Chinchillas bathe in dust because their extremely dense fur cannot handle water and stays healthiest when cleaned with fine, absorbent particles instead of moisture.
Fur and moisture
Chinchillas have one of the densest furs of any land mammal, with dozens of hairs growing from each follicle, which traps moisture easily and makes drying very slow. If their fur gets wet and stays damp, they can develop skin problems like infections and dermatitis because moisture is held close to the skin.
What the dust bath does
Special dust (often made from volcanic ash or pumice) works like a very fine, natural “dry shampoo,” absorbing excess oils, dirt, and moisture from the coat. Rolling in this dust keeps their fur clean, fluffy, and well‑insulated without disrupting the natural skin oils they need for healthy skin.
Natural behavior and comfort
In the wild, chinchillas live in dry, rocky, high-altitude areas of the Andes and naturally roll in volcanic dust or ash to groom themselves. Domesticated chinchillas keep the same instinct, so dust baths are both essential grooming and a form of enrichment that many visibly enjoy.
