Dust bath

[nobleandpure]

I have lots of leftover dust bath and I read online that it is bad for gerbils. Should I give it to them? And if I do give it to them and something happens what should I do?
if anyone knows anything it would be great if you could tell me, and I would prefer if someone knew by experience and not just because they read it online.

[Thelodar]

No, do not give them dust baths. They need sand, not dust, because heavier, coarser sand is much less likely to be inhaled.

[betty]

I've always given mine the Chinchilla Dusting Powder from PAH, and they do just fine on it. The dust helps soak up the grease from the coat perfectly without creating a puff of dust or obviously sticking to them.

There are lots of different types you can use of course, and other people's recommendation might work better for you and your gerbils.

I have never used sand myself but there are plenty of threads on here about all the available types that other people use or have tried. Have a good look around the forum for everyone's opinion - people from the past might not comment on this thread so best check back for a wide range of opinions.

[the_gerbilpetsworld]

I use the same as Betty, Chinchilla Dusting Powder (P@H) The gerbils have always had it in there cage/tank and I've had them now for three years in September. It extracts the grease on their coat brilliantly without leaving dust or anything like Betty said. So I would definatly recommend using the P@H Dusting Powder.

Hope I helped:
PetMad15

[vexorg]

I think it's different terminology that gets people confused. Sand and dust seem to be interchangeable in different countries. Same with sawdust and wood chips, in the UK any cutting of a big saw would be referred to as sawdust, even bigger than the wood chips/shavings you buy.