dust bath - ?

[laurie2025]

I have a question (and I may already know the answer :wacko: ).
My two new chins are here; and I have been spending time with them and letting them climb on my hands and arms in the cage, but haven't taken them out yet. Am letting them get their bearings and all. Well, I realize I've had them since Friday evening and should probably give them their dust bath. I have one of the plastic dust bath containers and the blue cloud dust; but, how much dust, and for how long each? And, how will I get them to 'take turns' so to speak?
Maybe it's time to take them out. Opinions please? I don't want to traumatize them. Thanks!
Laurie

 

[menagerie]

I would put about 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup of dust in the dust bath and put it in their cage. You don't need to worry about making them take turns, they will take care of that themselves.

 

[Lynn & The Chins]

You don't need to worry about making them take turns, they will take care of that themselves.

Or, they may jump in together even though there isn't really enough room for both of them until they realize they should take turns!!! It's very cute to see!!! Usually the one who jumps out takes a "faux" dust bath right at the entrance because he is so excited!!!

 

[Sandi]

Haha, that's right, I love how they do the faux rolling in the bedding. I usually leave the dust bath house in their cage for 15 minutes.

 

[3CsMommy]

I leave the bath out during play time 2-3 times a week for about 15 min. He gets good and dusty in that amount of time. When he turns into a violet from a standard, I know he's done.

 

[laurie2025]

Well, I put the dust bath in the cage and stood back. For an hour. Nothing. They didn't go inside. They jumped on top of it. They sniffed it. The walked all the way around it. But, never went inside.
I guess I'll try again tomorrow!

 

[lydz]

Really wow!!!

Maybe put some dust on the outside of the opening so they can smell it. Hasel and Gretel trail of dust. Haha.

 

[Sesame]

I would give it some time.

Perhaps they aren't familiar with the type of container you are using for dusting. Some chins might prefer certain types of containers (ie: big glass pickle/candy jars, boxes, ceramic dust houses), but give it some time with this current dust house.

Did you try leaving the room a bit while they had access to the dust? Maybe they are shy and a little nervous about being in a new place.

 

[Cuddlebug]

I agree with Sesame. Give it some time. All animals are vulnerable while bathing. Some just need to feel safe before they will bathe.

 

[Rickman]

When I've one that's hesitant, I put some dust on my fingertips and kind of "flick" it at their face! Usually gets them going - -

 

[Brittany]

When we got one of our chins her previous owner left the dust jar in her cage 24/7. It took her about a week to realize that she didn't have 24hr access and needed to take her baths when we gave them to her. Now she's a pro, and eagerly awaits the jar with the rest of them.