chunks vs. hay

[TaraLee]

Do they need both alfalfa/timothy hay chunks and just the timothy hay?
Can they have one and not the other?

 

[FutureDVM]

I'm not really sure what you mean by "chunks". Are you referring to pellets?

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

The compressed hay cubes? They can have either, or the mix, doesn't really matter.

 

[TaraLee]

Great. The cubes are a lot less messy.

 

[ticklechin]

They are fine if they eat them, some chins won't touch them and you will need loose hay. I personally would not feed just cubes, loose hay is important IMO for good dental health.

 

[lola]

i use loose but my friend uses cubes and hers is fine to but i agree with tickle i think loose is better

 

[Jenn]

I routinely use loose hay, but give cubes every once in a while just to add something different.

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

I've heard both sides, but do prefer to give both, but loose hay is their main source, but I'm a little strange, as I find it relaxing to clean up after the lil buggers!

 

[AllieKatt]

I use both cubes and loose hay. Just so I know they are getting one way or the other.

 

[cindyv3737]

I free freed loose hay and will toss in a cube as a treat. However, new girls hate hay cubes. They toss them around and pee on them. Shelly is the only chin that gets cubes now.

 

[aznmexaggie]

I prefer to use both hay cubes and loose hay. If they consume all the loose hay, they always have their cubes to munch on (and throw around...).

 

[ChinnyMom]

my boys get loose hay as well as cubes. they are in a phase where they prefer loose hay these days, but i still give them the cubes for variety.

drilling holes in hay cubes and putting them on hanging toys saves them from getting peed on! i find it also increases Rhino's interest in cubes. Guss nibbles on cubes more when they are just loose on his favourite shelf by his hammock.

 

[Dewdrop]

I use loose. Mainly because two of my brats won't touch the hay cubes. I've been meaning to take what I have and drill holes in them so I can use them as toys. I THINK they'd go for them then...