To Bathe or Not to Bathe...

I've been investigating sand baths for gerbils, and thought I would share what I've found.  

What is a sand bath?

Taking sand baths is the way gerbils stay clean. Being from the desert, the couldn't just go for a swim to get clean. So instead they roll, dig and frolic in sand. 

Why give you gerbil a sand bath?

Can you imagine what you would look like if you never took a shower?  Taking a sand bath makes your gerbil's fur so much healthier. Also, gerbils love to play in the sand!

I have found, that one of the most confusing things about sand baths is the question; "What can I use to give my gerbil a sand bath?"

Chinchilla Sand

Chinchilla sand is the best option. It is safe for gerbils to eat, (yes, they will try it) cleans the best, and isn't too dusty. However, it's a bit expensive.

Cornmeal

Cornmeal is the next best option and is less expensive. Also, it's safe for gerbils to eat and isn't too dusty. If you have never given your gerbils a sand bath before, this is a great cheap option to try it out!

Chinchilla Dust

Okay, so this sounds similar to chinchilla sand, but it's not. Never use chinchilla dust for gerbils! Chinchilla dust is way too dusty for gerbils, it will cause respiratory problems.

Play Sand 

Play sand is also not safe for gerbils. Play sand contains silica which is poisonous to gerbils! It also can have bacteria and other bad stuff for gerbils in it.

How to give your gerbil a bath!

Now you know what to use for a sand bath, so here's how to give your gerbil one!

You will need:

• A heavy, non plastic, bowl that's big enough for a gerbil to comfortably stand in (a rabbit food dish or cat food dish works well)
• Chinchilla sand or cornmeal
• A gerbil!

Fill the bowl with about an inch or two of sand. You only need enough sand for your gerbil to roll in. The first couple of times you give your gerbils their sand bath, they may not know what it's for. Some gerbils get it the idea right away; others don't. When I gave Wink and Streak their first sand bath, they had no idea what it was! Your gerbil will probably taste some of the sand too. 

About two times a week, put the bath in your gerbils' cage for about 10-15 minutes. If you leave the sand bathtub in the cage, your gerbils will probably use it as a toilet.

Have fun giving your gerbil(s) a bath!