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[rodafer]

My chin has recently started chewing on her care fresh litter. I dont think she is actually eating it, but ya never know. So far she seems fine, (her poops, appetite, and activity level seem okay) but I am concerned that if she IS eating it, can it be harmful?? I bought it because I thought it was supposed to be supberb, but I am not sure. She likes having bedding, so I have been mixing the carefresh and pine.
Anywho, should I be worried or what? 
Also, I was sent some corn slims by vita kraft, are these okay for chins. I broke off a little piece for Herman and she LOVED LOVED it!

[Sillychinchilly]

Hm. I don't know about the corn slims, someone else can advise you there.
What I can tell you, however, is that carefresh should be fine. As long she is still eating actual food, its OK. Pixel eats hers too (I think). Just make sure its clean.
I've always been a fan of carefresh because I have rats as well as chins... and well, they'll eat... um... anything. Its never hurt any of the animals I've had.
Good luck!

[BrightEyed]

eating carefress can cause impaction and can lead to death. carefresh is fine as long as they don't ingest it. some chins will pick it up, chew it (not swallow it) and throw it down.. others may chew and actually eat it and that is when you need to switch to something else.

[Abby W.]

Bright Eyed is right. If your chinnie is actually eating the Carefresh, it can build up a cause a bowel blockage.  I would probably change beddings to pine or aspen if I were you, just to be on the safe side.  If you are absolutely sure she is not eating it, or is only eating very small amounts it should be fine to continue to use it.

As far as the corn slims go, my understanding is that the corn most commonly found in pet products is NOT good for chins.  I would not feed her anymore of it until you can consult with your veterinarian to be sure.

[ChillinChinchillas]

I was under the impression that corn products were harmful as well. I have not used the carefresh due to the reports I have heard about the chins eating it and it causing impaction. I just try to be safe, rather than sorry. I am eager to hear what others have to say on the subject.

[Sillychinchilly]

I can't use anything with oils in it... That's the best way I know how to put it any way. Pine, aspen, all those things (especially cedar!!) cause a serious allergic reaction. I can't be around it, and if she were in it, I wouldn't be able to touch her.

So I use carefresh. She chews it, but I've never seen her actually swallow it.

[rodafer]

Thanks everyone. I usually use pine and she was fine with it, but I thought I would try to giver her a mix. I dont think she is eating the carefresh, but I am just too scared to find out.
That is a total bummer about the corn slims, because she was so happy when I gave her a piece! Very cute.
I am still interested on what others have to say on the topic though, because I always want the VERY BEST for her.

[ChillinChinchillas]

Does the Aspen bedding have the aromatic oils? That upsets me if it does, because it states on the bags that I buy that it does not have aromatic oils. My chins have never had a problem, but I was under the impression that the aromatic oils could cause respiratory problems in chinchillas.

[Sillychinchilly]

What you buy probably doesn't. I have severe asthma, and anything that smells that strongly is a bother.

[rodafer]

ChillinChinchillas: What brand of aspen bedding do you buy?

[ChillinChinchillas]

The Kaytee. I have used pine bedding a few times (The Premier Pet brand)

[Asikovsek]

Please everyone never ever feed your chinchillas anything with CORN.  It can cause a fungus in chinchillas and has been known to be fatal!!  Corn is ok for hamster and other small animals, but not for chinchillas.  Also Cedar bedding is a big NO NO, very bad for chinchillas it can cause infection around their private parts and even worse if they ingest it.  Carefresh can cause extreme constipation for chinchillas if ingested not to mention there is an oil in it that if a chinchilla has a allergic reaction to can also cause big problems! very dry Pine bedding and Aspen anything that doesnt have a smell or oil to it is the best bet for chins it is also safe for the chins to chew on.  Any dried fruit that never had a pit is ok for chins to eat.  Veggies arnt good for chins and can cause the runs or even constipation stay to the fruits when giving treats to your chins, it seems to be healthier and less risky.

[nemue]

I just found this article and thought I'd share it:

http://www.chinchillaplanet.com/carefresh-harmful-to-chinchillas/

[rodafer]

thats interesting. i stopped using carefresh right after i wrote this, and she seems so much better. i am so glad i noticed what was going on, and stopped using it. herman is much happier with pine shavings and i should not have switched it. i even tried some aspen and she still likes the pine better.

[Debbie.nl.ca]

A few years ago there was a big thing about using pine,it being unsafe.
I've used it most my life with animals, and now 9 years with chins. I have never had a problem.
Though my vet doesn't like it. ::)for most small animals.