| Things to know about your pet chinchilla |
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| Dust baths * Working all the angles and getting the most Chinchillas fur and skin produce a great deal of oil and lanolin. The dust is used in nature to absorb this oil and keep the fur dry and fluffy for insulation, not only for protection from cold and heat, but also helps repel moisture and as an aid to keep body temp constant. Chinchilla dust is available at most pet shops, some farm stores and on line over the internet. Prices vary, but there are two basic dusts sold, one is more coarse, the other most powdery and dusty. Some areas of the country can have both readily available, while other areas this is not true. Either works well for the purpose. Some stores sell chinchilla sand. This often very coarse compared to dust, and is actually fine, cleaned sand. This is not the best for daily dusting of chinchillas. NEVER use regular sand for dustings. Dust can be given every day if you wish, but should be at least twice a week for 5-10 minutes. Best not to leave the dust in the cage all the time, but give it intermittently. Often chins will decide this dust is also a potty place and make a wet mess of the sand, and ruin it. IF you chin does this, tyou will need to complete clean the dust bowl or container, since the urine will stain and ruin the coat. The dust 'bath tub" can be a variety of containers. There are sold for chins a plastic "dust house" that resembles a little dog house with a large hole in the front. This does help contain the dust from flying around so much, but I feel these are a bit pricey and not at al durable. I like glass baking dishes, extra large gold fish bowls or wide mouth gallon jars. The jars can be placed on their sides, and wedged in place to prevent rolling, and contain the dust a well as the little plastic house. Dust baths, When we have that summer weather (in Iowa), high heat and humidity, even if you have AC, your chins will need a dust bath every other, if not every day, to keep the coat in shape and prevent the deadly side affects of the weather. IN normal weather, I give about twice a week, but in really cold, dry winter weather, I give about every week to 10 days. Heat & Humidity, cage location - Fleas, mites and parisites - |
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