Hamsters are naturally clean animals. If you are a new Hamster owner you will soon learn that Hamsters love to groom themselves.
But, there are a few questions that still boggle a lot of Hamster owners. Are Sand baths important? Can we use water to bath our Hamster? So, I decided to do some research, and here is what I found out!
Hamsters love Sand baths. Sand baths are the best alternatives to water. It ensures the cleanliness of our Hamsters without putting their life at risk. Sand Baths also helps to evenly distribute the natural oil present in Hamster’s skin. It helps Hamsters to get rid of excess moisture. Your Hamster can enjoy the sand bath once every 3-4 days.
Hamsters are one such pet that does not need much grooming. They need minimal maintenance. They mostly keep themselves clean.
Grooming often helps Hamsters to calm themselves.
It is known that Hamsters even mark their territory and keep their predators away by grooming themselves.
It is advisable to not use water to clean your Hamster except on unusual circumstances. Even in such exceptional cases, it is better to consult a vet first.
Do Hamsters Need Bath?
Yes, Hamsters do need a bath, but not a water bath.
Water can make your little friend catch a cold. Hamsters are sensitive creatures. If they get wet very frequently, it may also be life-threatening for them.
Also, water can destroy the coat of essential oil and molecules present in a Hamster’s fur.
It is always better to give your Hamster a sand bath. A sand bath will cause no potential harm to your Hamster.
It is advisable to not use water to bath your Hamster unless it is an urgency.
Also, the first question that will come to your mind after reading this is, ‘Can Hamsters Have Sand In Their Cage?‘. Read the article linked here to learn everything about it in detail.
Can Hamsters Clean Themselves?
Hamsters usually keep themselves clean. You will often see your Hamster grooming himself.
Hamsters spend 20-30% of his life grooming himself.
Hamsters often groom themselves when stressed.
It is also known that Hamsters mark their territory and keep the predators always by grooming themselves.
If you ever see your Hamster not grooming himself for more than 48 hours, it is always suggested to take it to a vet. There might be something bothering your Hamster.
Why Does My Hamster Smell So Bad?
Hamsters love to keep themselves clean. But, a few factors may make your Hamster smelly. Some of them are:
- Improper Care: Yes, it is true. If you do not take proper care of your little one he might stink. It is very important to keep a check on them at least every 24 hours. If you ever notice something stuck in its fur, never ignore it. Brush their hair at least once in 10-14 days, this will also help your Hamster to stay clean and healthy.
- Improper Cage Maintenance: You must clean your Hamster’s enclosure at least once in a week. When you do not clean the cage regularly, the pee starts to smell. The urine’s ammonic smell starts to become more noticeable.
- Cage Size: It is very important to give your Hamster adequate space to live. With minimal space, they make the cage messy very frequently.
- Sick Hamster: Yes, in certain cases your Hamster might smell if he is unwell. Some health issues in Hamsters like Diarrhea, Urinary Tract Infection, etc. can also be the cause of the foul smell. It is advised to visit the vet in such cases.
To learn more about your smelly Hamsters and their smelly cage, read these articles linked below:
- Why Does My Hamster Smell So Bad? How To Keep Them From Smelling?
- Why Does My Hamster’s Cage Smell So Bad? (What To Do)
- How Often To Change Hamster Bedding? (Complete Guide)
- How Often Do Hamsters Poop & Pee? (+When To Be Worried?)
Are Sandbaths Necessary For Hamsters?
Sand Baths are Hamster’s way to keep themselves clean.
Sand Baths are not something your Hamster won’t be able to live without, but it is very useful to keep your Hamster healthy and clean.
When used water, there are high chances that your Hamster may fall sick. It may even lead to organ-failures.
If in any exceptional situation you think only water would help, take suggestions from a vet.
Sand Baths are the best alternatives to water, sand baths ensure that our Hamsters stay clean without putting their life at risk.
How Does A Sandbath Work?
Hamsters, in the wild, even use sand baths to keep themself hygienic and clean.
Sand Baths help to keep the fur of your Hamster smooth and soft. Also, help to evenly distribute the natural oil present in Hamster’s skin.
The dried poop stuck in your Hamster’s fur also shed once they take a sand bath. Sand baths also help to remove all the dirt and debris from their skin.
Sand Baths are also known to be fun and relaxing for Hamsters.
How To Prepare Sandbath For My Hamster?
Firstly, find a suitable container to fill in the sand.
Make sure the container is big enough so that your Hamsters have enough space to roll around and play. Also, avoid using plastic or wood containers, your little friend will chew them up. The container should easily be accessible to your Hamster.
Also, it is really important to SIFT the sand before letting your Hamster play in it.
Now fill in the container with the sand. Fill it up to two inches.
Then, place the container in a corner of your Hamster’s enclosure. This will ensure the minimal spreading of sand.
Now, all you have to do is watch your Hamster, having the best time of his day, in the sand tub.
Have a look at these Hamster sand trays, your little one will surely love it!
How Often Does My Hamster Need A Sandbath?
It depends on you more than your Hamster. Even if your Hamsters takes bath on a day to day basis in the sand, it is not harmful. Just make sure the sand is clean.
Many Hamster owners prefer to place the sand dish in their Hamsters enclosure once in 3-4 days, while others leave it throughout with their Hamster.
Hamsters often misunderstand sand dishes as litter boxes. So, it is very important to keep an eye on your Hamster.
Change the sand in the boxes in every 3-4 days if your Hamster uses it regularly. Poor sand quality may result in skin-related allergies.
Related Queries:
How Do I Choose The Right Sand For My Hamster?
Most Hamster owners prefer chinchilla sand for their Hamsters. Reptile Sand or Children’s play sand works wonder too.
Buy natural and bacteria-free sand for your Hamster.
Also, make sure the sand absorbs urine without leaving any smell.
You can get Chinchilla sand from a local pet store. If it is not available there you can always buy it online.
Do not buy any packet labeled as ‘dust’ or ‘powder’.
How Do I Choose The Right Dish For The Sandbath?
Choosing a perfect dish for sand baths is something that is a difficult food for a lot of Hamster owners.
Listed below are a few things you must keep in mind before buying a sand bath dish for your Hamster:
Make sure it is easily accessible to your Hamster. They do not face difficulty in getting in or getting of the dish.
The width of the dish should be sufficient for Hamsters to roll around and play. The dish should not tip off easily.
The dish should not have any sharp edges or corners. It may hurt your Hamster.
Is Dust Bath Equally Good?
It is advisable not to use dust baths for your Hamsters.
Dust granules are much finer as compared to sand. These can cause respiratory problems in your Hamster. He may also face difficulty in breathing.
It is best to avoid it.
