Beach Sand

[limo]

Is it ok to use beach sand for my hamster? I would bake it . If it is ok do I have to do more tham bake it?

[PetLuver21257]

I don't think that beach sand is good... There are a lot of germs that even baking won't kill... Why can't you go and buy some Chinchilla Sand where all you have to do is put it in a bowl and that's it? It's cheep too. Like only $5. It's also easier; and you won't have to worry if there are germs that might get your hammie sick. There are also pebbles in there and the salty water.... Not good.

Good luck and I don't reccomend beach sand.

[Caitandcritters]

In all realness, if you cleaned it and baked it, I can't see why it's any different from other sand. It IS sand, after all. If you can figure out a way to wash it, then follow with baking, kudos and good luck.


Chin sand is expensive for the little bit you get. Children's play sand works just as well, or even corn starch. Just make sure you bake the sand before use. :) About the same price for 50 pounds of it! :cool:

[PetLuver21257]

Yeah, but there are so many germs in beach sand. The Chinchilla sand is not "beach sand" it is volcanic sand and is naturally dust-free. Dogs pee on the beach sand, little bugs dig and live in the beach sand. So are you saying that after you kill most of the bugs while baking it, you will have to search for every little bug body and throw it out? I don't think so... That takes too long and you may be afraid that you might miss a bug body and your hammie will eat it and might become ill or something... Not worth the $75 vet bill, that's for sure.

All I know is, I'd rather buy Chinchilla sand (I use half a packet every time I clean out the cage, so it is good for 10 cage cleanings) and know that my hamster is safe, than to worry about my hamster's health.

[Caitandcritters]

LOL, nice.

I'm glad you read my post through. :rolleyes:
I said "if you can figure out a way to wash it, and then bake it..." This implies WASHING it, and getting rid of impurities. It would take a long, long time, but could be done.

And I offered another option besides Chin sand. It's not a crime. But, just to be fair, a 50 lb bag will last you a lot longer than a box of chin sand. Sure, it's a lot, and it's a hassle to bake it. But chin sand is not the only option.

And about the bugs... Extra protein. ;) :rolleyes:

[PetLuver21257]

Lol, yea, well I guess it just depends on what limo wants to do. Either spend a whole day searching for bugs and cleaning 50 pounds of sand or buy a box of Chinchilla sand which is good for 10 cleanings for only $5.

Whatever... lol ;)

[Caitandcritters]

I'd like to know where you get your chin sand. It's more expensive here. Try 8-10 bucks, for so little it'd last me maybe 3 weeks.

[limo]

I meant to use it as the bedding for the whole cage

[PetLuver21257]

limo: Woah, no, no, no! Not for bedding for the whole cage!! Bedding should be soft and hamsters should be able to pick it up and carry it and make a nest! Sand is a NO-NO for bedding. Carefresh and Aspen are two major beddings that are GOOD for hamsters. No pine, cedar or newspaper.

It would take too long to clean it and everything. Whereas bedding is like $3 for aspen shavings. And it lasts for a long time, like 4x for cleaning the cage.

Don't use beach sand as bedding. Hamsters need something to carry and make a nest out of.

Caitandcritters: At like PetCo or PetSmart. I just get it near where I live. There is a store called Pro Pets where I live and that's where I got my chinchilla sand from ($5). It comes in 5 packets. Since I use half a packet everytime I clean out, I can use if for 10 cage clean outs.

[limo]

ok. Whats wrong with newspaper

[hamham20006]

the ink has cimicales

[Chaos]

Newspaper ink is usually vegetable based nowadays, but I would call your paper company just to be sure, before you sue it. The problem with newspaper is it does absolutely nothing to absorb odour, and you'd have to clean out and chance the bedding every day, as opposed to once a week for aspen shavings (pine and cedar shavings are toxic) or carefresh, yesterday's news, ect.

[dwankrista]

newspapers often have chemicals in the ink that's toxic for some animals, hamsters included. i've heard beach sand is a VERY bad idea as the particles are different from chinchilla sand and can become lodged in the animal's eyes, causing severe irritation and infection.

[PetLuver21257]

Why don't you just buy Aspen, Carefresh, or Yesterday's News (the bedding)? It really isn't that expencive, only like $3-$5 for a big bag of Aspen.... And it lasts a long time too. Newspaper might be toxic to the hamster and beach sand would take too long to clean and there is a lot of "foreign" stuff in there....

[Caitandcritters]

Odd! Our petsmart carries it at a higher price. Must talk to them about that. Also, I have more than one cage that I need sand for, so the play sand is cheaper for me in the long run.


Yes, aspen or carefresh is much better than sand as a bedding. Although, can't say I've tried it.

If you just check with your newspaper, and see what type of ink they use. You could use shredded newspaper if the ink os veggie based or soy based. Or, shredded toilet paper, even. Non scented, of course. That's a common bedding for animals who have allergies to other beddings.