Right and wrong... so confused

[Narcissus]

I have read so much conflicting research on chin diets and what is an acceptable "treat". One site says no rose hips, yes raisins yes cranberries. Others say yes rose hips, nothing else. Is chamomile ok? What else makes an acceptable treat? What else can they have? I'm so confused!:hair:

 

[Silverrose]

In my opinion, I like to keep things simple with my chin. Around here, a safe chewstick is a treat, nothing edible. But if you feel the need to give treats, most people here will suggest rosehips, old fashioned oats, unsweetened shredded wheat, or a cheerio, in moderation of course, like maybe a couple times a week. Raisins, craisins, or dried fruit of any kind is a nono, as it is full of sugar that may be detrimental to your chin's health.

 

[Sandi]

Chamomile is ok to give, but just a pinch as with any treat. You don't HAVE to give a treat, as long as they have a good quality pellet, hay and water, that's all they need. Wood chews can be given freely. Rosehips are ok as well. Here is a list I found of acceptable herbs from past threads. -

http://www.serillachinchillas.net/botanicalherbsinfo.htm

 

[Narcissus]

sandi, I went to the site you suggested and read it, but even there it talks about dried cranberries and elder berries....??? Everything is so contradicting. I know I don't have to give "treats" but I would like to have something I can give my chins that comes from only me. I guess il try rose hips. Should they be dry or fresh?

 

[tunes]

You should use dry rosehips. You might also want to consider crushing them up if your chin doesn't like them. Some like the crushed better.

Every site you go to anymore has different information, depending on what a specific person feels that THEY do is right. The reason for a forum like this is to have a central place where you can find out accurate information. Save your sanity and stop reading all the other sites to find out about treats. Any information regarding that you can find right here, from experienced owners and breeders. You don't need to "comparison shop" for that kind of thing. There are sites that recommend feeding fresh fruits and vegetables every day, others that recommend letting your chin run around the yard, and still others that say it's fine and dandy to keep a rabbit and a chin together. We know better. Right here you'll find the information you need.

If you want to know about herbs, contact our forum member Tanya. She is very into herbs and makes several different supplements with fresh herbs that are just fantastic.

 

[Lynn & The Chins]

And remember-- ANYTHING that YOU hand to your chin is viewed as a "treat", even a pellet. They can live just fine without treats -- those are really for us!!!

Get yourself a good supply of apple sticks/twigs. They can have those in unlimited amounts and they LOVE them!!! :thumbsup:

 

[Megan]

I personally don't feed any "treats"(Raisins, rose hips, etc etc). I'll give them a hay cube, apple stick, chop stick, or their supplement and they think that's their treats. I like to keep things very simple for my guys.

 

[Narcissus]

My chin doesn't like the apple sticks that I buy at the pet store here. where do you guys get yours?

 

[tunes]

Check the classifieds here. I think Stacey is about to put some up for sale and her apple wood is awesome.

 

[momenteller]

Aside from wood, my favorite treats to give are old fashioned oats and crushed rosehips. I give each chin a couple of pieces, one at a time, and they think they are making out pretty good by getting "multiple" treats!

 

[ticklechin]

Mine really love dried pink rose petals, its the only edible treat they get.

 

[Dewdrop]

I only give mine dried/organic rose buds....maybe once a week..

 

[MyLilPintoBean]

I get my wood from Ronda on here... Her wood is amazing! It smells great and my chins eat it with gusto!