Encouraging a Dust Bath

[CiCi's Chinchillas]

Hi Everyone,

So I took in a rescue a little while ago. Affectionally dubbed "Ol' Man", he is approximately 17 years old. Due to his age, and because he is so darn cute, we decided to keep him instead of attempting to adopt him out.

Other then being fed a poor food, he was well taken care of. Since changing his food, he has put on a little weight and seems to be in overall good health. He is a little bony and not very active, but I am sure this is just due to his age.

My only concern is that he won't take a dust bath. At first I thought he was just stressed from the move, but he has since settled down and still shows no interest. Perhaps he is at that age where he no longer cares about his appearance? :laughitup:

So is there anything I can do to encourage him? I have been brushing him out regularly to ensure he doesn't get any mats. Other than a slightly greasy appearance, would not taking a dust bath affect him in any way? I was considering gently rubbing the dust on his fur but I am not sure if this will do any good.

Well, this is certainly a new problem for me. Every other chin I have owned or met acts like a dust bath is Chinchilla Disney Land. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
CiCi

 

[Rickman]

Sure, rub a little in - he'll probably appreciate it, and it might get him interested again!! Can't hurt!

 

[Chinniechantel]

Yep, I stick them in the dust bath house tipped so the opening is up, and rub it in their fur and try to rub it around as much as I can. It usually takes a few or more tries, but they eventually get it. Try using a few different containers, as some don't like the uncovered pans, and some don't like the covered house looking ones. Picky picky!

 

[addictedtochins]

:needpics:
Ok, you're holding out on us. I checked and I can't find any pics of your 'ol man.

 

[alli713]

I agree that you should rub some in his fur. Some chins just don't like to take dust baths, and rubbing some in will at least help a little. But like stated too, I'd try different types of containers, some don't like certain types.

 

[ticklechin]

I put dust in the bottom of a small clean garbage can so they can't jump out and sprinkle it on the back, gets them itchy and twitchy and they shake it off, sometimes it will get them to flip over.

 

[Sasha]

It took Kumiko months before he started dusting. I think having a cagemate helped him finally get it. I know some chins won't dust if you are around or even in the room (too scared of getting eaten I guess). The bowl could be a possibility too. I would try both a closed bowl like a fishbowl or superpet dusthouse and try something open as well. You could also sprinkle a little bit of dust in a dry bathtub and see if he'll get thehint in there. Good luck, I know it's frustrating!

 

[Lynn & The Chins]

Little Two Paws was slow to enjoy dustbaths, partly, I think, due to the fact that he had never been "in" a container before, just had a little dust placed in his cage when it was cleaned.

I used to put him in the bath house and rub dust all over him, but decided to get him an empty pickle jar so that he doesn't have to deal with climbing over the entrance to the little plastic house, and now he loves taking his dustbaths!!! Even with only 2 paws, he's able to roll and flip just like the other 2!!!