Hamster Bathing Sand

[Nora]

I’m currently using this hamster bathing sand, but it’s often hard to find in stock since the seller frequently runs out.



I can easily get river sand, but I know it isn’t really safe since it’s dusty and might have bacteria.

Does anyone know a good way to clean or sterilize river sand? This would just be for temporary use until the hamster bathing sand is back in stock.

I used to buy in bulk whenever it was in stock. But now my stored supply is running out.

Any thoughts?

 

[Socks' Mum]

I think it might be better to avoid river sand as it might have chemicals or even gasoline residues that can't be removed, even by heating. Children's play sand might be OK as this has to be human safe. Reptile sand is OK as long as it doesn't have added calcium. Some tortoise sand has calcium added, but calcium free reptile sand should be clean and pure.

 

[Maz]

To be honest I wouldn't get that bathing sand again anyway, as it's scented. Scented things are bad for hamsters. As socks Mum says, childrens play sand is usually fine if it says it's sterilised on the packet, and you can often buy it in large bags.

 

[Nora]

I think it might be better to avoid river sand as it might have chemicals or even gasoline residues that can't be removed, even by heating. Children's play sand might be OK as this has to be human safe. Reptile sand is OK as long as it doesn't have added calcium. Some tortoise sand has calcium added, but calcium free reptile sand should be clean and pure.

Thanks for the feedback. I’ve seen some YouTubers cleaning and heating river sand in the oven for Hamster Sand. But I don’t fully trust their methods. so, I wanted a second opinion. River sand is excluded from the list.

To be honest I wouldn't get that bathing sand again anyway, as it's scented. Scented things are bad for hamsters. As socks Mum says, childrens play sand is usually fine if it says it's sterilised on the packet, and you can often buy it in large bags.

Unfortunately, this is the only hamster sand available to purchase right now. Yes, it is scented. Once I find proper children’s play sand, I’ll switch to that. Many thanks.

 

[Maz]

As Socks Mum says, River sand wouldn't be safe really. Even if it was sterilised and sifted, you wouldn't know what minerals it contained and it could be too course. Scented sand is also bad for them and can affect skin and their respiratory tract. To be honest I think it would be better to use no sand than sand that isn't suitable. Are there any reptile stores where you can get reptile sand? That would be ok as long as it's calcium-free.

Calcium-free reptile sand, desert sand and natural sand (also often sold for reptiles) are all fine - or childrens play sand if its sterilised.

 

[Nora]

As Socks Mum says, River sand wouldn't be safe really. Even if it was sterilised and sifted, you wouldn't know what minerals it contained and it could be too course. Scented sand is also bad for them and can affect skin and their respiratory tract. To be honest I think it would be better to use no sand than sand that isn't suitable. Are there any reptile stores where you can get reptile sand? That would be ok as long as it's calcium-free.

Calcium-free reptile sand, desert sand and natural sand (also often sold for reptiles) are all fine - or childrens play sand if its sterilised.

"Keeping reptiles as pets in Sri Lanka is strictly prohibited for almost all species under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO), with only five highly venomous snake species being exceptions to the protected status, but these are still likely not legal to keep as pets."

Because of this, there are no reptile stores or specialized reptile sands available here. The only option is children’s play sand, but unfortunately, most of it is sea sand, which isn’t suitable for hamsters.

Nora mainly uses sand for her bathroom habits and sometimes she digs in it. It’s honestly quite challenging to keep a hamster as a pet here. Many people keep them just because they’re “cute,” without really understanding their needs. I’ve seen hamsters kept in tiny cages and even pet shop owners recommend cages that are far too small. Before adopting Nora, I spent over a month researching about hamsters and I’m still learning every day. No matter how small or big a pet is they rely on us completely. so, it’s our responsibility to care for them properly.

I’ll do my best to find proper sand for Nora.

Thanks again for this guidance. really appreciate!

 

[Maz]

Ah thank you for explaining It does sound difficult.