How to Groom a Pet Chipmunk

Chipmunks are fastidious animals by nature, and your pet chipmunk will keep his coat lustrous, his teeth clean and sharp and his toenails adequately trimmed with very little assistance from you. Following these simple steps will help your chipmunk stay clean, soft and shiny.

Things You'll Need

• Large rock
• Crunchy treats
• Chewy things, such as willow twigs

Instructions

1. Keep your pet chipmunk's cage clean. Remove soiled bedding daily and change his bedding twice a week. Once a week, completely empty his cage, scrub it clean, disinfect it, and allow it to dry before returning your pet chipmunk to his habitat. A clean cage will help your pet chipmunk stay healthy and well-groomed.

2. Place a large rock in your pet chipmunk's cage. Playing on the rock will naturally prevent your pet chipmunk's toenails from becoming too long and sharp.

3. Give your pet chipmunk chewy things to bite. This will keep his teeth clean. Some good options include hard-shelled nuts: walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds or a willow twig.

4. Ensure that your pet chipmunk has a healthy diet, which will help keep her coat sleek and shiny. Start with a good chipmunk feed that you can buy at your local pet store. Supplement her diet with a variety of foods: fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, peanuts and small pieces of romaine lettuce and other greens.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not trim your chipmunks claws, because he needs them to grip food, jump and climb.

• Be sure to conduct your training sessions in a quiet room away from doors, windows, electrical outlets, and other possible dangers.

• If you feed your pet chipmunk fresh produce, be sure to wash it to remove insecticide residue.