DIY Beanbag chair (no-sew, easy)

[Devilairy]

Note - I'm sorry if I was supposed to post this directly in the DIY section, but I thought it'd be more sensible to post the DIY here and link it to the post later


I made my Pirate a beanbag chair and he adores it.

I make the majority of my things no-sew mainly because I'm lazy and I don't like sewing. But this makes it easy for people who can't sew, who don't have the materials to sew, who are lazy like me, kids, etc. It also is easy to clean if needed.

He takes short naps on it, jumps on it, and overall really enjoys it.

It's made from things most people just have laying around.

You will need:
-Scissors
-A beanie (tightly stitched, a winter beanie: if you don't have, get creative. Could easily be made out of normal fabrics, socks, pillow cases, etc)
-Extra scraps of fabric
-Dry rice: more scrap fabric: socks: mashed potato flakes: anything you have that would make a nice filling and non-toxic to your Chin. (I prefer to use dry rice when making things like this for my animals)

Directions: :chin1:
Step 1:
Cut beanie so that it has 2 points (simple drawing below)

This is so that it is easy to tie, and once tied, it takes a more circular shape.

Step 2:
Fill beanie as desired. It should be squishy and easy to form.

Step 3:
Tie the points tightly, double tie if possible.

Step 4:
Get at least 2 pieces of long, scrap fabric. I used 2 pieces of jean fabric as jean is durable. I also cut these into pointed ends to make easier to tie. Tie them in a cross fashion so that it looks like an X across the beanbag: and tight enough that they stay on but not too tight that it restricts form and turns into a non squishy toy. Mine personally is a little harder than an average beanbag, it's just what you want it to be like that matters. If you have shredder Chins, I suggest as many layers of fabric you think is needed, or doubling up on the beanies. Pirate doesn't chew/shred much overall (I got lucky), and if anything, he just plays with the scrap fabric on his beanbag.

Step 5:
Place in cage. Easy. If you need to clean, you can just take it apart which is a reason I like no-sew. The reason I personally use dry rice to fill things like this is because it's non-toxic, and if the pet gets it open and begins to eat, it's something that won't harm them: many forms of stuffing are harmful. However I do suggest checking for holes or signs of holes forming often (as often as you spot check) just to see if you need to add more coverage to make it safe. Rice also gives it more of a beanbag feel.

If you make a beanbag chair please post pictures of it below for me to see as I'd love to see them! I'd love to see sewed versions, bigger/smaller versions, and etc.

& Here is Pirate on his:

 

[Kansas City Chinchillas]

Rice is not safe for chins. It will expand in their digestive systems and possibly kill them. This is the reason quick cook oatmeal is bad for chins.

 

[becky12883]

You also don't want to use any fabric other than fleece, they can have long strands that can cause impaction or get tangled around limbs.

 

[jbcstratton]

I imagine you could use a square piece of fleece, stuffed with scrap fleece and tie opposite corners tightly together to make the same idea, but safely.

 

[ticklechin]

My problem with rice is chins should not have access to something edible in that amount that is not pellets and hay, I tried to find something "scientific" about rice and digestion in guinea pigs and rabbits and came up short-only thing I got was guinea pig over rice recipes.....The bird exploding eating wedding rice thing seems to be a myth but in any case I would not use any edibles in a bean bag, too tempting for the chin to try to rip it open.

 

[Devilairy]

Rice is not safe for chins. It will expand in their digestive systems and possibly kill them. This is the reason quick cook oatmeal is bad for chins.

As ticklechin said, the thing about the birds you're relating to and them blowing up is a myth. The only time it would actually be very harmful to a Chin is if they ate a large amount or they ate it reguarly; and I was relating this to as if they made a small hole and got a few pieces, not if they were fed a huge bowl of which that's an entirely different situation. (also: I don't just blab on about what I don't know, before I post here especially since I'm new I double check entirely with my aunt who is an exotics vet technician.)

You also don't want to use any fabric other than fleece, they can have long strands that can cause impaction or get tangled around limbs.

I check all of his toys made from fabric daily to make sure he's not tearnig into it, including checking the strips to make sure they're not stripping further; the only one that has stripped a little is a fabric ring, and I simply snipped off the frayed parts. Like I said, my Pirate is not a shredder and he hasn't even tried to tear this up.

I imagine you could use a square piece of fleece, stuffed with scrap fleece and tie opposite corners tightly together to make the same idea, but safely.

I actually have one similar to this, and Pirate has no interest in. It sits in his small play area.

My problem with rice is chins should not have access to something edible in that amount that is not pellets and hay, I tried to find something "scientific" about rice and digestion in guinea pigs and rabbits and came up short-only thing I got was guinea pig over rice recipes.....The bird exploding eating wedding rice thing seems to be a myth but in any case I would not use any edibles in a bean bag, too tempting for the chin to try to rip it open.

I have never had any of my animals try to eat the rice inside of anything I give them (has included basically every small mammal you could think of); but I still am closely monitering Pirate to make sure he doesn't. So far, with nothing I have given him that has rice for stuffing, he doesn't have an interest in eating it at all. I'm sure he would if I were to put it in a bowl in front of him, but of course I'm not.

 

[Jenn]

Neat idea. What about filling the beanbag with shavings, covered in fleece material?

 

[Basket_of_Chinchillas]

I think the point people are trying to make is: why take the risk when there is no need to? People often express their concern for potentially dangerous situations because here on the forum they have read about the deadly, worst case scenario results and the pain, suffering and loss that have resulted. Chins have died as a result of chewing plastic, ingesting cardboard and the tape that can be on cardboard, from ingesting fabric and food they aren't supposed to have, etc., so when people speak up it's because they're worried about your chin. Just because your worst case scenario hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't, which is why people speak up when they see something that concerns them.

 

[ticklechin]

Chins tend to ignore things then all of a sudden its the focus of their existence, don't let the fact that the chin has ignored the rice lull you into a sense of security.