Dust container?

[samzhao23]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if you guys can recommend a dust container to me for holding the dust. I am in the process of getting my cage/accessories before bringing in my chinchilla. I would like the dust container to hold in as much dust as possible. I think I've seen a pretty popular one with one hole in the front; the shape is like a wide dome thing on top and narrows on the way down.

Also, how long should I let my chin dust for and how much dust should I use?

Thanks!

 

[HamNCheese]

The most common one I've seen is this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Super-Pet-Chinchilla-House-Colors/dp/B0002AS5M8

It can be found at most pet stores, and it works well for keeping the dust in. My chin loves his

 

[Ash]

Do you mean a storage container for excess dust? If so, I just use a rubbermaid container. I also store my feed in one. But, I buy in bulk for the most part, since I have 6 chins, and also supply my parents' for their 4.

 

[Mystic]

For dusting my chins use the 1 gallon glass candy jar. I got it from Walmart.
I usually let my chins dust for 10-15 mins or whenever they get bored with it.
And for the type of container I have I use about 1/2 cup of dust.

 

[HamNCheese]

Also, as far as dusting times go:

Depending on your climate, it'd be good to let the chin have use of a dust bath for 10-20 minutes, a couple times a week. Where I am is pretty dry, so I only let mine dust once or twice a week- it keeps the fur healthy and soft without the skin getting dry and itchy. It's good to let them have free use of the bath during their play time, rather than leaving the bath in their cage, but how/when you do it is up to you.

I use about 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of dust, or just enough to get a good layer on the bottom of the bath house. More chins=more dust, as does more humid climates or grimier chins. Hope this answers your question!

 

[Sandi]

The one that I have I believe is the same as Mystic mentioned. I bought mine at Wal-Mart as well for $6.00. It looks like this -

 

[newf]

I use a sterilite plastic container that I bought from Walmart for a couple of bucks. We just cut a hole in one end of it. It works great because it is large enough for them to roll around very well in. I also like the fact that it has a lid I can pop off which lets me clean out the chinnie poops and such that get tracked into the dust container.

 

[WEFA_in_Me]

I use an extra large fish bowl for him to roll in, and then I have many glass jars of things like wood pieces, rose hips, pumice, etc. I love them, most I got at walmart, but one or two came from places like garden ridge or michaels, which are craft stores.

 

[samzhao23]

thanks for the reply guys. I think the one I saw from a lot of pictures is that Super Pet Chinchilla Bath House. The only thing I'm worried about is plastic but I think as long it's not left in the cage it should be ok.

The glass jars/containers from walmart also seems to be a great idea, even if I don't use it for dust, I might use it to store some of the feed/chews.

Again, thanks for all the help! I'll be sure to post some pics of my chin when I get him.

 

[shubbles]

I use the plastic colorful houses, the one Ham n cheese mentioned, It works well.

 

[Rickman]

The best thing about glass is that you can throw them in the diswasher, and make sure they're really clean!

 

[cindyv3737]

I use a large serving bowl. They only big flaw to it is the dust gets everywhere. But I throw it in the dishwasher when she is done and it is squeaky clean. I also leave it out during her bath time. Shelly likes to roll around for about a minute, then play for a few minutes, then come back to her bath and so on.

 

[samzhao23]

Good point about the glass and dishwasher...but I heard you don't need to clean out the dust every time, just need to remove the poop and urine clots?

 

[Rickman]

Sometimes I just wipe them out with a paper towel, if it's not too bad!!

 

[Essentia]

I sift the dust of the poops and such each time I use it. When it starts to look grainy it isn't cleaning them well anymore so it gets tossed and new dust is used. I probably use it about 3-4 times, depending on the chin. My chins are never really greasy so they can use the dust a bit longer. If I get a very greasy rescue though the dust isn't used as long before new dust is needed.

 

[chin-nw]

I use large glass jars. Similar to a large pickle jar. I got them from Jack Humphries a few years ago. They work great. Keeping most of the dust in the jar. and I can put them in the dishwasher. I empty the used dust each time, putting in fresh dust before the next bath