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'.
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August 24th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
I am getting my chinchilla on Sunday. My question is-how do I know whether the pine bedding is "kiln" dried? I have a bunch left from a pet squirrel a little while back and am wondering if it is okay to use…I will get different when I have to purchase more…but is it okay to use what I have left of this. Thank you.
April 26th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
I use Carefresh bedding. This was suggested by the rescue where I adopted Liam (Love of my life!) He does not seem to eat it and when I let him out for his run, I do see him go back into his cage to wiz.
January 12th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Our chinchillas are far from perfect. They will sometimes urinate on the shelves. As for encouraging them to use the bedding, we don't know of any tricks. Ours just seem to prefer it.
January 12th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
How did you encourage your chinchilla to not urinate outside the bedding?
December 20th, 2006 at 7:01 pm
Ashlee,
Not all pine is bad. If the bedding you have is kiln dried, it's fine to use. It's the oils in the pine that are bad and the kiln drying process eliminates these oils.
We hope you have the "good" kind!