Cardboard..

[NommyCakes]

Is cardboard safe for chins? Even if they consume it..wouldn't it expand in their tummies?

 

[Cuddlebug]

I would not use it if they chew on it. My sister had a guinea pig die from impaction after ingesting cardboard.

 

[NommyCakes]

Those chubes too? They're made of cardboard but I have seen some in cages..and during playtime. If they're not used for chewing what are they used for? . Thanks!

 

[SamiJami]

Most chinchillas just tear off pieces of the cardboard. My guys like the toss tubes I make. They nibble the ends off for fun. I'm constantly cleaning up paper shreds! In my opinion, you can give the tubes to them, you just have to watch to make sure that they're not eating it. My guys love running through the big tubes and occasionally tearing at them during play time. It's easy to watch when play time is supervised! (which it should always be)

 

[NommyCakes]

How do you know when they're just chewing it and when they're eating it..cuz I give my chinchilla willow sticks and they just sit there and nibble on it. But I see nothing come out of their mouths..

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

Some people also give bagel bites which are hard colored cardboard. My guess is if you don't see anything in the bottom of the cage, than more than likely they are eating it. I always tell people even with the safest of things, all need some type of supervision!

 

[NommyCakes]

Yeah I watch them but whatever comes out falls onto the aspen. and everything the sticks have the same color tone so it's hard to watch them. I haven't offered them cardboard in their cage, but I will give them cardboard during playtime and supervise them.

 

[Jazicat]

I only allow cardboard during play time so it can be supervised. I do let them have unlimited wood to chew on in their cages and I do believe mine eat the bark on it. However for a chinchilla eating bark is natural and cardboard is not.