Question:
I got an interesting email from someone asking about her chin and why he wouldn't take a dust bath. She has had him for 3-4 months (not sure of the age of the chin but I am assuming atleast 1year old) and they have tried various containers for dust baths and he runs away from the dust like he is scared to death. Without dust in these containers he will go in and be fine. He has watched his cagemate take a bath so its not like he doesn't know how.
Has anyone heard of a chin that refused to take a bath? I have had a few that when I first get them, they are a bit timid b/c of all the new surrounding but after 2 weeks of adjustment, they are fine to take a bath in whatever container the dust is in.
Do you have any advice for this person or explain what is going on? I have told her not to push him into taking a bath but if you have other ideas, I would love to hear them.


Answer:
That is very odd, I've had chins that didn't seem to know what dust was but they certainly weren't afraid of it. Maybe the person could try putting some dust in their hands and see if the chin will sniff it at least?


Answer:
put the dust it an old baby powder container and dust his back that way. I've done that with younger chins who haven't figured it out yet


Answer:
Originally Posted by duster
put the dust it an old baby powder container and dust his back that way. I've done that with younger chins who haven't figured it out yet
I would suggest taking this one step further and giving a treat whenever they try dusting his back. Hopefully he'll start associating the dust with fun


Answer:
Have they tried the sand instead of dust?


Answer:
Thanks everyone for the ideas! I will definitely pass them on to her.
Kreenish, I will ask about the sand, from the sounds of it, they have only used dust.