Please do not use
anything that has added "odor controllers". The ones that put off a smell themselves also cause fumes that can cause an upper respiratory infection.
I've never heard of baking soda being added to bedding, but it does not surprise me. Many manufactures add things to their product that make them "seem" to be more attractive/desirable, but do so without good research. To my knowledge, it has not been tested on a long term basis with chinchillas, so I would not even venture there.
I use the large chip pine bedding. The chins seem to love it. They do occasionally chew on some of it. As long as they do not eat an excessive amount, I would not worry about it.
Urine stained fur is usually caused when bedding is not being changed frequently enough ...
OR
Urinary tract infections ...
OR
On rare occasions, a chinchilla that is not as clean about itself, even though, almost all chinchillas are very clean.
If you have a chinchilla that always has urine stained fur...
1) Have a vet check it for a possible urinary tract infection.
2) Clean the cage more frequently.
3) Use a good bedding to prevent puddles for the chin to sit in.
4) I would not breed this chinchilla until the problem is solved ... kits learn most of their habits (good and bad) from their parents within the first 6 weeks of life. Do not pass on this bad habit.
Jo Ann
