MistyMeanor
December, 28th, 2003, 03:59 PM
DUST BATH
Just like everyone else, Chinchillas need to be kept clean. Because their fur is so fine they can't be given a normal bath with soap and water. When it comes to their bathing, they have an extraordinary way of doing so. They bathe in 'dust baths'. Most chinchillas love their baths. Chinchillas taking baths can be a real messy affair. Dust powder will start spewing from the moment they enter the 'bath tub'. It is always a good idea to find a bath container with a lid. Also, watch your chinchillas while they are taking baths because they can quickly pee in it and will dirty themselves again. It is highly recommended also that you always keep some anti-fungal powder in the dust bath for a preventative against fur fungus/ringworm. I ONLY recommend Tinactin, which can be found at most grocery and drug stores. Put a teaspoon per cup of dust bath. Only a cup of dust bath is recommended. Refresh with all new dust and powder weekly. Sooner if soiled. They should get into their dust bath 3-4x a week, and don't let them stay in there for too long, or they will do their 'business' in there, therefore not exactly making it a clean haven anymore. Do not give your chinchillas dust baths every day because it will dry out their skin. I recommend about 3 - 4 times per week.
Just like everyone else, Chinchillas need to be kept clean. Because their fur is so fine they can't be given a normal bath with soap and water. When it comes to their bathing, they have an extraordinary way of doing so. They bathe in 'dust baths'. Most chinchillas love their baths. Chinchillas taking baths can be a real messy affair. Dust powder will start spewing from the moment they enter the 'bath tub'. It is always a good idea to find a bath container with a lid. Also, watch your chinchillas while they are taking baths because they can quickly pee in it and will dirty themselves again. It is highly recommended also that you always keep some anti-fungal powder in the dust bath for a preventative against fur fungus/ringworm. I ONLY recommend Tinactin, which can be found at most grocery and drug stores. Put a teaspoon per cup of dust bath. Only a cup of dust bath is recommended. Refresh with all new dust and powder weekly. Sooner if soiled. They should get into their dust bath 3-4x a week, and don't let them stay in there for too long, or they will do their 'business' in there, therefore not exactly making it a clean haven anymore. Do not give your chinchillas dust baths every day because it will dry out their skin. I recommend about 3 - 4 times per week.