Hamsters are relatively clean animals that groom and toilet train themselves constantly, but how important is it for them to take a bath?
Is sand good for hamsters?
Sand baths are a good way to keep your hamster clean and odor-free without endangering their health. Hamsters should not require a sand bath on a regular basis if their cage and bedding are changed on a regular basis.
If you’re wondering what the best hamster sand baths are, we’ve listed them below:
- Hamster Sand – Supreme Tiny Friends Farm
- Reptile Sand – Zoo Med ReptiSand
- Chinchilla sand – Chinchilla Bath Dust for Small Animals
- Children’s play sand
While you should never give your hamster a water bath because it removes a lot of important molecules and oils from their coat, you could try placing a sand bath in their cage instead. We explain how they work in this section.
What exactly is a hamster sand bath?
Sand baths are another option for keeping your hamster clean without endangering their health. Because sand is abrasive, it can remove excess particles from your hamster’s coat as well as absorb oils and moisture from their skin.
Hamsters in the wild will use sand to maintain their hygiene, so placing a sand bath in your pet hamster’s cage may encourage their natural bathing instinct!
Sand baths are inexpensive, and while hamster-specific sand is available, chinchilla sand, reptile sand, and even children’s play sand can all serve the same purpose.
Some people confuse dust baths with sand baths, but you should pay close attention to the materials used because dust baths can cause respiratory issues in your hamster.
Do hamsters enjoy taking sand baths?
While some people believe that Dwarf hamsters enjoy sand baths more than Syrian hamsters, the reports and research we’ve found seem to indicate that it has less to do with hamster type and more to do with personality and individual preference.
If your hamster enjoys rolling around in sand, it is not only a good way to keep them clean but also provides plenty of entertainment.
If your hamster is one of the few who dislikes sinking their paws into sugar soft sand, try burying some treats beneath the grains to entice them to climb inside.
How often should a hamster take a sand bath?
Sand baths are not required because your hamster can clean itself, but they do provide another place for them to go, wash, and even play.
Some people prefer to keep the sand bath in their hamster’s cage permanently, while others use it less frequently. The most important thing to keep in mind is to keep it clean. Failure to do so may result in your hamster mistaking it for a toilet tray.
How to give your hamster a sand bath?
Sand baths are simple to make and can be made from store-bought dishes or containers you may already have around the house if they are sterile and dry. Choose a dish that is large enough for your hamster to roll around in.
Fill the dish halfway with sand before placing it in your hamster’s cage, depending on its depth. It is always best to position it in a corner if possible to reduce the amount of sand that is kicked around.
Maintain a close eye on the sand itself, as you’ll want to remove and replace it if it becomes soiled. This eliminates the possibility of odor accumulation.
Treating a hamster that smells
Hamsters are not known for being smelly animals, but if you are concerned about your hamster’s cleanliness and a sand bath isn’t working, you should take him to the vet to make sure everything is fine.
All owners must be aware of certain health conditions and keep an eye out for any symptoms.
Best kinds of sand to use for hamster baths
As previously stated, it is important to select the proper type of sand for your hamsters’ bath, as not all types of sand are suitable for use. In this article, we look at the best sand bags available on Amazon.
- Supreme Tiny Friends Farm Hamster Sand
This sand has had a bad reputation of late, with negative reviews claiming the sand has become incredibly dusty. Although the brand claims that there have been no changes made (other than to their packaging design) it is made from Sepiolite minerals (a naturally occurring clay mineral), which when mined, can cause natural variations to the product. Therefore, although it is bacterially clean and tested for grain size and density to ensure that it penetrates your hamster’s fur, there may be slight differences from bag to bag. If you have any concerns, then we would recommend trying one of the other sand types as listed below.
- Reptile Sand – Zoo Med ReptiSand
If you decide to use reptile sand, make sure it is natural and does not contain dyed sand, as it is likely to contain chemicals and calcium, both of which can be harmful to your hamster. Because it is 100% natural and made of very fine quartz, this reptile sand is safe for hamsters to use. It feels soft beneath their paws and encourages burrowing. Unlike other types of sand, it slides off the fur instead of sticking to it, leaving your hamster feeling clean all over.
- Chinchilla sand – Chinchilla Bath Dust for Small Animals
Because most chinchilla sand is extremely dusty and expensive, it can be harmful to both your hamster and your wallet. This chinchilla sand, on the other hand, is made from natural pumice powder and can not only clean but also protect your hamster’s skin and fur. This claim is supported by a 100% happy pet guarantee, which means that if it does not meet your expectations, you can get a full refund or a replacement product.
- Children’s play sand
Children’s play sand is probably the best value for money, but it does require some processing to be safe for your hamster to use. To ensure bacteria-free sand, use heat-treated sand whenever possible. If not, you will need to bake it ahead of time in an oven. Also, sift the sand before pouring it into your hamster’s bath to ensure that only the smallest grains remain in the cage.
A word of warning about sand – Upon opening a bag you have bought, if it looks dusty in consistency, it is likely to contain added calcium, colorants and other chemicals. Hamsters love digging into sand, often pushing it around with their tiny noses but should they inhale these dangerous substances then they could harm their delicate respiratory systems. You should also never be tempted to collect sand from the beach and bring it back, as it will not be properly sanitized.
Best baths to use for hamsters
You don’t need to buy a fancy sand bath for your hamster when a simple plastic container will suffice. However, if you want a brightly colored, fun accessory, we recommend the following hamster sand baths.
- All in one hamster hideout
A cluttered cage means less space for your hamster to run around in. This is why this wooden digging pool works so well; it not only serves as a sand bath but also has plenty of room for your hamster to play and a place for them to sleep. It also includes a terracotta bowl for them to enjoy a treat while relaxing in their bath. It is made of pet-safe birch wood and has no nails or sharp edges. So you can rest easy, knowing that while your hamster is rolling around getting nice and clean, they are safe.
- Colorful hamster bath
This hamster sand bath comes with a scoop for daily cleaning, so it can stay in your cage permanently. Because of its small size, this practical yet compact container is only recommended for Dwarf hamsters. It is made of plastic and contains no toxic or otherwise harmful substances that could endanger your hamster’s health.
Conclusion
Most hamsters will survive without ever having a sand bath, but only if their cage is kept meticulously clean and they do not have any health or other physical issues that prevent them from grooming themselves adequately.
If you do want to give your hamster a luxurious bath, remember to always check the sand’s ingredients first, as some contain chemicals that can be harmful. Always leave enough space for them to burrow, play, and roll around in.
If you want more helpful advice on looking after your hamster, including tips on food, toys, accessories and accommodation, add a comment below to let us know!
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