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[IkiKolohe]

Aloha!!

Yep, it's me with more questions.  I'm pretty crafty so I'm looking to make my own toys, chews and accessories.  My question is about rope.  I've looked around at various rope types, looking for something that would be ok if my chins decided to chew on it.  So I've narrowed my choices down to these and I'm looking for comments:

• Coconut Rope: Coconut rope is a natural fiber rope made from coconut. It is completely untreated and for it's size, is VERY tough stuff!
   
• Paper Rope: Natural paper rope that is small for threading through small holes, but tough enough to stand up to the small and medium chewers. Can be flared at the end to make paper ribbon.
   
• Seagrass Rope: Natural fiber rope made from untreated seagrass.
   
• Hemp Rope: Natural fiber cord made from untreated hemp.
   

Of the 4 above, the top 2, coconut and paper, are the ones I'm leaning towards but I can't really come up with or find anything negative about the other 2 either.  I'd love to hear your feedback on each of them!!

As always, mahalo for your input!!
~Tina

[GrayRodent]

Wow those are a lot of things that I've never seen used with chinchillas. I know seagrass is safe and I know of people who use it.

I would think paper is safe. There is some controversy over whether or not it can cause bowel obstructions but I have a feeling it would take pretty large amount. I find that chinchillas will obsess over paper and consume it all at once so I would say monitor how your pets use it.

On another forum there are some interesting remarks. One says hemp is definitely not safe. Doesn't say why though. Natural twine products are something that you have be careful of as well since the manufacturing process often involves oiling it for the machines. And that coconut rope is safe.

To be honest usually when I check on safety of toys I refer to this website since these are known to be safe. I completely trust the owner of this site when it comes to selling tried and true products (Not only are the types of products safe but the sources of the products she sells are also carefully vetted) and maybe send her an e-mail if you have questions about a specific product that you know what its source/manufacturer is. http://www.tjschinchillasupplies.com/

[IkiKolohe]

Aloha!

So cherry and apricot woods are out, yes?  Because they are a pit-based fruits?

Mahalo!!

[BLS Chins]

Correct, no fruits with pits (peaches, plum and such). Fruits with multiple seeds like apple and pear are safe to use. Pine, poplar and fir are the easiest to find since you can get those at a hardware store

[prince_medion]

Azel, willow and apple wood are their favorite woods to chew. if you can find thin azel or willow sticks, these are fairly flexible so you can bend it, and even weave it so you can get creative. not sure if you can find it in america though, they are fairly common here in europe. loofah and pumice volcanic rock is also good to use for them to grind their teeth.

[GrayRodent]

Is azel the same thing as hazel?

[prince_medion]

huh yeah sorry it was a typo.