Chinchilla Community Forums

Chinchillas => Q & A => Topic started by: Jasonred79 on August 27, 2014, 10:48:26 AM

Title: Is Talcum Powder safe for Chins?
Post by: Jasonred79 on August 27, 2014, 10:48:26 AM
I was planning an April Fool prank on Popsicle where I switch his dust bath with talcum powder in his bath house... is this safe? ... will I just get an angry and upset chinchilla?
Title: Re: Is Talcum Powder safe for Chins?
Post by: GrayRodent on August 27, 2014, 11:52:00 AM
I don't think that's a good idea. It's a fun idea but usually talcum powder is scented and that can be very harmful. Also the consistency of powder will probably stick to the fur and you will have a pretty nasty mess. (Also see next post. Looks like it could be inherently dangerous: )
Title: Re: Is Talcum Powder safe for Chins?
Post by: kageri on August 27, 2014, 01:27:33 PM
Baking soda is sometimes used when regular dust can't be but you really shouldn't do those things just for fun.  Your chin is not going to be impressed.  He'll just roll in it anyway and end up not cleaning his fur as well.  With smaller, lighter pieces powders can also cause respiratory problems if too much is breathed.
Title: Re: Is Talcum Powder safe for Chins?
Post by: jmdebb on August 27, 2014, 05:13:36 PM
just to add a bit more for FYI, if a chin does get an upper respiratory problem, they can go downhill very quickly.. not fun.  want to play with him, get blue sparkle dust, totally safe, but sparkly :)

j
Title: Re: Is Talcum Powder safe for Chins?
Post by: Jasonred79 on August 29, 2014, 07:38:46 AM
ooh... I won't do it then.

I assumed (wrongly) that talcum powder is safe for babies so it should be safe for anything. ... THANKS FOR THE SAVE!!!
Title: Re: Is Talcum Powder safe for Chins?
Post by: kageri on September 04, 2014, 09:38:41 AM
Yea there is blue sparkle if you don't mind everything within 10' and your clothes on dust bathe day sparkling.  rofl