Dust bathing?

AAxJosh · Jun 20, 2010

How exactly do I do it? I've just been letting her roll around in a bowl until she gets out and then what do I do with the left over dust? And how much do I even put in there to begin with? Thanks for any tips and advice you guysay have

Essentia · Jun 20, 2010

I reuse dust until it starts to look a bit "clumpy". After each dusting session though I sift the dust to get the poo and such out. If the dust is urinated in I throw it away completely. It's up to you on how much you put in. I use one of those plastic dust houses, and put in about an inch of dust. The more dust you use (without going overboard of course) but better the chinchilla will be able to clean himself.

Rickman · Jun 21, 2010

I use the gallon size 'pickle jars'. Seems to keep the dust down, and use about 1/4 cup of dust per chin!
It's also fun to watch, especially if 2 try to get in at once!!

Pleiades · Jun 21, 2010

I don't know who had it on here, but someone was using a sort of glass bowl... it looked like a fishbowl laid on its side, but then imagine the opening on the top. And the opening had scalloped edges. It was basically a very large, squat glass jar. I thought that was so cool, because you can see through it, not like the plastic dust house I have and many people use.

I usually put 2 inches or so of dust in , and sift it to get poops out, but my boys don't pee in there, so that's why I reuse a lot. If your chin pees in the dust, I would use less, so you won't waste as much.

AAxJosh · Jun 22, 2010

So how many times a week should they have a bath? I'm guessing maybe two?

Pleiades · Jun 22, 2010

It depends on the humidity in your house. If it's humid, they need more- like every other day maybe. If it's pretty dry, then 2-3 times a week. You know you're giving too many dust baths if their ears start to get dry and their fur isn't greasy.

Also, if you handle your chin a lot, it's going to need more dust baths. The fur absorbs all the oils from human skin.