The hay and the chinchilla pellets provide the most important parts of the chinchilla diet. I have had to change feed for various reasons over the many years. I have found quality pellets are a must, but also, being able to get them in a timely manner is also a must.
At one point I used Mazuri and found it to be excellent for my chins, but next to impossible to get it delivered in bulk, in a timely manner to the local feed store (this is when I had 200+ chinchillas), so that did not work.
Hungry chinchillas need food.
I then had to change over to Manna Pro Sho Rabbit ... which was good ... until they changed the formula and it no longer worked as well for my little ones ... they began to loose weight.
I have also used Traditions, which is excellent, but the mill in the next state (180 miles each way) to us shut down ... that put an end to that.
I am now using Purina Advanced formula Show Rabbit (blue label with a black and white bunny on the front), which was reccommended by a long time breeder that has over 500 chins in his herd. It is working beautifully and so far coming in on a regular basis with no problems.
I would love to feed my little ones the Shoots Chinchilla Feed, but a monthly 700 mile round trip for 1/2 ton feed is not practical.
You often have to go with what is GOOD for your chins AND is/will be constantly and readily available in your area.
Knowing what NOT to feed is as important, if not more so, as what what TO feed your little one. A food/diet that is NOT acceptable is one that does not provide the needed vitamins, nutrients and texture that your little ones need. So you usually have to do some research ... please do this before you get your chin.
(Or a.s.a.p. if you already have your chin.)
1) I tend to stay away from those that are stored in bins and sold by the pound ... to much of a chance of contamination.
2) I also stay away from those that are packaged in clear packages ... exposure to the light drains the vitamins from the food.
3) I definitely stay away from those who are advertised as "Deluxe" and have added treats in the package ... these are made to appeal to you as being "pretty"/"looking tasteful" and/or appearing to be "special" to you the human, not for the health of your chinchilla. You are the one spending the money, so manufacturers want to appeal to
your senses, which is not always the best thing for your chin.
Making treats/food for just for your chins is not as practical (unless you have 20 or more chins) as those that can be purchased. If you have a food dehydrator you can make many of the food treats ... and if you like them, that's a good excuse to make more.
Dried fruits such as: papaya, apple slices, banana slices, grapes, blueberries, sliced strawberries, and carrot slices ... those purchased in the stores often have a high consentration of preservatives or chemicals added.
Dried rose hips are great, as is fresh sunflower seeds from your flower garden ... as long as they have not been treated with sprays/chemicals.
Only give your chins fresh fruits and veggies from your own garden or one that you know has NOT been sprayed with chemicals. I do not trust those in most stores where fruits and veggies are available for human consumption ... most come from plants that have been sprayed at some point in their development/growth or treated to make them stay/appear fresher longer. Some that come from co-ops or specialty stores for animals, do not add the preservatives.
Fresh hay (not dried), as an occasional treat, grown under grow lights inside in the winter months is nice and practical, if you have just one to five chins to feed.
Jo Ann
Author
Topic: Help with Food/Treats (Read 7008 times)