About Mount Kisco; Business Websites; Clubs & Organizations; Emergency Services; Forms; Houses of Worship; Important Links; Mt. Kisco Chamber of Commerce; News & Emergency Alerts; Opening a Business; Public Schools; Restaurant Guide; Transportation; Videos of past Mount Kisco Events; Visitors. About Mount Kisco; Business Websites; Clubs & Organizations; Countys Bee-Line Bus System
Chinchillas have dense fur. Over time, oils and moisture collect in the fur. In the wild, chinchillas have no way to clean their fur other than to roll around in volcanic ash which acts as an absorbent. Chinchillas do not go into water. Nor should you ever bathe your chinchilla in water. Doing so would remove the natural oils which protect a chinchilla's skin and helps them regulate their body temperature. Instead, it is best to give them a bowl or container filled with special dust for them to roll around in.
The dust bath is something chins do in the wild, and we need to replicate in captivity. The dust absorbs the oil on their skin and fur, making it thick and soft. If you don't give your chinchilla a bath frequently enough you will see the effects of it on its fur. As for how often, once or twice a week is usually enough.