Chinchilla Treats
Posted by Amanda S on Sun, Nov 30, 2008 @ 06:51 PM
And the winner is . . .
Forchinate Chins' Whole Rose Hips
Photo from Forchinate Chins
Why? You have undoubtedly come to recognize that characteristic "beg" for something sweet. Rather than giving your chins sugar loaded treats, rose hips taste good AND are good for them too! They are loaded with vitamin C and can be given one daily to support good nutrition. As with any safe chinchilla treat, no sugar has been added and you will know by the pile of seeds leftover that this treat was a success!
Where can I buy them? Rose hips are available at Forchinate Chins' online "Chincessories" store:
http://geocities.com/forchinatechins/chincessories.htm
Rose hips are available there in both the whole and crushed varieties. While Tango has never tried the crushed, he seems to really enjoy cracking open the whole hips!
How much do they cost? You can buy them for $0.75/oz., though higher quantities are discounted.
Is there a close 2nd place finisher? Yes! While rose hips were selected as the winner due to their nutritional benefits, there is a variety of other tasty treats out there that are safe for chinchillas, in moderation. Tango's other favorites from Forchinate Chins include the Apple Pellets (also $0.75/oz.), made completely from apple peels, and Banana Chips ($0.50.oz.), dehydrated banana slices, both organic with no added sugar. Tango is allowed one daily of each of these treats.
Photos from Forchinate Chins
A fourth popular item is Kaytee's Natural Timothy Cubes ($3.99 for 1 lb.) Not only are these great for maintaining proper dentition, but are one of the few items available at most pet stores that I recommend. As with loose hay, it is best to supplement with timothy hay cubes since most pellet diets are alfalfa based.
Photo from PetSmart
Top Row (L to R): Mazuri Chinchilla Pellets, Bamboo Chew Toys, Timothy Hay Cubes; Middle Row: Quaker Oatmeal (Plain), Whole Rose Hips , Plain (Unfrosted) Shredded Wheats; Bottom Row: Apple Pellets, Natural Pumice Stones, Dehydrated Banana Slices