Aimee, apple tree wood or branches are totally safe for your chin to chew on. And do you mean domesticated chins? i enjoy every minute with them and have two different personalities and loving it!! I have been reading that sweet fruits can be harmful to a chins digestive tract. Your email address will not be published. Glad to hear your have nice long lives. They seem to be doing good with it. Just because by some miracle your chinchilla is still alive does not mean it's good, and by you passing on all of this bad information you're only putting other people's chinchillas lives at risk. Cat food has meat protein in it and chinchillas are obligate herbivores. Some people wont even do that. If you have anymore questions feel free! No you don't give them vegetables or fruits at any given time. I appreciate your opinion, but everyone has to decide what is best for their pet. Use good judgement and remember South American Andian MOUNTAINS! Hi Chinchilla Planet. Chins in wild live to be 7-10. They are a commitment and a chore as they often live at least 10 years. A few minutes later, I found an apple seed lying around. and I messed up and posted a pic of it. and she has yet to have any runny stools. Just supply chin pellets and timothy hay. real good points made on the care of chins. But most people firstly worry about what is easy, what is cheap, and what makes them feel good. geez! # Fresh Grapes Hope this information helped! The whole school is in love with the chinchilla. They are absolute nib-noses and love to explore anything new. Aquarius is one of the originals and is well over 10 years old. I feed my chinchillas the green pumpkin seeds, not the white seeds. So if he ate one seed, would it be enough to severely harm him? She sent dried gummy fruits and the "recommend diet" so restrictive so I'm asking the successful carers of happy chinchillas! She is not sick or anything, my chinchilla well she is very odd. In conclusion, make sure to feed your chinchilla with care and monitor their diets properly. I will offer them a very, very small amount of a cranberry fruit. The hay they eat does. The incisors do a great job of breaking that down before the food even hits the back teeth. However, we know that people often wonder what other people have fed their chinchillas and so we've compiled this list. I take one and hold it in the middle with a pair of pliers (so it won't melt so fast) over a wash cloth. Cooper and his younger brother Chaos came to us from the Vancouver SPCA when one of the vets taking care of Scooter at the Vancouver pet ER noticed how far I go to take care of our babies. In the wild, chinchillas are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and meat. Also, provide them with distilled water to drink in their water bottle. . They are mostly active at night so would likely require a cool space away from people sleeping. Tap water can be bad also, especially if it has a lot of iron in it. Still organic, but not good for a chinchilla digestive system. Also, provide them with chinchilla dust. Most vegetables provide too much water causing diarrhea. this should give you some idea how much to feed a chinchilla., I checked him over, seperated him from his cage mate (who was not happy) and watch over him like a hawk for the next two days. Keep reading to earn everything you need to know about your chinchilla and veggies, including a table of all the different options and whether they are fine or not. It is a great source of protein and fiber?? Then let them know what Safe Foods in Moderation can be used. Is there a reason for why pet Chinchillias should be provided with a water bottle instead of a water bowl? As for the veggie bits, I would avoid that I've been told veggies give gas. Safe and Unsafe Food for Chinchillas | Infolific They also think that the amount of each nutrient are not at the ideal percentages e.g. We do recommend going to a vet with experience with "exotic" pets in general or chinchillas in particular. No. You can put your chin dust in a small pan for them to roll around in to clean their fur.Sounds like you really love your chins and are a great chin parent! Babies is a relative term as Aquarius is over 14. However, we do only use ones specifically listed as being for chinchillas. Avoid anything with sap in it. I believe it was too many raisins and yogurt drops, i was giving him one or two a day. He isn't acting any different than usual but I just want to be sure. Hi! and is still active and not looking like it makes her sick. A person wouldn't eat cupcakes that were baked over a year ago, but yet people feed their chinchillas food that was made over a year ago, feed loses nutrients after 6 months after the mill date, the mill date is printed on the bag, that is a prime example of how some owners just don't care. However, hay doesn't have many disadvantages but avoid musty-smelling and discolored hay at all costs. chinchillabreeders.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This is the one treat, even the shyest chin will eat while being held. Chins are like diabetics. Whats Monsanto have anything to do with food saftey? I have heard about Cheereo's before, but with all the Monsanto stuff out there, I, personally, shy away from commercially processed human food. Hope this information helped Are vegitables ok for them to eat? But it's not his job to know that, it's the owners job to protect him from those dangers. You claim that your chinchilla has chewed on electrical cord, plastic and other stuff that is not safe, but he's okay. I have three fluffy hammocks. I know I will now be looking at growing a lot of my own. Constant tooth checks are also a good idea. I look up online what is absolutely a no-no to give. What Do Chinchillas Eat: Diet & Food Guide - Your Chinchilla Pet Care Your comment is more of an adhomonym, than anything worthwhile. This can result in teeth popping out of their face and into their brains. Ive noticed certain seeds seem to require more back of mouth chewing as they are too small to be broken up by incisors and too hard to be simply gummed. Cut them down into 5 lengths rinse really well boil drain rinse and bake at 200-250 until they snap when you break in half. What Do Chinchillas Eat? A Comprehensive Nutrition Guide What are you saying is Apples not good for them I had run out of feed and gave them an Apple and Ban.and carrots until I can find a store around here that has food for them, Please come t to my reply,I have never run out of feed and they are not no stores around here that has any not even Walmart I try to buy a month supply I have had them about 1year they don't seem to be eating oats or ban.or carrots what should I do, get them timothy hay, they can survive off mostly that, that is the main thing they eat, Timmothy hay should be their main food source, the list said bananas are ok but theyre not, bananas should be avoided at all costs. Anybody out there who can provide a loving home? Here is an interesting one which comes complete with a very difficult to digest protien https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/StarLink_corn_recall. she is healthy spoilt but i am concerned about her having actual peanut butter any imput would be great thanks and love your chins. Anyways I wanted to ask for any advice or tips on keeping him happy and healthy. Hi, I was wondering what is your website address? This will ensure that they look for it, as they had to look for the food in the wild. You have to be very careful with what you feed these animals, so here are some food items that you should never feed your chinchilla. Its high in protein and calcium and also contains acidophiles for their sensitive digestive tracks. So like a grain of sand. Also, the main reason rabbit pellets are so bad for them is because it's corn based. He is such a piggins! ), a fleece hammock and a nesting box. If their teeth gets too long, you must take them to a vet to get their teeth filed down or they could die.Always keep them in a cool environment because heat can cause heat stroke. Also, shredded wheat without sugar coating is fine. I am not saying no, because I have not done much research, but I would start by looking up sulforaphane and its effect on the digestive system of chinchillas. I'm assuming the fat content which can cause fatty liver disease (may take more than 8 years to develop but will ensure a nasty death for your much loved chinchilla. Most owners online are full of half understood myths, just as in human science a recommendation or caution suddenly morphs into an all out ban. My chinchilla, Chi chi doesn't get very many treats because it can make her have a better chance of having diabetes. You see, chins have floating molars. too much fat. i am a chinchilla lover and i learn lots from them!!! i am SURE a chinchilla can have these treats. They are higher in fiber with no problems in regards to sugar/acid/fat. Frozen Grapes: unsafe, too much sugar and will cause bloat. Provide your pet with chin pellets, timothy hay. I wouldn't give your chinchillas any corn products. You can also feed them a mixture of all these hays. This vet said he was familiar with chinchillas, but thought he was a rabbit. What Can Chinchillas Not Eat? - Cheerful Chinchilla We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. I have already lost 1 chin to tooth issues therefor I keep a very close eye on their weights. plastic is a big NO for chinchillas, plastic can cause a blockage, which will kill a chinchilla. Food items that need to be provided to them continuously are hay and clean drinking water. Its the Andes, they usually only digest Timothy hay. I wandered into this bulletin board after searching for some chinchilla information. Is a fan ok on low temp days when air conditioning is not need.I let them out of there cage twice a day 4 a couple of hrs, Is this enough play time out of time? Fresh regular apples or dried apples occasionally are ok, carrots are ok as well-also in small doses occasionally same as apples, Hello, Note that I said INCLUDED, not sole source. Don't give your chins acorns! Perhaps look into bottled spring water. rhubarb and rhubarb leaves. It's fine to give them the odd rasin but I also buy woodland her age which you can get in a pet store which is a mixture of dried dandelions and nettle leaves hay and other goodies. Should those be removed before feeding it to her? This can cause serious issues for the chin. Avoid giving them diarrhea. Some people allow their chin a raisin everyday. I just scoop it up with a spoon and let him eat it from there. DO NOT !! The watermelon has lots of water content. Thanks. Either a Cherio or rosehips. I would recommend trying other options as treats :). Shame something they love so much can cause such problems for them. She has been on antibiotics for the last three weeks. But you do have to be careful. When I squeezed the bottle, she must have drank 3 to 4 tbsp. What exists in the Andes Mountains? A vet appointment had already been set. I give him treats rarely and he seems active and healthy; he's just starting to trust me after about a year after my sister bought him; half a year since I took over. This is why vets will not sterilise the female, as this procedure is more invasive and require a longer knock out time. Chinchillas can eat some vegetables and dried fruits. Once I put him back into that cage, he was fine. I have two Chins, their favorite treats are the stems from an apple or pear. Do your own research beyond what anyone, regardless of the letters after their name says. Is your vet a chinchilla expert? Do take your chinchilla to the vet if it is vomiting or showing any unexplainable symptoms. no.. chinchillas are rodents just as rabbits ect. I wouldn't say Chinchillas are new as pets any longer. I know broccoli is a no no, so one would assume kale is the same. Not good for your chinchilla. i just got 2 chinchillas and i was wondering if it is safe to give them bread to munch on. And putting a stuffed animal in its cadge is potenchuly dangerous as it could chew the eyes or eat the Cotten and choke. Can I give them the home grown ones? Timmothy hay is the best and should be their main food source. Grapes and Raisins. I personally have seen chinchillas who have lived to be 20+ years old, they were never feed junk, just quality hay and pellets. Granny Smith kind. That can be dangerous for a chinchilla. I'm so worried about them developing malaclusions. Please help!! i am not going to argue with some stupid over protective chinchilla owners. This can lead to liver damage over time. I am researching how to responsibly care for them So fat and round And I can't eat a peanut butter sandwich in the room with him without him throwing a fit. Infact a made up recipe can also work. For something that is sweet to them and a bit healthier than corn, try dried veggie bits, often sold for people (some places sell them for parrots too)- it usually has green and red pepper, carrot, peas and tomato, and some have jalapeo,which some chins love and some hate- most of mine love the teeny tiny bits of mild ones in the bags of veggies I get. I'm not a fan of his partner in the practice, I don't remember her name, but every time our babies had her work on them, they were very groggy for longer periods of time, even though she used the same amount of drugs to knock them out. this is crap. Apple is high in sugar and acid, so even though they can have them, it's not something they should have often, and rather fresh (in my opinion) than dried, as the drying process makes the sugars even more unhealthy. They key is to ensure they have lots to make them grind their teeth. This person is incorrect. We as humans can cool down naturally because of our sweat glands which automatically cools down our body. 3 whole banana chips for one chin in one day is way too much sugar! They do not require them to live. I already harvest my own apple, pear and blackberry branches. These should be avoided. I am wondering about these small/medium ears of colored corn on the cob? I have a chinchilla and he loves dry/fresh fruits and vegetables which you can get at the grocery store in small or large sized bags for cheap. Yes. Chinchillas enjoy dandelions because they have an interesting . While King Corn of ye ol syrup world is scary I think corn might be found growing there, certainly it's from South america, but I am not sure that's a great idea. I watch their mouth movement, bowel movement, energy level, hair, and look for ANYTHING out of the norm when adding foods. I think you're safe ;). I had my chinchillas out in the bathroom(which I thought I had done a good job of chinchilla-proofing) little did I know Camille could jump high enough, and bounce off the wall to get up onto the counter-where I had a cactus plant. The treats that you choose to feed them should be done in very limited and controlled quantities. ever day comes to the cage trying to push her whole face out, and she doesn't even like me that well yet. I rescued a chin who wasn't being treated right, he was in a hamster cage. Hope this information helps you! It seems Timothy hay seems to be the hay of choice as far as nutrition goes. a heck of alot better and faster acting than the drugs the vet gave. I watched him being born and he passed as a result of pellets. This is what I feed my chinchilla. Its so easy to make mistakes that can be fatal. I want to avoid pellets but I find if you say this on many forums the torches are brought out and you are run out of town except the German ones, and since I have to translate it I feel I might be missing something. I didn't know where on here to out this but I figured it was important enough the get out there. Some people believe that the quality of the food from Kaytee will not be as high as from other sources. Debra, I wouldn't suggest feeding your chins corn. You can give your chins plain cheerios or unfrosted shredded wheat as a treat each day. I wouldn't know for sure. Sorry, but we don't have any specific knowledge about whether watermelon is safe or not. Plain Cheerios: safe, but in moderation. Produced by fungi that contaminates the corn. So obviously once wasn't enough to scare you enough to protect him from exposure to those things? If you would have a problem justifying spending $800 every couple of months to keep a maloccluding chinchilla alive, then get a cat or a hamster. Vitacraft treats are highly unhealthy for any pet. Chins have been domesticated for less than 100 years, that's a really short time in the whole of it. They have floating teeth so if they cannot grow into their mouth, they will grow outwards. So why risk it? I would also suggest not giving a chinchilla Iceburg Lettuce! they tend to urinate often in one spot daily. I hope this information helped! chin die of lots of cases and wrong food is one of them. Chinchillas can eat kale, but should only be offered as treats and in moderation. The hay is important because it keeps their digestive system healthy. As for treats, looking at that site, although some products impress me, I am a little concerned about their inclusion of products very apparently (IMO) purchased from the bulk sweet section of the grocery store. JUST the plan ones! She also has two full sized cages with connecting tubes to herself (48" high) Basically a ferret cage with home made pine ledges (like leaping / sleeping ledges but bigger) I am by no means an expert and would NEVER claim to be or close myself to other ideas with grandiose statements based on nothing but internet hoopla. He also loves the carrot, corn, & alfalfa slims. While I am not a fan of pellets, some chinchilla owners find them more convenient. Diet: wild vs domestic 1.1 In the wild Wild chinchillas have a relatively limited diet, due to the high altitude and cold climate in the andes mountains. So the treats that you choose to feed them should be given only occasionally. Chinchillas are especially susceptible to sugar and thus diabetes. If you aren't familiar with the concept, round up is one of the most deadly agro chemicals on the planet. There isn't any certain amount of hay that you should give at one time. In the Andes, they can live in elevations of about 3,000 to 5,000 meters (9,800 to 16,400 feet). They cannot handle being under for any length of time, which is why it is important to get a vet / dentist VERY familiar with Chinchilla's (Make sure they know you are not talking about a chinchilla rabbit). Are they good or not ? I love mine lke crazy! It can cause liver damage in the long run. Im not sure about jasmine trees, but apple tree branches are ok. My chins love the branches of apple trees. Step 3. no corn. They also really love rains bUT you should really do some research on your own. I have not fed them since & have not had any more illnesses or fatalities. Nothing else. Chinchillas cannot eat bananas. With Purina I only supplement my pregnant and nursing chinchillas and they deliver very health beautiful kits. Ariel, Try to give your chins only 1 or 2 raisins a month. 1. Orchard grass is safe too I give them both. Also, the food I was given by the pet store contains dried up corn kernels and peas along with the pellets. Fresh Apple: unsafe, too much sugar and will cause bloat. Please get your facts straight and i feel sorry for your chins. In response to hates vegans. We've been in that situation. The diet for chinchillas should be monitored to make sure they follow it daily. Avoid pellets and save a life. Kim. There is also papaya and pineapple in it. I remember my mom being scared to use hers. The many chinchillas who died early due to their teeth growing into their eye sockets would disagree. You can give your chin a plain cheerio or unfrosted shredded wheat as a treat each day. The key point is the amount given, I tear them up so what I give her is smaller than a raisin, and she only gets one piece a day, as a treat when she goes back into her cage. Now Im not arguing or anything, since I totally understand the frustration, but theyre very very sensitive. Her poor chinchilla probably hates it's life! is it not healthy for them to eat it fresh? Also, don't give your chins any yogurt or fruits. I am the end all of chinchilla care? there are a bunch of woods that will hurt or kill them so I would look online for a list of safe woods. The Worst Foods For Your Teeth, And How Dentists Want You To Eat Them I let my chinchilla run around my entire living room for about an hour every evening. Long answer: Is that OK? I've done a lot of reading and research myself, and I am happy to follow your suggestions on things I haven't found suitable answers to, because you have obviously spent a lot of time, and spoken to experts, before offering your advice :). They have too much fat and salt content. In this case, Aquarius was craving salt because of her barnyard bum and possible dehydration. I absolutely would not continue to do so as its said that not to give your chinchillas acidic foods, even raisins they say to only give a few at most twice a week as a treat due to the acidity of them, and the same with items that contain high amounts of sugar! Heinz, Thanks for taking the time to share information. These are all BAD! - The chinchilla that I took care of, absolutely loves plain cheerios! and i know eventually he will alloy me to do so!!!! In a recent conversation, he said Monsanto has given the industry a bad name. Some good options for hay are Timothy hay, Alfalfa cubes, Orchard quality grass. My chinchilla has plastic platforms in her cage, and she won't stop chewing them! Apple branches are great, as are blackberry and a number of others (NOT cherry, peach or stone fruit) Just make sure there is no fungal infection on the wood. The important thing is to make sure that your chinchilla continues to eat his regular food which is where the necessary nutrition comes from. Three weeks ago I noticed after coming home from work that she was not using two of her legs so I took her to the Vet the next day. I'm thinking of getting a Chin as a pet, but from what I've read, they mostly just run and jump! If whoever that is would have read the article, he or she would know that chinchillas dont have the same digestive tract as "other animals". It's so cute! Chinchillas shouldn't be given meat of any kind. Chamomile Flowers: dried? Why Is My Chinchilla Not Eating Or Drinking? (+What To Do) hay cubes are great, but i don't know if the shorter strands would be easier to chew than actual hay. I would recomend oxbow chinchilla pellets. It turns out, like broccoli, kale produces sulforaphane which produces hydrogen sulfide in the gut. As you can imagine the list of possible things to feed a chinchilla are endless. I found out later, she seems to wait until after the procedure to wake them up. Chinchillas can't properly assimilate fats because of their delicate livers. But varied mixes wont help them. I immediately took her to the vet, the vet said to monitor her for the next few days, and if there were any changes in her health to bring her back in. Chinchillas are technically omnivores, though their wild diet consists of primarily grasses, roots, seeds. will she be ok ? I clean his cage every 2-3 days and I don't always use traditional bedding; I tear up toilet paper or line it with paper towel. He had no ill effect, so every once and a while ( maybe a month or two?) After being flamed by many for my anti pellet stance on facelessbook, I started a page called Chinchilla Health. I am not slamming oxbow pellets because of that, I am slamming ALL brands of pellets as a product designed purely for lazy pet owners. I just want to do the right thing and get him into a loving home. can i dry out my own dandylions and clovers and rose petals? He's healthy and still very playful and active. Moderation is the key with these little guys. I hope that's helpful. Applewood sticks are great as they love to chew. I don't have the resources to make my own food or treats. and willow sticks *********I strongly recommend TWO WATER SOURCES for your pets. "Eating corn on the cob by biting directly into the kernels can put significant pressure on your front teeth," Pezzullo said. I have a good air conditioner that keeps the temperature cool. Use bottled water. hi, I was wondering If they are not ground down in the mouth they push upwards and downwards. Pellets are a supplementary to chinchilla diet. Yes, pellets can be seen as kind of the lazy way out, as we feed these to get the nutrients in them they need. Unfortunately he died of old age. I've read owners talk about vets who they'll "never go back to" because the Vet dared to tell them that a few fresh dandelion leaves were safe! What and How to Eat When You're Pregnant. Nike.com the key is gently. bananas. Can they have apples or not? I do and they love them. So now I have two water bottles and a small bowl. What Do Chinchillas Eat? The Good, Great, & Bad Foods to Know We have a total of 5 chinchillas, two boys and 3 girls. Ceelee, I would try a plain cheerio. lettuce. They also like things like dried honeysuckle, rises and Rose hips. I'm so glad to hear yours is 15. What Can Chinchillas Eat and Not Eat? - Pet Food Guide It should be bright green and smell fresh, or else it can be harmful to your chinchilla. Oxbow is highly recommended and is generally what vets tell you to get in addition to hay. Also, everyone on this site should also know that they have to keep their chinchillas cool in the summer months. Anything with alot of sap is usually not good. Just wanted to share that little story with you, Oh yes, my chinchilla also loves chips, and sourdough bites. Provide your chin with chin pellets, timothy hay and safe wood to chew on as well as fresh water. Thanks much! The only exception would be Ox Bow, but its 13 dollars for a 2lb bag and its nutrition is no different from the Purina. I have an empty aviary with this tree growing in it.
