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Post by algerbils2 on May 22, 2022 13:11:38 GMT -8
My daughter got two male gerbils for Christmas. We originally bought a 14 oz box of Kaytee Critter Bath Powder to use for the dust bath, but after more reading, it sounds like this may be too dusty for gerbils? She puts it into a ceramic bowl and lets them play in it once a week when she gets them out to play, so it is not in their regular tank. Is this OK or should we be using something else? Thanks!
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Post by sparkbubble on May 23, 2022 12:13:05 GMT -8
I'd be cautious over anything that says 'powder' or 'dust.' If the bath is so light that you can see thick clouds puffing up when they use it, I'd consider opting for a heavier substance. I use play sand, rinse it, and bake it at 290 F for about two hours. It only takes 20-30 minutes out of your day and it's way cheaper in the long run (50 lbs for 5 bucks at lowes in the US.) One batch (2 or three trays, so like 3 lbs) lasts a good two months at least. I'm looking at the reviews for the product on amazon and its seems extremely chalky (and the reviews seem to be hit or miss). Please opt for sand if that is the consistency of your product. If you don't feel like going into all that work, I used reptisand. I consider it to be clean and you can get 10 lbs for 20-30$ on Amazon.
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Post by Markpd on Jun 3, 2022 1:51:52 GMT -8
What sparkbubble said  If it is actually powder or dust, and like sparkbubble said, if you see dust puffing up when they're rolling in it then it's too fine. I use Chinchilla sand, which is a fine sand, generally it's pretty good, although their is the occasional bag which is a bit dusty.
Once you've found decent sand, it would be good for them if you allowed them access more than once a week . Btw, welcome to the forum!
sparkbubble
Re cleaning play sand, I didn't think that was necessary because it was originally cleaned/heated by the manufacturers?
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Post by sparkbubble on Jun 4, 2022 13:05:24 GMT -8
well truth is, I feel more than a little uncomfortable with the moist environment it is stored in. Since I've had my sack fermenting in a leaky garage for over a year, I can never be too careful...  |
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Post by Markpd on Jun 7, 2022 6:37:55 GMT -8
Ah, got ya, makes sense! (Mine stays in the house, so nice and dry).
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), late 70s