Bed Making?

[GizmotheChin]

I have noticed the past few days that Gizmo will tear shreds of newspaper up, bring it to the top of his house, then lay in it after he's made an effective "nest". Does this mean he's cold, or wants something to lay on? (Fleece, obviously). Does anyone else's chins do this?

 

[~Alex~]

I know some chins will like to burrow or nest. They are a small animals after all...Maybe try giving him strips of fleece instead of newspaper?

I thought newspaper was not appropriate for chins because the ink could potentially be toxic to them. Where is it that you have the newspaper at? Paper also swells when it gets wet and is an impaction hazard if it is consumed!

 

[GizmotheChin]

The breeder I got him from had newspaper on the bottom of the cage that she gave to me. She didn't say anything about newspaper being harmful to them.

 

[GorillaJTA]

Newspaper is not harmful. Most of the inks now are pet-safe. It is, however, not the best smell-retentionwise as a bedding.

 

[GizmotheChin]

I have used newspaper before with my rabbit. They have very sensitive intestines and she has never had a problem. Many other people have used it as a shredding/boredom toy. I know that ink is non-toxic.

I really want to know if he wants a bed or something, though. He is doing this as a "nesting" type of behavior. It's really cute, but I'm wondering if I should attempt giving him a square of fleece to lay on or a hammock? I am just worried he will tear it apart instead of using it D:

 

[tcraighenry]

Our new one is a burrower. I go in and find she's moved her bedding around into little piles. But kicked all the bedding out of her hidey hole. I don't know

It is nesting, chinchillas in the wild burrow.

Agreed though, there are so many better types of bedding! Also easier for them to move around and more resistant to pee