There are many bedding options out there, but not all are appropriate for chinchillas. For example, pine shavings are generally considered safe for animals, but not so for chinchillas. Some pine shavings can contain a resin that when ingested will harm a chinchilla.
The best option we've found are aspen shavings. These shavings provide the same benefit as pine, come in bulk so the price is low, and are not harmful to chinchillas in any form. We've also tried a recycled paper bedding. This product appealed to us because it was recycled material and very absorbent. However, on too many occasions we saw our chins eating the paper which raised concerns that there may be digestive issues down the road.
Our chinchillas are pretty good about using their bedding rather than urinating outside their cage.
Your nose will tell you when it is time to change the bedding. The frequency will also depend on how much bedding you provide and in how large an area. In the interest of easy cleaning, we use a relatively small bedding box that is about 1' x 2'.
Entries (RSS)
Half of the bottom of my chinchillas' cage is bedded and the other half is just the cage, i set the food on the bedding in a bowl and the water is also over the bedding. Should it be on the side without the bedding, or doesn't it matter?
I am wondering why you don't have bedding on the enitre bottom of the cage? My little guy is around 9ys old and has had bedding on the entire bottom since a baby. I think he likes it and likes to move it around etc. I have a 2 story cage, but technically, there was bedding under the water bottle and it was not an issue. Simpy check every once in a while to make sure the bottle didn't leak.
It seemed like filling the bottom with bedding was a waste because it lasted for same amount of time as filling just half of it i.e. it still started to smell after a week and needed to be replaced.
does carefresh bedding work?
i found this bedding and litter on petsmart.com and it says it's okay for chinchilllas but I thought I should make sure. This is what it says:
The ideal pet bedding and litter for small animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, chinchillas, rabbits and hand-fed baby birds.
Carefresh Pet Bedding is a patented small animal bedding made from reclaimed pulp waste. This short-fiber pulp can't be made into paper; it's free of inks, dyes, clay and chemicals used in the paper making process. It is processed to remove potentially harmful aromatic hydrocarbons that exist in pine and cedar oils. Carefresh is tested for containments and sanitized to 380° F to reduce bacteria, mold and fungus.
is it okay to have a cage with a mesh bottom and keep the shavings in the removable pan to clean it up, or do they need to have direct conact with the bedding?
I can't find my little Chinch book, but I am pretty sure it commented on the fact that actual contact was preferred so they weren't only on mesh. Another option, is to buy one of those wooden houses they sell at Petsmart or Petco for the little guy to sleep in. I put wood on the bottom as well so he had a flat bottom. This is on the top floor of the cage. He loves it. He also does love to play with the bedding and dig thru it etc every once in a while.
if it doesn't say it is okay to use for your chinchilla, don't use it.
wait til you find something particularly for them otherwise you will most likely have issues you don't need.
I was wondering if anyone knows if this "Natural Critter Care" bedding would be okay. It says it's safe for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Gerbils, Ferrets, Reptiles, and Birds, but nothing about Chinchillas. On the label it says "No Harmful Chemicals", "No Contaminants", "No Aromatic Oils". It's made from reclaimed cellulose fiber, and claims to be safer than wood shavings. It isn't made from recycled newspapers ect. Please let me know. Thank you.