We often get inquiries about what sort of treats are safe to give pet chinchillas. Whimsy has been known to visibly cringe when told what some people give their critters. Snacks from pet stores are notoriously unhealthy, even though they contain "natural" foods such as sweetened dried fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and flowers. Just because a pet store item has a picture of a chinchilla on it, doesn't necessarily mean it's safe to give your pet chinchilla.

So if these foods are not safe, just what is? 

Well...think about a chinchilla's natural habitat. They originally come from the very cold, arid (dry desert-like) biosphere of the Andes Mountains in South America.

This habitat produces foods that are high in fiber, moderate in protein, very low in fat, with almost nonexistent sugars. A wild chinchilla's diet is very dry and bland. With that in mind, a health-conscious owner will try to mimic those conditions as closely as possible. The best chinchilla treats are those with little to no processing, added sugars, or fats.  

Plain Cheerios, unfrosted shredded wheat cereal, steamed crimped oats, rolled barley, old fashioned oats, dried rose hips,  select wood sticks and twigs and pumice stones are some widely accepted good choices for treats and snacks. 

And for those who have been asking, we finally have our supply of whole rose hips back in stock. Check out our new(er) store layout for those and other chin-safe treats and toys.

Last night, another surrender came to our Menagerie. She's the tiniest little ebony I've seen yet! Her previous owner was concerned that he didn't have the time and attention to devote to her any longer and was especially concerned that she'd recently started chewing her own fur. Fur chewing can stem from many different sources. It may be related to a fungal infection. It could be caused by environmental stress, boredom, starvation, or simply a genetic condition. In this case, I'm convinced environmental stress was the trigger for her; in this case, her encrusted cage.

Chins are naturally very clean animals. They depend on their chinparents to care for their needs and to make sure those needs are met. Here at our Menagerie, we have a daily routine that includes vacuuming the ledges and chinroom daily (sometimes even several times a day). The ledges are wiped down with a special disinfectant/fungicide EVERY DAY and given a thorough cleaning and bedding change every week. Since the little fuzzbutts reside in our dining room, it not only keeps them healthy and stimulated, but also keeps our home nice and clean and fresh smelling.

The little chin mentioned previously is now housed in a new clean enclosure and has a new friend to snuggle with. She's a sweet little thing despite the fur chewing. So far she has only chewed on the plethora of chin treats offered her. We are sure her fur will grow back and she'll be good as new in a couple of months.