Bathing for a chinchilla is one of its favorite pastimes, and during bathing the owner also has fun, watching the chinchilla bathe in the sand. This is a very interesting spectacle that you want to watch every day. In this article you will understand that purchasing or making a bathing suit for chinchillas is very simple.
You can buy a bathing suit for chinchillas or make it yourself. This is not a complex mechanism, but a simple vessel, the main thing is that it is oval and spherical. You only need to buy sand, because it is made from special ingredients specifically for chinchillas. River sand is not suitable in any case, it will only harm the animal. Read on to learn more about how to set up a bathing suit for a chinchilla.
Why does a chinchilla need a swimsuit?
In their natural habitat, these rodents clean their thick fur in volcanic dust. It does not contain any microflora, therefore it is quite sterile. Fungi and mold do not develop in it. It does not irritate the animal’s skin at all, but cleans its undercoat well. Chinchillas are very active animals, this is also reflected in their bathing. To prevent constant spillage of the substance during this procedure, it is best to buy a special bathing suit.
An animal with such thick fur as a chinchilla is difficult to find among animals. But due to the fact that they do not have sebaceous glands, their fur quickly gets wet. Therefore, it is not advisable to wash them in water. After this, they may catch a cold, because... take a long time to dry. If, nevertheless, the owner decides to subject the rodent to a water procedure, then he should not dry it with a hairdryer after bathing. First you need to very carefully blot your pet with a soft cloth. Then you need to place it in your bosom and warm it with your body.
Features of sand procedures
The best time for swimming is evening. As evening approaches, the rodent is most active, and therefore sand cleaning will be more effective. You can take extra care of your chinchilla's fur if you add medical sulfur, crushed Fungistop or Nystatin to the filler - this is a good fungus prevention.
When a chinchilla bathes, a large amount of dust is generated.
Most likely, during the “bathing” process the room will be filled with dust. This is natural, because the animal spins in the sand, raising the smallest particles into the air. That's why the best place for this type of bathing is the bathroom. Or be prepared to wipe all surfaces in the room with a damp cloth and shake out dust from soft items.
As for sand, it can be reused. But for this it is necessary to remove debris from it. It is also recommended to add fresh material to the old one. The bath should be completely renewed every 10 procedures.
Remember: sand bathing for a chinchilla is as necessary as a comfortable cage and regular food.
How chinchillas “wash”
Typically, cleanliness is associated with water and cleaning products. Some pets are actually washed in water with a special shampoo. But in the case of a chinchilla, the situation is different. These animals “wash” in volcanic sand. Under no circumstances should it be replaced with regular river sand. This can cause irreparable harm to the animal, because regular sand contains a lot of bacteria. In the wild, it is volcanic dust that animals use to thoroughly clean their entire undercoat. In addition, it perfectly absorbs excess moisture from fur.
Real volcanic dust is sold in specialized pet stores. It must be hermetically packaged and not sold in bulk. Unfortunately, the quality of the product can only be checked after unpacking. If the dust has a shine, then it contains quartz particles that will spoil the fur. Good volcanic dust is matte and leaves a powdery feel on the palm. There are no scratching particles in it.
This substance is poured into a bathing suit for chinchillas in a layer of 5-6 cm. The bathing procedure is carried out once every 2-3 days. The time allowed for this is no more than an hour, depending on the activity of the individual. You cannot leave the bathing suit longer, otherwise the animal will go there to use the toilet. After each procedure, the sand is sifted and new sand is added. After 12-15 bathings, it is completely replaced with fresh one. You can add a little sulfur to it to prevent skin diseases. When changing sand, you need to wash and dry the bath thoroughly. Once a month it must be disinfected. Moisture must not get into the sand, because this can cause parasites to appear in it.
FAQ
In order for your pet to enjoy bathing in the sand without damaging its fur and skin, it is necessary to pay due attention to the choice of bathing suit, sand and all additional accessories for washing the animal. List of necessary items for swimming:
List of necessary items for swimming:
- comfortable and safe swimsuit;
- special sand, for example, volcanic sand for bathing rodents;
- medical sulfur for fur disinfection. This product can be purchased at pet stores, but medical sulfur should be used less frequently: once every few months unless otherwise specified by the veterinarian;
- talc for shine and smoothness of wool.
You can choose the appropriate sand for washing your animal only from the assortment available in pet stores. Ordinary river, sea, construction or any other sand will not be suitable for bathing your pet.
When choosing a bulk filler for a bath, you should pay special attention to the quality and composition of the sand. Soft, safe sand will not scratch the skin of your hands, so you can check the quality of this product at home by lightly rubbing the grains with your fingers
The filler should absorb moisture and fat well.
Have you tried making sand yourself?
Sometimes your pet will start eating sand for bathing, but there is nothing to worry about. The rodent does this to normalize the gastrointestinal tract, thus grinding food.
In some cases, this behavior may indicate that the pet does not have enough calcium. To replenish calcium, you can grind calcium tablets for rodents and give them a little at a time.
It is highly not recommended to wash your chinchilla in water! If the pet gets wet, it should be removed from the water as soon as possible and wrapped in a towel that absorbs moisture well. The fur should be blotted regularly with a dry cloth.
All windows must be closed and air conditioners must be turned off. Any, even the slightest drafts should be avoided.
Periodically, the towel in which the animal dries needs to be replaced with a dry one.
You can try to dry the fur with a hairdryer, holding the device with warm air at a distance of 20 cm from the animal’s fur. If the animal is afraid of noise, turn off the hair dryer and dry the fur with a towel.
You should not let your pet into the cage before it is completely dry. During drying, the animal should not freeze.
If the animal suddenly stops using the bathing suit, this may indicate some health problems, so the chinchilla should be shown to a veterinarian.
Sometimes sand or a bathing suit is not suitable for your pet. You can try to replace the filler, as well as the washing container itself.
Which material is better?
Pet stores provide different types of bathing containers that are made from a variety of materials. Each of them has its own advantages. But there are also some disadvantages.
Glass
A good choice is a glass bathing suit. It is usually made of durable glass in the form of a round aquarium. The chinchilla is not interested in this material, so the animal will not try to chew it. This bathhouse is easy to wash and keep clean. It is quite heavy, and the pet will not turn the container over during the hygiene procedure. But most importantly, the transparent walls allow you to easily observe the process of bathing your pet.
Plastic
A plastic bathing container must be made of high-quality material. Then it will last a long time. It is also easy to wash and clean. The disadvantages include the fact that it is not difficult for the animal to turn it over during the active procedure. Therefore, you should think about where to put the bathing suit to prevent this from happening. The pet can also chew the walls and swallow plastic pieces. Pet stores offer convenient plastic baths with a removable lid with a hole for entry. Their price is low.
Ceramic
The ceramic bathtub is quite stable. It washes well and does not absorb foreign odors. The main disadvantage is the opacity of the walls. You won't be able to watch your pet bathe. In this case, the animal is left to its own devices. The finished ceramic bathing suits are very decorative. They are made in the shape of a house or animal.
Wooden
A fairly popular material for swimsuits is wood. These chinchilla baths are relatively cheap and quite durable. They are made from various types of wood. It is impossible to make bathing containers from chipboard or fiberboard because of their harmful composition. Wooden bathing suits are short-lived and not particularly practical. They are difficult to clean after each procedure. Wood absorbs odors and moisture well. And the animal will definitely gnaw on such a structure.
From plywood
Plywood bathing suits are easy to complete in one day. You need to put together a box of a certain size with an open top. The front wall can be made of plexiglass or other transparent material. Then watching your pet will be a pleasure. But a plywood product has the same disadvantages as a wooden one.
If the animal refuses to bathe
When a furry pet expresses dissatisfaction using all possible means and does not want to carry out “hygiene procedures,” this may be due to poor-quality filler. In this case, you need to find out what kind of sand the animal is accustomed to. This can be done experimentally. After choosing a quality litter, bathing chinchillas in sand will be much easier.
If a chinchilla refuses to bathe due to illness (lack of appetite, apathy), it must be shown to a veterinarian.
General requirements
For baths that are provided for bathing chinchillas, there are a number of requirements:
- The volume of the bathing suit is from five liters and above;
- the entrance to the container must correspond to the size of the animal;
- the more stable the chinchilla bathing vase, the safer it is for the animal to bathe in it;
- all sharp corners and notches at the entrance must be thoroughly sanded with sandpaper;
- The swimsuit should be securely fastened, especially if it is constantly in the cage.
Other interesting ideas
If you don’t want to spend money or don’t have extra finances, then this option will be your salvation for the short term. You can simply take the box and place it next to the tray, first shortening it a little. If your pet damages the cardboard a little, you can simply replace the feeder with an alternative box.
An equally interesting way would be to adapt a household basket for a feeder. The first thing you will need to do is cut two holes. Through one the rabbit will receive food, and through the other the owner will supply it. All dimensions must be calculated individually according to your room
It is important to make sure that the rabbit cannot crawl into the hole and does not injure itself.
A plastic bucket can be used in the same way. Before using this method, it is worth thoroughly rinsing the container so that no odors scare the animal away from the improvised feeder. The lid will serve as a limiter to prevent the rabbit from eating everything at once.
But it is worth noting that a rabbit can chew the bucket and get poisoned, so you should watch it with special attention
The most unusual option is the package holder. It is secured with a wire in the desired position and place. Such a device can be found in a store, its price does not exceed 300 rubles.
For information on how to make a hay barn for rabbits, see below.
How to make a bathing suit for a chinchilla with your own hands
You can make a bath for your pet yourself. It's not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.
Tools and materials
To do this, you need to set aside some free time and prepare everything you need:
- a plastic water bottle or a food-grade plastic canister with a volume of at least five liters;
- sharp knife;
- lighter;
- wire.
Manufacturing process
- In the side wall of the bottle or canister, you need to cut a circle of such a diameter that the pet can enter the container without much difficulty.
- Carefully melt the edges of the cutout with a lighter so that the animal does not get scratched.
- Secure the bath securely with wire so that it does not tip over when the rodent takes hygienic baths.
This design is not suitable for permanent placement in a cage, because the animal may chew the plastic. But for a half-hour swim it’s good. If the canister is transparent, this will allow everyone to watch the actions of the pet with interest.
Choosing a drinker
There are some requirements for a drinking device. It should be:
- closed;
- hold enough water;
- securely attached to the cage.
Drip drinker
If you choose a drip drinker, pay attention to its volume. It must be at least 150 ml, and the nipple is made of stainless material
This structure is secured to the outside of the cage with wire.
To prevent your pet from getting to it and damaging it, you can lay a sheet of galvanized steel between the tank and the cage.
Automatic
On sale you can find two types of automatic drinkers. The first is a bottle turned upside down, with the cap screwed on. A metal tube looks out of it, inside of which there is a steel ball that holds water.
The second is a nipple drinker. It is a valve, when pressed, water begins to flow. The liquid enters the container through a tube.
If you have one or two chinchillas on your farm, you can purchase any type of water bowl.
Automatic drinker of the second type
When a breeder has ten or more animals, it is better to connect a “chinchilla water supply” to the cages. This is a clear plastic tube that is used in car washes.
You can purchase it at an auto store, where you will also be offered tees, which will allow you to assemble an entire structure connected to a common water tank.
Plastic bottles are hung on the cages, and a “pipeline” is made at the bottom, which diverges into the compartments of the cage.
With such a system, it is important to ensure that the chinchillas do not chew through the tubes. If this happens, then a water leak is inevitable, and as a result, damaged floors and ceilings of neighbors
In addition, you will have to promptly repair the “water supply.”
Additional cage accessories
How to arrange a cage and what to place inside depends on the size. The larger the cell, the better. A large area will not only allow you to organize the space in an interesting way, but will also leave room for games and active movement. List of additional accessories:
When choosing an accessory for a cage, it is worth remembering that it must be safe. If the product is made of fabric, it is better to give preference to natural and undyed fabric. If it is made of wood, specify what type of wood was used. Some wood contains hazardous substances and can lead to poisoning.
Homemade accessories
They equip the cage not only with purchased goods. Some items can be made with your own hands. Most often, various shelves and ladders are made at home. Any pieces of plywood that can be attached to the walls of the cage using self-tapping screws or wire will be suitable as shelves. The number of shelves depends only on the height of the cage.
The ladder is both a delicacy and a game element. Usually it is made from twigs of different thicknesses, using the type of wood that rodents love: willow, birch, cherry, poplar, rowan. It is better to work with already dry twigs. If finding sufficiently dry wood is a problem in the summer, the pieces can be dried in the oven.
The branches must be divided: the long ones will go on the shelves, and the short ones (two centimeters each) will go on the crossbars. A hole two or three millimeters thick is drilled in the center of each crossbar. Similar holes are drilled in the shelves; about two centimeters must be removed from the edges. It is better to fasten the ladder links using wire. The end of the wire is inserted into the first shelf and a crossbar is strung on it. Secure it to the second shelf using a loop. Everything is repeated with each new shelf. The length of the finished ladder depends on the size of the cage.
Types of hay fields
Hay feeders are available in three variations:
A variety of hay for rabbits
They differ in their location relative to the cell. The first ones are attached inside it, and the second ones - on the outside. External hay boxes are used when the pet's cage is small. In order not to clutter the space, the nursery is installed outside, on a grid. In this case, the rabbits can easily take the hay when they want to eat, right through the bars.
V-shaped mangers can be used for double cages; they are installed in the wall between them, so that neighboring rabbits have the opportunity to feast on hay at the same time from the same feeder.
Ideal home
The animal is very mobile, so they need a lot of space. When choosing a cage, first of all, be guided by its size. The minimum cage size for one animal is 50*50*70 (length*width*height). It is optimal to choose a more spacious home - 60*50*100.
The higher the cage, the better! Chinchillas love to jump and climb on bars. The cage must have at least 2 shelves.
You can also equip a storefront, since such a house has several advantages. It has closed walls, so dirt will not fly out. In addition, the showcase looks more stylish and can be successfully integrated into the interior.
Unfortunately, display cases are not sold in pet stores. You can order them from craftsmen or make them yourself. You can use wooden shelves or an old chest of drawers as a basis.
Accessories
Chinchillas definitely need:
- feeder;
- drinking bowl;
- house;
- stone for teeth point;
- manhole;
- stones and branches.
When your home is ready, start arranging it. First, she needs a water bowl and feeder. It is better to choose hanging options, so the animal will always have clean food and water. It is advisable to purchase metal utensils, as the wood will quickly wear down.
Be sure to put a house in the cage. It would be better if it were made of wood. Of course, sooner or later it will be eaten, but the animals will get great pleasure from such a shelter.
You can distract the animal from the point of its teeth on the cage or house using a special chalk stone. A teeth pointing stone can be purchased at any pet store and hung on the bars of the cage.
Large stones and branches of permitted trees can be placed in the cage (see section Feeding). The chinchilla will be pleased with the system of manholes and pipes where it can hide. If the size of the cage allows, hang a hammock in it. You can buy a hammock for ferrets or sew one yourself from thick fabric.
Toys
To prevent your fidget from getting bored, place several toys in the cage. Don't be discouraged if your upgrades don't make much of an impact. Chinchillas are completely unpredictable. They may be happy with an ordinary branch and not react at all to a new hole or house.
The best toys for chinchillas are wooden blocks and walnut shells. Watch how enthusiastically she drags them around the cage and gnaws them.
Standard running wheels for hamsters and guinea pigs have too large distances between the bars. While running fast, an animal can easily damage its paw. There are solid wheels made of wood, they are difficult to find, but they will suit the shushi well. If you are afraid that your pet is not getting enough activity, equip the cage with pipes and hang a few extra shelves.
