How to Feed a Chinchilla Treats

Chinchillas go crazy for treats, but there are very special precautions you must take when feeding them to your chinchilla.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A chinchilla
• Sugar-free Cheerios, sugar-free shredded wheat, dried rose hips

1. Understand that chinchillas have very complex and extremely sensitive digestive systems. They cannot tolerate high sugar or high fat treats. The best treats to purchase are all natural, devoid of sugar and fat. I have given the top treats suggested by most breeders or vets.

2. Grab your treat (sugar-free Cheerios, sugar-free shredded wheat, or dried rose hips). At this point, your chinchilla has probably started begging for the treat. It is rather cute to watch and can sometimes be irresistible.

3. Take one piece out of one of the bags (that means one sugar-free Cheerio, one sugar-free shredded wheat square, or one rose hip).

4. Feed it to your chinchilla. He will probably start begging again right after finishing it.

5. Close the bag and put it away.

6. Two to three days later, repeat steps one through five.

Tips & Warnings

• To make your chinchilla think he is getting more than one treat, break it up into smaller pieces and give them to him individually.
• Some treats, like apple branches, can be given to your chinchilla daily and often taste as good to your chinchilla as the more unhealthy treats.
• Your chinchilla's digestive system is extremely sensitive. Any kind of treat that is not mentioned above is off-limits. Some of the most unhealthy foods are dried fruit, seeds, nuts, and fresh fruits or vegetables. If fed to your chinchilla, your chinchilla may develop diabetes, diarrhea, or bloat, all of which are potentially fatal.

[tiffownsthis]

on 11/25/2009 Great tips. It's always hard to say no when my chin begs for more treats, but as you point out, they have sensitive digestive systems, so you shouldn't for their health. Good advise!

[ninajeanette2]

on 1/16/2009 check here http://tiarastar.multiply.com/ for advice coming from a breeder(me) with 15 years experiance:=
rosehips are great, i will also say never ever feed chins fruit or veggies no matter what petshops say. i ll advice buyin g natural things from C2H and galensgarden.

[sixstring2slim]

on 12/17/2008 I love the advice on properly feeding any animal. I really admire you're depth of knowledge regarding your furry buddy! Nice Job ~ Carson Bailey