The Dust Bath

Unless absolutely necessary, chinchillas do not receive water baths. Instead, they take a bath in special chinchilla dust (which can purchased at pet stores and better yet, online). Dust baths are administered 2-3 times weekly for 10-15 minutes. Frequency is dependent on the level of humidity in the air, and how much handling your animal is receiving. Chinchillas have lanolin in their fur, which makes the coat oily, and with the combination of being handled regularly, our own oils stick to their coat. This is why dusting is necessary.

The type of container you pick to dust your chinchilla in is up to you. Glass drum fishbowls are often popular, as well as plastic “chinchilla houses.” If you use the plastic, make sure to monitor for chewing. Metal dusters can be purchased online at several sites, and as the animal can’t chew them, they last for several years!