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[ciarapatricia]

There's a lot of different information for what treats and fresh food chinchillas should get, so just wondering what people on here do?

Also, can they have fresh grass in moderation?

[chinclub]

Anything 'fresh' should be avoided.  The plan bland diet is best.  I don't treat my chinchillas at all except for special occasions.  I believe in treating with new toys rather than unhealthy snacks.  But, if you really want to treat, something like rolled oats or a piece of dehydrated fruit (raisin, papaya) would be a good choice. 

[jmdebb]

there are periods i don't treat either.  lots of chews, i think sometimes are just great treats...

but sometimes i do get on a snack type treat frenzy, and what i use are:  rosebuds, hibiscus, supplement from someone else that makes it [if they are on a good healthy pellet and hay, they don't need a supplement, but mine love this one..], oats, chamomile.. mostly herbs and such.

j

[dianah]

i give rolled oats (maybe 1/2 teaspoon every fortnight), alfalfa hay (a small handful, once or twice a week or a cube every so often) and rosehips (one every couple of weeks, mae gets more of these as she has teeth problems)

i do prefer to treat with wooden chews - balls, twigs, wreaths, twists - they love these SO very much and a chew lasts (ever so slightly) longer than a food treat.

[ciarapatricia]

Thanks

So little to no treats is best

Some websites say to give them some fruit or dandelion leaves and stuff, but I don't want to make her sick or anything.

[dianah]

you will find that there's a lot of very random info out there. i have books that give completely wrong information. what doesn't help with food/treats/etc is that lots of unsuitable treats are manufactured and sold in shops, and if it does have a chinchilla on the pack or it says that it's for chinchillas, it makes you think that clearly, someone has put research into this and they would not be allowed to sell it if it weren't suitable. the truth is that there is no regulatory law, and so if the food is not outright toxic, you can label it for whomever you like and sell it as such. a lot of people don't realise that (it's not people's fault!)

i would strongly advise against fresh fruit in particular. i might get shouted at for saying this but *dried* dandelion leaves are ok, in small quantities, occasionally. i was actually recommended to give dry dandelion leaves for something at the vets but i don't quite remember what it was.

remember not to do any sudden dietary changes. and keep monitoring the poo

[chinclub]

i might get shouted at for saying this but

You don't have to worry about that on this forum.  We don't play like that! 

 


 I too have heard that dried dandelion leaves are ok.  Anything 'dry' in moderation is ok.  Its fresh that is dangerous. 

[jmdebb]

i might get shouted at for saying this but

You don't have to worry about that on this forum.  We don't play like that!

 


 I too have heard that dried dandelion leaves are ok.  Anything 'dry' in moderation is ok.  Its fresh that is dangerous.  

 

your made me laUGH JAMIE, BUT in a good way.