We have also spent a lot of time either side of his surgery having to hand feed him 4-5 times a day. Timothy Hay is the staple diet of Chins, Alfalfa hay which is the common diet for other animals is not good for them. Is it ok to use a little bleach water to clean the cage monthly. PLEASE DELETE THIS INFO!! Once I put him back into that cage, he was fine. Chinchillas Diet and Feeding Guide: Best Foods to Give Them - Petsvills do NOT wash any food with soap. 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. I bring home boxes from Aldi. I used to feed mine slivered almonds, then I saw some people saying they were bad for them. Don't give your chinchillas nuts, sweetened treats, fruits or vegetables. However, pistachios are high in calories and should be given in moderation. As Dr. Legendre (world renowned chin dentist) told me, the more they chew the better. His cage is pretty small, but I excersize him almost every night now and he seems perfectly healthy. Also with treats, are they a little young? Chinchillas are relatively new as pets and very little is known about them. He's in a rather small cage, but I let him out often for excersize. Too much sugar. For my chinchillas dust bath , I use Oxbow ( the same product that my chinchillas hay and food comes from.). Had to be super patient with a horse once too. Yes he fed her skittles, This article is actually not very accurate, as fruits and vegetables can cause seizures, bloat, diabetes, and more. They should give them timothy hay or orchard grass. Saw the one about Honey Nut Cherrios. Thank God!!! Maybe a piece of walnut, almond or cashews? (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Strawberries? They contain high levels of phytates which bind the minerals in the pistachio reducing the bioavailability of the minerals. They also need hay to keep their teeth filed down .If their teeth get too long they cant eat and can die. I know this is properly an old post but feel I have to reply I just scoop it up with a spoon and let him eat it from there. I was also wondering if it was safe to give them like plain, healthy, yogurt like strawberry or something. I've been using those as his once or twice a day snack. I believe Birch is ok, but I would check that out first. If you notice your chinchilla clammering to the edge of the cage and desperately wanting to lick you. Occasionally unsweetened shredded wheat or unsweetened cheerios. this can cause fatty liver disease which will kill. Ariel, Try to give your chins only 1 or 2 raisins a month. I agree completely with you. I have four chinchillas that consume many of these products in moderation as treats in addition to their base diet and they are fine. The hay is important because it keeps their digestive system healthy. Theyre also a good source of fiber. No. As far as having it as a class pet. I have been reading that sweet fruits can be harmful to a chins digestive tract. You should avoid citrus foods. Can Chinchillas Eat Fruit? (Be Careful & No Fresh Fruits!) I have rescued a beautiful male/neutered blue chin, and built him a great cage (~ 4' long, 3' high and 2' deep) He is affectionate, healthy, and likes scratches but not cuddles. My rats are given a varied diet they eat food that's been left over & it's probably better than the commercial stuff I just don't give folk the ammunition to have ago & act self righteous. in MODERATION! I mean.. could it harm the baby chinchilla? I'm sure it will soon be followed by another product which is immune to the poisonous effects. I am the end all of chinchilla care? Just be sure to feed them in moderation and remove the shells before giving them to your chinchilla. Many chins are trainable and the moderate use of treats shouldn't be banned. Banana,peanuts, and raisin are definitely NO, as are fresh grapes. they tend to urinate often in one spot daily. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a358b42852a01de04c38ec8b99ff5622" );document.getElementById("bb8934e135").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Don't subscribe How can he be wrong? Always provide them with timothy hay and a good quality of chinchilla pellets . Hope this information helps you. Air popped popcorn with no butter is okay, shredded treat that's unfrosted is good too. So, its important to give them only a few at a time and supervise them while they eat. when did i ever say that? ahem! i didnt say IT was ok. i said HE was ok. i know, he shouldnt have done that but what i am saying is that he was OK so you dont need to worry if the cord was not plugged in. Do you guys have any suggestions for this? 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. There is a difference between overprotective and proper care. A chins liver cant filter out high sugar or fat content. Please answer ASAP because I don't want to harm him. Use good judgement and remember South American Andian MOUNTAINS! Tortoises are herbivores, which means that they only eat plants. The closest I will get to the pellet world is hay cubes, so long as the hay is not ground to a pulp and it encourages chewing. Try to stay with chinchilla pellets, alfalfa hay and maybe once in a while some dried banana chips. Chinchillas require a diet that is high in fiber in order to maintain their health. That does not make any sense to anyone who cares about their pets, or pets as a whole. This comes from the dentist who has done many dental procedures on chinchillas who were suffering needlessly due to the misinformation of the pet food industry. you guys are way to sensitive about your chinchillas! Dandilion flowers are poisonous to many animals. Orchard grass is safe too I give them both. the key is gently. A lot of wrong advise out there. They had 1 small hanging fleece hammock and paper bedding, and hardly ever got to go out and run, and when they did, it was a chase fest to return them back to the cage once they were caught and picked up by the tail. ***********. In this case, Aquarius was craving salt because of her barnyard bum and possible dehydration. Cat food has meat protein in it and chinchillas are obligate herbivores. I know I am harsh on pellets, but to completely contradict myself, they probably aren't all that bad IN MODERATION. But I know for a fact that yogurt treats are bad for them, no matter what the pet stores say. While this is partly true, you can fill their bowl up,because chinchillas should not over eat. but why did my vet tell me to fed them kale. Personally I would find an other treat :). Hi. You may even want to steam them first, let them dry over time. They also can only have certain types of wood. If you can tell me anything about what is going on with Jane I would greatly appreciate it because I think the doctor is guessing and I have almost spent $300.00 on vet bills. I say Kudos to you for being a great chin parent! You're providing Everything they need (with something to gnaw on) but a survivor diet can be augmented. I fill my xhinchills food bowl up about halfway and clean stuff out of it and fill it up S needed. Thank goodness his constipation wasn't anything serious and cleared up, literally, the day of his vet visit. I am a little confused to this since nature does not provide them with water bottles in the wild:) While reading, I grew concerned that this Chin maybe dehydrated. Find some dandelion leafs.. My chin got up on my desk and ate some flowers that were in a vase. Nuts are generally bad because of the oil content. But you need to restrict treats and grains. He's healthy and still very playful and active. What Plants Are Toxic To Chinchillas? The list of foods provided are NOT TOXIC! White is calcium deficiency. A lot of dental issues are genetic or from lack of chewing options. KALE CAUSES GAS AND BLOATING You think they are eating Chinchilla pellets in the wild? This is by no means thorough research, but if you are taking some YouTube drivel as gospel, I would be very watchful for signs of gas of bloating. Of course he gets his pellets and fresh Timothy hay. They don't care about all the little broken ankles.. Hand feed a "Cheerio" with your fingers, watch for the "grab and run" technique. I just did a search for jasmine poisonous and came up with this. Set or lay on the floor, they will come to you. Should they eat them? A typical chinchilla diet may include hay, pellets, fresh vegetables, and seeds. if not unsafe, too much sugar. Not honey nut cheerios! Yes, but this is a post about chincilla's not rats. At one point we were spending 200 every six weeks on his surgery, plus he has epilepsy so we have to pay out for his medication for this, plus his painkillers and antibiotics! So, we must be doing something right! Im worried about my little guy. I'm thinking of getting a Chin as a pet, but from what I've read, they mostly just run and jump! Oh ya, one quick addition. Research should always be done before considering adopting an exotic animal. Limit the amount you give them or they will get fat. I kept petting and gently stimulating them throughout the ordeal. Hope this information helps you! I've noticed a scary lack of knowledge in some vets. Check to see that your local pet food store carries it (Also make sure they are not doubling the price of said food) along with their bathing sand as well. Apparently there is a small amount of cyanide. Warn them that sugar is bad, causes obesity in chins, that excessive oil isn't easily accessible in their environment, and that chins come from an ecosystem that's arid high mountains. Although these foods are considered safe, they should be fed in moderation. Thus, anything they eat needs to pass through their digestive system, which can be a problem if the food was toxic for them. I always check on the side of cereal boxes for the fat and sugar content. I recently found out my only water bottle was not working properly, and I noticed my female chinchilla having really working it hard. pistachios may also benefit from the antioxidants and phytonutrients found in these nuts. if chinchillas can eat mandarins. All he needs is timothy hay, chin pellets, and wood toys to chew on. Thanks for the chuckle. I built 8" x 8" Pine house with 2 entrances holes 4", 2 ledges 4"x 8". I have also been putting her food in a small amount of water to soften it. However, many people feel that dried corn is not healthy. Jane is her name and she is 6 months old. Heinz.So what is the main source of food for your chins? I may incorporate some things you suggested as well into my chins diet. I love mine lke crazy! Phytonutrients are plant compounds that have health-promoting properties. Hi Chinchilla Planet. When you say "frown upon the common Kaytee food" what do you mean by that? There isn't any certain amount of hay that you should give at one time. What kind of nuts can chinchillas eat? - Answers Cats have been domesticated for so very long, yet they still hunt mice. I have a good air conditioner that keeps the temperature cool. Also, provide them with distilled water to drink in their water bottle. And any pet chinchilla with good care lives up to 20 or more. I would also suggest not giving a chinchilla Iceburg Lettuce! Most places that treat dogs/cats that we've check in with have no idea what to do with chinchillas. I'm not against pellet being included in a chinchillas' diet. Chinchillas are especially susceptible to sugar and thus diabetes. . People are following the guidelines they are presented with! A very ripe banana has a lot of sugar. We've been in that situation. The shell can be a choking hazard and can also cause digestive issues. With chinchilla's, there is a very finite amount of time they can be out. Hey I just got my chinchilla today I was wondering if i can am able to feed them fruits and veggies often or not. It can over the long term damage their liver. He even sleeps with me sometimes. you know what? ALWAYS look at sugar, carb and oil content. Aquarius is one of the originals and is well over 10 years old. I've done a ton of research (literally hours on hours on hours) but there's so much conflicting info that im scared im still going to give them something thats going to hurt them. Treats should not be more than 1 tablespoon per day. Nasty. My chins love the rosehips. Thank you, Liz. I am with the others, my 15 year old chinchilla gets fresh veggies daily and dried herbs, not to mention fruit 2-3 times a week. Can Hamsters Eat Pistachios? She jumps on everything and loves to run around. It can cause liver damage in the long run. While it is true that turtles are not fussy eaters, there are a few things to consider before offering roaches to your turtle as a meal. Whats most important is to provide them with fresh pellets and timothy hay. Corn, and products that contain corn, is not okay for your chinchilla. They are also a choking hazard, so it is important to make sure that the pistachios are chopped into small pieces before giving them to your chinchilla. Also, most banana chips from grocery stores are deep fried and full of oil. I have done my research and bought them a nice roomy cage, purchased lots of wooden shelves to jump on(and chew it seems!! They are rich in nutrients, including protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Really? Later that day he became acutely unresponsive and was seen at an emergency vet hospital, where unfortunately, he passed. I have had my chin Pikachu for almost two years and he will chew on anything that's wooden, you can give your little girl apple wood sticks (available at any pet store) to help deter from that. What exists in the Andes Mountains? It gives food and water at the same time. I've noticed alot of conflicting information on the internet about chinchilla's. Is your self esteem so low you must always attack people? The shells are sturdy enough that you can use them to open one other. He had the sniffles and was dead a few hours later. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Popcorn? However, they are known to eat other things as well, including vegetables, fruits, and even crackers. My chins love them! . What brand of hay is cheap and good for chinchillas,cause i don't have a lot of money:( Why do chinchillas need hay and what are some signs of (That's why I think unsalted unsweetened banana chips are great, plus they gnaw on them!) A chinchilla liver cant digest fat. i live in west kelowna, the only problem is that transportation??? But, I would just say "NO" to prunes. I have a jasmine tree in my back garden and i am wondering if its safe for me to give my chinchilla the wood, i have some dried sticks i would give her.????? what milk would be best to buy to substitute her mothers milk and can i feed her anything like bananna ? (never tried popcorn or crackers.). So if he ate one seed, would it be enough to severely harm him? Both pistachios and chinchillas are popular items, but can the two be combined? Guinea pigs have it really bad, their upper teeth curl inwards as they grow. A raisin only once in a while. Flowers like camomile, and the other ones mentioned should only be given in same amounts & on occasion. Others are simply unhealthy. Fun Feeding Facts Explained What Do Chinchillas Eat | Kidadl I have an empty aviary with this tree growing in it. Pellets are simply designed for the convenience of humans, they are not designed around actual pet needs. But also acknowledge that these critters are in Captivity. Does anyone have any advice on those treats made by "vitakraft"? [2] They cannot digest fruits, vegetables and nuts. It's because corn and many grains can contain mycotoxins, toxic metabolites. #2 Euphorbia Milii. Chinchilla Treats - What can Chinchillas eat? - Quality Cage Crafters Debra, I wouldn't suggest feeding your chins corn. Ex.-1/8 tsp raw oats, 1 raisin, very small piece of a dried apple or dried cranberry :) Please give me any advice and tell me if I'm doing things wrong. So providing your chin with hay, wooden sticks or lava blocks can prevent this. Salt blocks or wheels are good for chinchillas. The thing is, chinchillas will eat what they like not necissarily what is good for them. Lol. my chinchilla loves grapes and dried fruit, especially apricots. Is pistachios bad for chinchillas if they eat it? I could never refer to a pet as an "It" my wife as cousin It, on a bad hair day, but beyond that :p, LOL i nearly spit out my cereal! I swear there are some very stupid indecent people on here like you. No, don't give your chins vegetables or fruits. Since you are into zoology, what are your thoughts on the lotus flower as an addition? Look at their teeth, yellow is good. yes, i think she will be okay. The answer is yes, but there are a few things to, keep in mind. associated with feeding pistachios to chinchillas, they can still be a part of their diet. but anything else I give the way I think is good. The Vet said that chinchillas can have arthritis in their joints; she did take x-rays and found swelling in Jane's joints. II am new to chinchillas I was wondering if they can have apples fresh apples. Do not use distilled water, it will starve their bodies of natural minerals and won't hydrate properly. Don't give your chins lots of sweets or raisins. Hope this information helps! Some dried herbs are safe too and some chinchillas go mad for it. Your concerns are well warranted. Applewood sticks are great as they love to chew. Also, provide your pet with chin pellets and timothy hay everyday. There is a lot of options that's better for him than fruit. Dried Apples: unsafe, too much sugar When they leave their home, we will do interior maintenance. Well. Healthy fats are necessary for the absorption of vitamins and minerals. I try to keep their treats to things I know are healthy for them, I hope this is an ok treat. Bad advice, and your laughter on the topic is kinda sad, but this is just my opinion. However, since there are snacks that aren't so liable to cause health issues like overweight or bloating, we recommend these insteadtreats like shredded wheat or rose hips. Nuts and seeds are primarily full of fat and protein, two things that chinchillas don't eat much of in the wild. Chinchilla's livers cant filter out fat and sugar well and this can lead to liver damage over time. I think you're safe ;). Chinchilla Treats - What can Chinchillas eat? It's all about how long you want your chinchilla to live and how healthy you want it to be. Then there is the high oil content, corn oil comes from it, after all. Normally, if you go to your local petco or pet smart they will have dried hay specifically for small animals. Well, I knew something was up. I read that distilled water does not hydrate properly and is worse to give to chin than plain tap water. I agree with Katherine. I hope you enjoy your little friend! When there are logical explanations and research that show some of these things are detrimental to the chinchillas health and there are healthier option, I don't understand why that still leaves it a choice in some people's minds. She is still young put loves to run around the room and then she will go back in her cage. If your animal is not used to fresh food items or a varied diet they do not have the microorganisms in their appendix needed to digest the food items. Some people give their chinchilla a raisin once or twice a week. Our chinchillas love them. He drinks plenty of water and poops big poops. Chinchillas are small, delicate animals that require a very specific diet in order to stay healthy. The only reason cedar seems to be popular is because of the counteraction with smell it has. thanks a ton for any help!!!:). Also, provide them with chinchilla dust. Treats are not to replace proper food. I have been raised with chins my whole life and have seen more than most of you. i enjoy every minute with them and have two different personalities and loving it!! You can give them cheerios as a safe treat. My ledges simply go the entire width of the cage. Sound like you took them from an awful situation. same with green apples, i only give little pieces. I know it is not good for chinchillas to chew plastic, but it was the only cage I could afford. I have given chinchillas cranberries for about 12 years and they are fine. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Timothy Hay? If left untreated, stomach gas will result in the death of your chinchilla. I received a very carefully worded letter back filled with a bunch of bunk. They are higher in fiber with no problems in regards to sugar/acid/fat. Btw I raised 2 females to age 13 and currently own 3 brothers who are 9 years old at least (all were rescues), Very good points Claire. Some woods are unsafe for chinchillas. Note: Every chinchilla is different and just because a food is listed as safe doesn't guarantee that your chinchilla won't have a bad reaction. They should only be given as a treat every now and then, and even thats not recommended. which is typically about 10 a day. Also, provide your pet with distilled water in your pets water bottle What about "cheerios"??? Sorry, but we don't have any specific knowledge about whether watermelon is safe or not. #4 Ageratum. Yes, I am repeating myself but I have had no malleclusion issues since switching the babies off pellets. She is now on antibiotics (she drinks it right out of the syringe herself). only small pieces in small moderation isthe key . Dust baths 3-4 times a week with special ingredients like lava ash that is not cheap to provide. No. I have been breeding for years and I have always fed mine Purina Show Quality Rabbit Formula. will she be ok ? He eats gourmet chinchilla food, Timothy hay and the above mentioned. I just got my first chinchilla almost two weeks ago, and she has made a habit out of going under my bedside table as a hiding spot when she has free time to run around my room. # Prunes But, sometimes, its hard to keep treats low in sugar, fat content. I agree 100% with you! Right now I have 8 chinchillas. Sorry for the graphic image, but this leads into the reasoning behind my much publicized hatred of pellets for any and all rodents. It would be nice if a product was available such as a hay cube that was fortified. I do not know how accurate this is, but I would not want to risk it. Never mind. Sometimes, a raisin once or twice a week is acceptable. Shame something they love so much can cause such problems for them. My chinchillas likes dried apples, raisins, and almonds. Also, shredded wheat is ok, without the frosting coating on it. In fact, they contain more antioxidants than any other nut. They are too high in fat and calories so can make chinchillas overweight. Either a Cherio or rosehips. 1) Dried Rosehips. Chinchillas should have a good quality kibble to balance nutritional needs. i only give my chin a small amount of pellets It's important to offer your chinchillas an unlimited amount of fresh hay in their cage daily so they can continually consume the large amounts of fibre they need. She came around lol. One per day is what I give them, but this is probably to much! They also help to keep the coat soft and healthy. I think blueberries are bad for them too and a fresh banana can cause bloat so im gunna give my chin that mix of baking soda and water and hope he doesnt die.. Chinchillas need a diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar in order to stay healthy. No oatmeal cookies or anything sweet! This can lead to liver damage over time. Stick to items like plain cheerios or raisins, but in moderation. I've taught both of mine to give me kisses by putting the raisin in my mouth and saying the phrase so raisin or not I get a kiss and that's pretty cute! The lava blocks are safe and helps to keep the teeth filed down normally. Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Chins have been domesticated for less than 100 years, that's a really short time in the whole of it. and two plush animals. I was wondering if chinchillas can eat small scraps of meat. Also a solid steel wheel is great for exercise. [1] Try using an already-opened shell half to pry open a new pistachio. I saw on you tube that I can give her some. Oxbow Essentials Deluxe Chinchilla Food. They were completely groggy and non-responsive to the touch. Contrast this with their staple diet of hay and pellets which can be up to 100% of their diet. Just try to provide him with organic treats with low sugar and fat content. The hay can help keep the teeth filed down so that the teeth don't get too long. I watched him being born and he passed as a result of pellets. They seem to love them best when fresh and then when dried. 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 would recomend oxbow chinchilla pellets. What do you think about grapenuts cereal? A variety of vegetables is okay for chinchillas, but avoid fruits and seeds, as they can cause harm to your chinchilla. Let them come to you for awhile to gain their trust, then it will be easier to handle them. Less is better. Something to consider. Great list but i would suggest removing peanuts due to the fat content. I give him one and he loves them. 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. Soo I'm creeping out from the shadows and asking you for help now, I'm in the process of building a chin room and custom chinchilla safe cage. The digestive tract of the chinchillas is a bit sensitive, which reduces the list of foods it can eat. He just picks out the seeds from his food. in moderation. As you can imagine the list of possible things to feed a chinchilla are endless.