This gives rise to the difficulty of them finding something to eat while avoiding their predators. That's because they can break their toes in them. The main danger of serving fruit to a chinchilla is the excess sugar and phosphorus which can lead to diarrhea and ulcers respectively. Having it slightly above the level of the floor means it won't sit in a pool of pee, and that your chinchilla can't easily spray it by accident if it ever sprays urine. Vitamin B6 (5%) 0.06 mg Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. The guide below first looks at why chinchillas can’t eat oranges (the short answer: they’re nutritionally inadequate, plus they cause health problems). Can chinchillas eat apples? • Small amounts of fresh produce can be given daily (see recommended greens below). Can Chinchillas And Rabbits Play Together. Avoid feeding your chinchilla oranges. This means that chinchillas cannot eat oranges. Trace metals Avoid treats that are high in sugar, especially commercial treats (e.g. Are metal exercise wheels chinchilla-safe? Fruits That Chinchillas Can Eat A big part of raising a healthy chinchilla is watching his diet. Dietary fiber 2.4 g Fresh food should only take up around 10% of a chinchilla’s diet and so don’t offer too much too them as if they eat too much of any fruit and vegetable, they are likely to get a stomach upset. Chinchillas live in burrows and rock crevices in the wild. Vitamins There is a lot of contradictory information regarding the feeding of chinchillas, and many breeders tend to have their own methods and opinions of what to feed and what not to feed. The best kind of diet for your chinchillas is one that’s as natural as possible, packed with plenty of fresh veg and hay. It has been cultivated since ancient times and are the most cultivated fruit tree in the world. If you have the hay rack at floor level, it might get peed on. Can chinchillas eat grapes? This quiz features questions on every topic of chinchilla care, from behavior to nutrition. If you want to know why they are recommended, then just click on each for a detailed explanation. This is because oranges contain high amounts of water, sugar and are also very acidic. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. This is because of the amount of sugar that fruit contains. Chinchillas can eat apples easily. (1%) 11 μg But apples and fruits generally aren’t as healthy as you might assume. 0.94 g Sunflower seeds are high in fat. Chinchillas are not equipped to eat diets that are high in fat and can fall susceptible to illnesses like fatty liver disease. But how much do chinchillas poop? Dried fruits, nuts, raisins or seeds are a choking hazard for the little rodents. 11.75 g I’m one of the LMC admins, and I post here regularly. Wild chins eat watery foods on rare occasions, storing tiny bits of succulent plants in their burrows for when water is scarce. I have an tree in my yard that is losing hundreds of them and the squirrels are having a feast. Top Tip: Avoid muesli-type food mixes. [PICK TWO] Your chinchilla is sitting with its ears pointing back towards its back, rather than sticking up. Can chinchillas eat acorns? eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'onlinechinchillacare_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',321,'0','0']));So can chinchillas eat oranges at all? Similarly, chinchillas tend to eat fruits in the wild, too; however, they consume a small number of fruits to prevent their stomachs from bloating since many fruits are water-based. Folate (B9) (8%) 30 μg Other constituents These are the fruit that chinchillas can eat. That means we make a small commission if you buy …, Let's say you pick your chinchilla up, and notice a slight vibration, or even the feeling of it quivering and …, Popcorn is a relatively healthy snack. Required fields are marked *. Your chinchilla doesn't know to limit the hay it eats alongside any snacks you feed, so they would make your pet gain weight. Can Chinchillas eat Apples? The problem is that pet chinchillas aren't used to eating lots of watery foods, which besides causing diarrhea from containing too much water, can also cause bloat. Vitamin C (64%) 53.2 mg Chinchillas are unique animals being extremely picky about what they eat. Or could it cause digestive …, Your chinchilla's ears can get dry, flaky and cracked for several reasons. They may enjoy them if you do feed them oranges, however they will make them sick if they eat them. If you feed your chinchilla oranges, your likely to cause digestive issues, stomach pain, or other illnesses that may result in a vet visit. They have too much of a sweet flavor and acidic content that it would make the stomach of a chinchilla hurt and may cause other unwanted negative health issues. Water 86.75 g, eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'onlinechinchillacare_com-box-4','ezslot_2',260,'0','0']));Source wikipedia. Read on to learn… Choline (2%) 8.4 mg However, chinchillas only eat certain foods, and some should be avoided as they cause bad reactions. Things can get even more confusing when feeding your chin fruits and vegetables. But what are they for? Yes they can, but only specific types of fruit and only the recommended types in small amounts. So, yes, water bottles are necessary. Chinchillas don't have floating ribs, and you can see that if you look at a chinchilla's skeleton (below). In this post we will tell you exactly what chinchillas eat when they are in the wild. This means that unfortunately, they cannot eat mandarin oranges at all. But if your chinchilla isn't displaying any other signs of ill health, it's probably fine. Manganese (1%) 0.025 mg Protein So they are a food best avoided as far as chinchillas are concerned. Like mandarin oranges, oranges contain a high acidic level, too much sugar, and too much phosphorus. plastic. It may also contain different levels of vitamins and minerals than what your chinchilla needs. Oranges can be eaten fresh, or processed for its juice or peel. After owning a chinchilla now for 4+ years, here is the information I can provide you on this topic. The problem is that they contain far too much sugar and far too much water for your pet to handle. In particular, their acidic, calcium, sugar, fat, and phosphorus content is of most interest as far as chinchillas are concerned. From what you can see above they have a lot of acidic content and sugar. Chinchillas have an extremely sensitive digestive system and the large amounts of sugar that are usually present in fruit can be harmful to your chinchilla. They don't contain any kind of poison, even the outer shell. I’ve loved chinchillas my whole life, so if you love your chinchillas too, you’re in the right place! Treats, you can try: small slice of apple (about as much as the size of a … Iron (1%) 0.1 mg Calcium (4%) 40 mg Grapes are fruit, and fruit is healthy. This is actually something that applies to all rodents, not just chinchillas. Gastrointestinal stasis is where a chinchilla's gut becomes blocked with something, e.g. Chinchillas like to chew power cables. This could either be 'sleepy ears', or it could be a symptom that your pet isn't well. Fruits. They are just too much for their tummies. Riboflavin (B2) (3%) 0.04 mg When it comes to fruits and vegetables, it is important to be very cautious about introducing these as many chinchillas can’t tolerate them. Vitamin A equiv. Because of this it means that chinchillas cannot eat Clementines at all! Can Chinchillas eat apples? Treats are normally higher in sugar and fat; too many can cause liver damage and weight gain, so don’t overfeed with treats. Even wild chinchillas may occasionally eat fruits, although not as a core part of their diet. Niacin (B3) (2%) 0.282 mg But why? Not all vegetables are safe for chinchillas and need to be avoided. You must have noticed how your pet chinchilla loves eating fruit-based treats. No, chinchillas can’t eat oranges. The one in the picture above, for example, isn't ideal. There are some fruits which can be consumed by chinchillas in small amount including blueberries, grapes, raisins, and apples. This condition is very serious and requires veterinary care! They have such big, sharp teeth that they could even easily break into a whole apple even if it weren’t cut up. (5%) 0.25 mg It then stops eating. It is not a good idea to give them any citrus fruits, as they are likely to cause digestive issues. It's best to avoid putting any plastic in your chinchilla's cage. But is it similarly suitable and good for chinchillas? Make sure that you give your chinchilla tiny pieces of fruit that they can easily swallow. We’ve picked the best products from the wide range available to save you time searching for yourself! They may enjoy them if you do feed them oranges, however they will make them sick if they eat them. But are grapes good for chinchillas? The questions are multiple choice, and each answer is explained. Most owners avoid them for this reason. Can chinchillas eat hay pellets made for other animals? Chinchillas originate from a dry, harsh environment where only the most persistent steppe vegetation can survive. Why shouldn't chinchillas eat sunflower seeds? It's not optimal. While fresh fruits like apple are good for chinchillas, if they are cut too small or if they are dry, they can cause problems too. Lets take a look at their nutritional data, in particular their acidic, phosphorus, calcium, sugar and fat content is of most interest as far as chinchillas are concerned. Take our quiz and find out! Can Chinchillas Eat Salted Sunflower Seeds? But why might that happen even if you …, Chinchillas are loving, docile animals. Standlee Premium Western Forage Timothy Grass, 10Lb Box, Are Chinchillas Dangerous? 0.12 g So they are a food best avoided as far as chinchillas are concerned. Naturally grown without pesticides Grown specifically for small animals High fiber to support digestive health America’s #1 Hay Brand All-natural non GMO Ingredient No artificial preservatives. But affectionate pets can turn nasty and even dangerous sometimes: biting, scratching and more. Zinc (1%) 0.07 mg Vitamin E (1%) 0.18 mg Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. They need a high fiber intake each day. Chinchillas primarily need to be offered unlimited access to timothy hay and formulated pellets. Oranges are the fruit of the citrus species Citrus Sinesnsis and otherwise known as sweet oranges. Sugars 9.35 g However, there are some pet owners that feed their chinchillas fruits every now and then as treats in small amounts which help in not causing them any health issues. Is plastic suitable for a chinchilla cage? It's best to feed your chinchilla hay and hay pellets, and dry snacks, rather than watery foods. All -natural and free of any additives Stimulates chewing, which promotes dental and digestive health The long stem fiber fosters the natural foraging instincts which are critical to your animal's overall and dental health. This means that chinchillas cannot eat oranges. We've listed absolutely everything you need to get started, and included handy links to need-to-know info that's essential for your new pet's health and well-being. They aren’t instantly poisonous, and the juice won’t make your pet choke. Chinchillas CANeat the following, however only the top tw… This is a common misconception! I was wondering if they were safe for Ling. measured, and most adult chinchillas should get about 1-2 tablespoons per chinchilla per day. What Do You Need for a New Chinchilla? Avoid giving clementines to chinchillas. :), Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. Thiamine (B1) (8%) 0.087 mg And for any die-hard citrus fans, while we don’t recommend ever feeding your pet orange, we’ve also given some guidelines on small portion sizes and feeding frequencies that will likely be safe. Do chinchillas need water bottles, or can they get their water from food instead? But it typically contains different amounts of key nutrients, e.g. Its eyes are half closed. [Full List]. Yes, a chinchilla can eat apples in small quantities. Eating too many fruits can cause damage to their vital organs as well. Energy 197 kJ (47 kcal) They shouldn’t, because grapes can cause bloating and soft stools/diarrhea. Chins chew on plastic, but can't pass it easily. He loves them and the twigs gives him wood to gnaw on too. Chinchillas have sensitive stomachs, so don’t give too much fruit and veg as they can cause diarrhoea. Fat Wild chinchillas get most of their water from food, but pet chins don't. As you are a new pet owner, you must be wondering whether it would be a good idea to feed your pet chinchilla fruits. Can Chinchillas eat apples? The combination of these nutrients together can cause lots of issues for a chinchilla’s digestive system including diarrhoea and severe bloating. Chinchillas will leave the bits containing fibre and only eat the sugary bits. As fruits are high in sugars, therefore you should only give them as treats occasionally and not on a regular basis. Your email address will not be published. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Orange-Fruit-Pieces.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Orange-Fruit-Pieces.jpg. You should never give your chinchilla any avocado, bananas, blueberries, pineapple or cantaloupe. Note: you can’t see these links if you... Why not start with our complete chinchilla shopping list instead? And if not, why not? Yes, a chinchilla can eat some vegetables. Chinchillas shouldn't have exercise wheels with slats or bars. That’s because they don’t contain the right nutrients for chinchillas. This is actually a surprisingly interesting topic. So …, If you've run out of hay and pellets, and you need something to feed your chinchilla, you may want to …, Cuttlebones are common cage toys people give to their pets. Your email address will not be published. So they learned to chew on roots to get rid of them. Think you know everything there is to know about chinchillas...? That means we make a small commission if you buy the products we link to. Their complex dietary requirements dictate that they eat a combination of fruits, seeds, leaves, roots, barks, and grasses. yogurt drops). Pantothenic acid (B5) Hey, my name is Eleanor. It therefore collects in your chinchilla's guts and forms a blockage—a condition known as gastrointestinal stasis. And if you take it again, it will come up with new questions each time! They are just too much for their tummies. Since chinchillas can’t vomit, such foods can get stuck in the back of … Fruit and vegetables that chinchillas can eat include: Carrot; Celery; Potato; Pumpkin; Squash; Sweet potato; Strawberries, Pears, Bananas; Apples; Blueberries; Grapes; Raisins; Sultanas. Where should you put a chinchilla's hay rack? Essentials for a First Time Chinchilla Owner, can chinchillas and hedgehogs live together, Can Chinchillas And Ferrets Live Together. Also, to the safe list: I feed Ling dried out apples leaves and twigs I get from my two trees. Phosphorus (2%) 14 mg As you can see mandarin oranges contain a hint of phosphorus, but quite a lot of acidic content and sugar. As you can see, oranges contain a hint of phosphorus, calcium and are high in acidic content. Chinchilla’s are Herbivores – which means they only eat plants. Why has my chinchilla stopped eating and going to the toilet? Chinchillas need to be offered treats in small quantities and not every day. They account for around 70% of the world’s citrus production and remain an extremely popular fruit eaten throughout the world. Mountain Ash Berries - Full of antioxidants and good for chinchillas, 2-3 can be offered daily. Magnesium (3%) 10 mg 13% protein instead of 17-18%. ; Fruit Tree Twigs - A new twig can be provided each day from any fruit tree where the fruit bears seeds (apple, pear etc). Chinchillas live in burrows and rock crevices in the wild. Fruits are okay in very small amounts. Do they poop on you, and is it disgusting …, Chinchillas take dust baths, not water baths, although it is possible to bathe a chinchilla in water if you know …, Lavender has a great reputation as a helpful herb. You can provide your chinchilla treats that consist of raisins, cheerios, oats, dried herbs, and some dried fruits. They nevertheless remain a very delicate pet with very delicate ribs. Excellent source of fiber,... We'll update you when we post a new guide or a new quiz, and with exclusive content too! But the right fruit or vegetable can make a tasty treat for a chinchilla. Chinchillas are herbivores, which means they primarily consume plants as the majority and bulk of their diet. Your chinchilla can eat oranges safely. That’s the short answer to the question. Can Chinchillas Eat Apples? They are really limited in what fruit they can eat. Dehydration can cause chinchillas to get sick and aggressive. Better are wheels that have solid sides. Feeding you chinchilla a proper diet can be hard to do with exotic mammals like chinchillas. Fruit can cause problems to chinchillas … Biting, Scratching & More, How to Bathe a Chinchilla in Water (Step by Step), It still contains lots of water (72.5g per 100g weight), There are lots of different kinds of fiber, and your chinchilla’s gut is set up to deal with those found in hay, not in orange peel, Your chinchilla may find the bitter taste off-putting. In addition to this, a lot of fruit can actually be harmful to chinchillas and they certainly can’t just eat any and all fruits. Fruit twigs will also aid the chinchilla's tooth filing process as well as act as a natural treat. But would either its raw form, or lavender essential oil, be …. If they don't take care of plant roots when they invade the chinchilla's space, their homes would be overrun! Things can get even more confusing when feeding your chin fruits and vegetables. Some of the answer explanations contain links for further reading, which you can click and open in a New Tab. Do not offer woods from fruit trees that bear a pip (cherry, plum etc). Carbohydrates What even are cuttlebones, and …, Everybody poops (including your chinchilla). Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) This stops your chinchilla from eating or going to the toilet, and is fatal. Chinchillas can eat apples and they are healthy for them. Chinchillas are herbivores and as such, only eat plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, hay, grass, and leaves. Is it wise to feed grapes to chinchillas? You’ll want to look for fruits that are rich in … Chinchillas can’t eat oranges as part of their regular diet or even as a treat. There are many fruits which chinchillas can eat, but according to experts, it not a great idea to feed grapes to chinchillas. Chinchillas can have some vegetables in small amounts and moderation. Chinchillas do not do well with recooked foods, especially if these foods are all they are given. This article deals with the somewhat “controversial” topic of diet and nutrition. Rabbit food, or food for other small animals won't kill your chinchilla. Lets take a look at their nutritional data and find out more. Thus, you should avoid feeding watermelon, grapes, lemons, oranges to your pet chinchilla. Chinchillas can eat apples and they are healthy for them. It then can't go to the toilet, since its gut is physically blocked. I'm an independent chinchilla owner and I don't need help from the likes of you. December 15, 2014 Chinchilla foods Chris Apples are fruit of the apple tree which is a deciduous tree from the rose family and is known for its pomaceous and sweet fruit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can't do Lettuce,Corn & Cabbage since they cause gas and are very harsh on a chinchilla's digestive system. But one thing that all breeders will agree on is that chinchillas require a low fat, high fiber diet to maintain optimum health. Apples can give your chinchilla a needed boost in vitamins and should only be fed to your chinchilla a few time a week and should never exceed more than 10% of their daily diet. Apples can give your chinchilla a needed boost in vitamins and should […] Are you a new Chin-Parent, and not sure where to start? Simple pellet foods, even those designed specifically for chinchillas, should be given in moderation and never as the only food. Potassium (4%) 181 mg These don't provide as good purchase for your chinchilla's feet to run on, but they're much safer.