but is perfectly suitable for other rodents, including hamsters. It's about £3 from my local Post office.
I bought a plastic litter tray and refill and empty it every week with sand.

Erin Loves Dwarf Hamsters · 03-12-2012, 04:21 PM

You're right about the robos Cathii, they do seem to be much more greasy than any of the other species >.< Sand baths make a massive difference to their coats but I find my Syrian uses his just as a litter tray and isn't interested in washing in it like my dwarf species are.