For your chinchilla’s safety
I have comprised a few simple guidelines that all chinchillas should know. Most are obvious things in the care of your chinchilla, but a few might be new to you. Please be careful when reading chinchilla groups on social media, forums or even pet store advice.
Remember it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Food
Good:
Tradition
Mazuri
Oxbow
Kline
Manna Pro Sho (rabbit pellet)
Producers Pride (rabbit pellet)
Bad:
Kaytee
Charlie Chinchilla
Higgins
Vitakraft
Any food that has dried fruits, veggies or other treats should be avoided.
Housing
There are quite a few options out there for good quality housing for your chinchilla. If you want a store bought cage, Ferret Nation, Critter Nation, Quality Cages and Martin’s Cages make excellent homes.
Bedding
Good:
Pine
Aspen
Fleece is the only accepted fabric to use with chinchillas. Cotton (such as towels or blankets) have small fibers that when ingested can cause an impaction. Fleece should only be used if un-chewed. Please remove any fabric if any signs of chewing occur, as this also can cause gastro intestinal issues.
Stay away from:
Carefresh
Corn cob
Cedar
Towels
Blankets
Also avoid:
Plastic
Again, chinchillas can chew on the plastic and it will cause intestinal issues, possible impaction.
Wire shelving; Chinchillas need solid shelving to rest on.
Wire hay balls and racks; Chinchillas , especially young chinchillas can become caught and entangled among the wire.
Plastic “running” balls; These will quickly lead to overheating and death.
Plastic wheels; Most are very cheaply made and won’t support the weight of full grown chin. Also plastic in a cage should be avoided at all costs.
Fresh fruits and vegetables; Chinchillas do not eat fresh produce, they consume dried grasses (Timothy , Oat, Alfalfa Hay). Fresh produce can cause stomach upset, diarrhea and possible intestinal prolapse which can be fatal.
Toxic wood; please see the “Safe Woods” section of this website.