new chinchilla mom!

[chilicheesefries]

I have a couple of questions about my new chinchilla chili!
first off: what are some good healthy treats that chinchillas love? I also bought a cage that has a dust bath attached on to it, I read here that they shouldn't have access to it all the time , he loves to sleep in there so much should I just leave it empty or put some shavings in it to make it more comfortable? and also he sleeps A LOT, it's 6pm where I am , should I be worried? sorry if the questions sound silly, but I look forward to hear all of your replies!

 

[Edgars Dad]

Welcome to the forum!
I would get or make your chinchilla a wooden hidey house.If it is a plastic dust house you don't want him chewing on it. As for bedding, aspen or kiln dried pine is the suggested bedding. Don't worry about them sleeping, mine sleep most of the day and become active about 9:00 at night. They also are active in the early morning when I am leaving for work.

 

[jbcstratton]

Some safe treats are plain cheerios, plain shedded wheat, old fashion oats(not instant), all treats should be given sparingly. You can also buy some herbs, and rose hips from some of the vendors on here that are safe.

 

[Godofgods]

Twigs are my daily treat for them. Nice treat and they get to work down there teeth all at the same time.

Aspen and kiln dried pine shavings are two that are safe for chinchillas. Ceder contains oils that are harmful to them. But if you have any other pets, don't forget to check with them first. Example being, i always used aspen. And only recently found out that the pine type can sometimes cause allergic issues with ferrets (which i have). Fortunately i wasn't using it, but it goes to show that its something to be taken into consideration.

 

[eastcoastchins]

Mine absolutely LOVE the fleece houses that you can buy from different vendors on here definitely something to keep in mind. It's probably a lot more comfy than the dust bath house!

 

[lilymannycharlie]

i like to give apple sticks as treats or rose hips or apple/oat treats. i buy all this stuff and my chins' food from http://chinstore.azchins.com/List.htm
if you click an item, it gives you details and photos
i hope this helped