Hamster sand baths can help repel skinworms and remove grease and dirt from the hamster’s fur. In this hamster sand bath guide, we’ll look at when you should give your hamster a sand bath, and how you can make sure you’re using safe hamster sand. We also give tips and ideas for making a sand bath tank or buying a purpose-built sand bath for hamsters.
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What is a hamster sand bath?
A sand bath is quite different from a regular bath that we might give to our pet dogs, for example.
Pet-safe sand is poured into a container shallow enough for the hamster to get in and out of. And big enough to roll inside.
Instead of using soap and water to remove dirt from your pet’s fur, your hamster will roll around and play in the sand. This removes grease and dirt from their fur.
If you’re having trouble imagining it, here’s a video of two adorable dwarf hamsters enjoying a sand bath!
Do hamsters need sand baths?
Hamsters stay clean by grooming themselves, and should generally stay clean. Provided their cages are not dirty and their bedding is changed regularly.
However, there is always a chance that their fur will get dirty or oily, no matter how clean their environment is.
Water baths are rarely recommended for hamsters as most hamsters hate being submerged in water and will avoid it if given the chance.
If you are concerned about the cleanliness of your hamster, you can check with the vet that everything is in order. For example, if it starts to produce an extreme odor or if you notice that its fur looks dirty.
Your vet may suggest a sand bath to help keep your hamster’s fur clean.
Since hamsters clean themselves naturally, they should not need sand baths. However, giving your hamster a sand bath can help it clean itself.
Also, although sand baths are allowed for hamsters, dust baths are not recommended as they can cause breathing problems for your pet.
Do hamsters like sand baths?
Many furry animals enjoy rolling around in the dry sand. As you can see in the video earlier in the article, hamsters can have fun rolling around and playing in sand baths!
However, every hamster is different, and you may find that yours just isn’t interested in a sand bath.
Do Syrian hamsters prefer sand baths or are dwarf hamsters bigger fans?
Dwarf hamsters seem to enjoy sand baths more than Syrian hamsters. But this isn’t a strict rule for all hamsters – you might have a Syrian who loves sand baths!
If your hamster enjoys a sand bath, it can be another easy way to keep your little pet entertained. And a good way to practice it a bit!
Hamster sand bath – how often?
It is entirely up to you how often you give your hamster a sand bath.
Some people prefer to keep a sand bath in the hamster’s cage so that it is available every day, while others prefer to offer it less frequently.
The most important thing is to make sure that the sand you offer is clean.
If you leave your sand bath in the hamster’s cage for a long time, it will inevitably get dirty as it fills up with excess oil from the hamster’s fur.
Your hamster may also start using its litter box as a toilet if it has just been left in its cage, meaning it can no longer be used as a bath.
You need to change dirty litter or it won’t keep your hamster as clean as it should.
How to make a sand bath for hamsters
Giving a hamster a sand bath requires relatively little effort on your part.
If you are wondering where to buy a hamster sand bath – or if making a hamster sand bath yourself is possible – then we have solutions.
All you need to do is find a shallow, clean container or container that is large enough for your hamster to move around in.
If you don’t have these at home, you can find one online or at pet stores. Some of them, as well as different types of sand, are recommended later in the article.
Pour some of the sand of your choice into a container and put it in the hamster’s cage.
Your hamster will do the rest
How to give a hamster a sand bath
Once your hamster gets into the sand bath, all you have to do is sit back and watch him enjoy himself! It rolls around in the sand for a while, playing, digging and cleaning itself.
Your hamster may accidentally push sand out of the container as it rotates inside. So you may prefer to keep the tank near the edge of the cage.
Before preparing your hamster’s next sand bath, make sure the container you use is clean by washing and drying it thoroughly.
Dwarf hamster sand bath
Adorable little dwarf hamsters love to roll around and play in sand baths, and it’s a great extra way to keep their fur clean.
Dwarf hamsters tend to enjoy sand baths more than Syrian hamsters, so if you have a dwarf hamster, it’s a good idea to try one!
Since these hamsters are smaller, you may want to get a container for your dwarf hamster sand bath that is more suitable for their size.
NiteAngel sand bath
This NiteAngel sand bath is a good example.
It is available in several different colors to match your hamster’s habitat!
BUCATSTATE sand bath
Even in a smaller size, this great BUCATSTATE sand bath is a great option.
Syrian hamster sand bath
Syrian hamsters are slightly larger than dwarf hamsters and generally don’t like sand baths as much.
However, this is not the rule for all Syrian hamsters, and you may find that yours loves them!
If so, you may want to purchase a larger container. So your bigger hamster has plenty of room to run around.
PINVBY sand bath
This PINVBY sand bath would be perfect.
It has all the room he needs to move around.
Safe sand for hamsters
If you have decided that you want to try sand bathing, you may be wondering what is the best sand for your hamster.
As we mentioned before, it is important to get sand instead of dust to prevent health problems for your hamster.
Is chinchilla sand safe for hamsters? Yes it is!
Tiny Friends Farm Swimming sand
A good alternative is Tiny Friends Farm Chinchilla Bathing Sand*.
This is a highly rated choice that is completely dust free and chinchilla litter for hamsters is safe to use.
Kaytee Chinchilla Bath Sand
Another good option is Kaytee Chinchilla Bath Sand*.
Pet Post swimming sand
Pet Post makes this wonderful swimming sand.
It’s made of pumice sourced from Idaho!
There are many different types of sand available on Amazon, but it’s important to read the reviews carefully to avoid creating dust.
Products labeled “powder” are more likely to do your hamster harm than good, as is chinchilla dust.
The best hamster sand bath
Maybe you are also looking for a good container to bathe your hamster.
Kaytee Ceramic Critter Bath
Kayteen* Ceramic Critter Bath is great for miniature hamsters.
This bath is great because it looks cute in your hamster’s cage, but also keeps the spread of sand outside the bath to a minimum.
This makes it easier to clean up after your hamster has finished using it. Even if you don’t get such a clear view of your pet rolling around in the sand!
FATPET sand bath
If you need something a little bigger, a Syrian hamster, or just to give your dwarf hamster a little more space, a good option is FATPET’s* hamster sand bath.
This one has more room, so it might be better for a Syrian hamster, and it’s easy to clean.
However, this is made of plastic, so if your hamster likes to chew on things, this might not be the best choice!
Trixie sand bath
You can even use a Chinchilla sand bath for hamsters*.
Although you don’t want to fill it too high, you need a hamster cage with plenty of space.
Hamster sand baths
Hamster sand baths can be a nice way for hamsters to clean themselves or play and provide a fun activity.
Have you given your hamster a sand bath before?
Let us know how it went in the comments! Did your hamster like it?
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