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Author Topic: Chinchilla treats?  (Read 1571 times)

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Kechara

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Chinchilla treats?
« on: December 17, 2015, 01:28:28 PM »

What kind of fresh fruits and veggies can I give a chinchilla as a treat?
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GrayRodent

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Re: Chinchilla treats?
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2015, 04:03:41 PM »

Please don't feed chinchillas fresh fruits or veggies of any kind. It can be deadly for them.
Chinchillas should be fed a very bland diet of high quality chinchilla pellets and loose timothy hay. That is all they need and that will ensure they will live the longest.

Chinchillas have very sensitive digestive systems compared to most animals, and compared to other rodents like guinea pigs which are known for being sensitive to changes in their diet. I recommend that treats not be fed to them and if any treats are used it should be for training purposes only and given in negligible quantities (less than 2 pea size servings for the whole day of items that are proven to be safe). The fact is these animals do not need anything but a good dose of affection and peaceful daily interaction.

Added:
Chinchilla diets are something that must be carefully selected. There are many diets marketed to pet chinchillas that have been proven to be toxic. A properly cared for chin will live 10-15 years. Diets with mixtures in them, nuts, fruits, or vegetables besides hay or soy are very harmful. The best pelleted diet is going to be alfalfa based and plain. Loose hay is to be considered the bulk of their diet.
« Last Edit: December 17, 2015, 04:07:22 PM by GrayRodent »
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BLS Chins

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Re: Chinchilla treats?
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2015, 09:32:41 PM »

No fruits or veggies. Chinchillas lack the enzymes to break down natural sugars so eating sugars from fruits can cause an unhealthy spike in blood sugar. That can lead to seizures, stasis and death. Veggies ferment in the gut causing large amounts of gas. Since chins cant burp this can build up causing massive gut damage, bloat, stasis and bacterial/yeast over growths in the gut. Chins do best on simple diets. Things like hay cubes, wood chews and rosehips can be used as treats.
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Flint

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Re: Chinchilla treats?
« Reply #3 on: December 18, 2015, 12:19:57 AM »

Chinchilla safe herb mixes can give your chins some interesting variety in their diet. Some mixes come already prepared. It's just a case of doing your research first, and then seeing what herbs your chin enjoys. I feed my herd herbs sparingly, and they all get very excited when due for them  ;)
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NatalieP86

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Re: Chinchilla treats?
« Reply #4 on: December 20, 2015, 04:15:02 AM »

I give my chins half a bitesized shredded wheat which is high in fibre no sugar and they love them.
Natalie
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Flint

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Re: Chinchilla treats?
« Reply #5 on: December 20, 2015, 07:20:21 AM »

Likewise. Mine all love shreddies and press their little faces agains the cage doors when they hear the tun rattle.
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