Chinchillas love to take baths. Dust baths, that is. They roll and flip around in it, but there’s more to this madness than fun.

Dust bathing is part of a chinchilla’s natural behavior. The dust absorbs dirt and oils to help keep that luxurious coat healthy and clean.

So if you’re adding a chinchilla to your family, don’t forget the dust. Choose a product specifically for chinchillas, then add 2 inches of the dust to a dish or bowl and let your chinchilla have at it. A 10-minute bath should do the trick, then most chinchillas groom off the dust. The dust can be used again once you remove any waste.

Your chinchilla should not have constant access to dust, which can dry out the skin and fur. Dust bathing three times a week is usually sufficient, although humid weather warrants more frequent bathing.

Remember, this is one dust-up that your chinchilla will love!