Chinchilla Community Forums

Chinchillas => Q & A => Topic started by: jmrothermel on January 03, 2007, 09:29:00 PM

Title: Your views on Salt Wheels?
Post by: jmrothermel on January 03, 2007, 09:29:00 PM

I know that high levels of salt from what I understand have been contributed to fits in chinchillas.  But then I also know that salt in small animals helps regulate the PH level in their blood and helps keep their teeth ground down.  I know that small animals generally like ( and its safe for them to have ) salt wheels (meaning hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.)  But on the other hand - chinchillas are a whole different ballgame.  The chins have toys that are made out of safe wood, and a mineral stone, and plenty to chew on, but what are your views on the salt wheels for chinchillas?

Thanks!
Jacqui

Title: Re: Your views on Salt Wheels?
Post by: ThreeLilChins on January 03, 2007, 11:05:04 PM

We do not use salt wheels. We feel with a good pellet, fresh hay, and some supplement. The chin will get all the nutrition it needs to stay healthy. Their are all sorts of other things you can get for you chin to chew on that you know are chin safe.

Title: Re: Your views on Salt Wheels?
Post by: chinclub on January 04, 2007, 05:30:21 PM

I completely agree.  We don't use salt wheels either.

Title: Re: Your views on Salt Wheels?
Post by: Joyce on January 04, 2007, 08:01:57 PM

Don't use salt wheels either.

Title: Re: Your views on Salt Wheels?
Post by: ChinchillAZ on January 04, 2007, 11:01:48 PM

When I first got into chinchillas, I put a salt wheel in with them and found that the only thing they did with it was to pee on it.   :::(((

Title: Re: Your views on Salt Wheels?
Post by: Stacy on January 05, 2007, 07:54:50 AM

I put one in with Roo when I got him but he didn't care for it.

Title: Re: Your views on Salt Wheels?
Post by: Debbie.nl.ca on January 09, 2007, 01:56:03 PM

I haven't either, but many do I hear.
What about Jo Ann and Jamie, do you guys use salt wheels.
I was told once I should.
Should we?

Title: Re: Your views on Salt Wheels?
Post by: Chins To Love on January 09, 2007, 11:26:27 PM

We have them available in all of the cages, but only some of them use it. And the ones that do, Really like it. I figure that they are kinda like us, and if they need it they will use it, otherwise they will ignore it. I have one chin that only uses it when she is prego. :-\

Title: Re: Your views on Salt Wheels?
Post by: chinchillagrl06 on January 11, 2007, 04:09:39 PM

I gave them once when I first got chins, but most people don't use them mine never touched them.   :)

As long as your feeding a good quality pellet I think you should be okay.   ::nod::