Chinchilla?

Question

does anyone know for sure if it is ok to use 100% natual pine wood shavings to line the cage for a chinchilla? thnx.

Answer 1

no it will die and would just use regular bedding

Answer 2

No

This is bad for the chinchilla it will mess up his respiratory system and he will die I suggest that you use Carefresh its made out of paper you can get it at your local pet store

Answer 3

Not so much.  The best alternative is Aspen, which is available at any local pet store.

Answer 4

I agree with the last post. Petco and PetSmart know as much about chinchillas as a monkey knows about neuroscience. I have often found toxic chew woods in the "chinchilla" section at these stores. The safest bedding is KILN DRIED Pine. Kaytee is a decent brand if these are your most convenient options. Be wary of most pine bedding in these stores, or any pet stores, as they usually say in fine print that other "pet-safe" wood(s) may be mixed in that are not safe for your chinchilla. Kiln Dried pine is what every reputable breeder I know uses in their chinchilla cages.

Either way, If you're still unsure of what bedding is the safest for your little one, contact a a vet school within your state, specifically mentioning that you own an "exotic" animal (more specifically, a chinchilla). The doctors will either be able to tell you exactly what is recommended or find a colleague at another vet school who does to reassure you.

Florida State, University of California-Davis, University of Minnesota are a few of the top-ranked veterinary schools in the country. It is difficult enough to find a good vet that is knows anything or has much experience in chinchillas (depending on where you live)- my mother is a vet and has referred me to a vet school if any question or health issue should arise she's unable to answer.

Again, if you're unsure, consult an exotic vet who has experience with chinchillas. Better safe and happy than sick or worse.

Answer 5

Sorry, No, it is bad for the chinchilla it will mess up his respiratory system and can get sick! A lot of times cedar and pine bedding can cause fur loss as well. I have a chinchilla and hamster and I use Carfresh and Softsorbent. Most people would prefer Carefresh, but I prefer Softsorbent! These are links to buy them if you want to try, http://www.petco.com/product/14454/Caref... , http://www.petco.com/product/3370/Carefr... , http://www.petco.com/product/10791/Caref... , http://www.petco.com/product/102903/Kayt... , http://www.petco.com/product/106652/Kayt... , http://www.petco.com/product/100574/Kayt... , http://www.westcoastpetsupply.com/1/chin... ! Also try diceing up corn and natural safe veggies!

Answer 6

Wow...People are daft.

First of all, yes it is ok to use pine bedding. It doesn not cause these kind of issues. Just make sure when you buy it to look and see if it's kiln dried. Most of the pine bedding is.

Secondly, corn is the worst thing to use. Chins have a sensitive digestive system, and fresh veggies could give them bloat and possibly kill them.

Thirdly, they will eat whatever bedding is in the cage with them. Pine is 100% edible if it's kiln dried. If you use carefresh you risk the chin eating too much and again, causing bloat. This means no paper, newspaper or other such things.

I would stick with the pine. Here are some resources for you to look at...To show that I actually know what I'm talking about sicne I actually own many chinchillas.

Examples of non-safe chinchilla bedding are cedar chips, redwood, certain types of hemlock, corncob and chlorophyll

Hope this helps!

Answer 7

dicing up corn cobs would me best

Answer 8

pine is ok not the best you could use aspen. I use a mix of pine pellets and aspen. I like the mix I can see where the most urine is with the pellets and the aspen is soft. I breed and they have all been just fine. The only bedding you should stay away from of course is cedar. That is almost instant death thats the one that gives them respiratory problems.

btw carefresh is great but it's really expensive

Answer 9

no, never use pine! it can cause respiratory problems.