Safe Woods For Chinchillas

[Debbie]

All wood should be taken from areas that have not been sprayed with chemicals. They should also be away from busy roads where car-exhausts won't have affected them.

Thoroughly wash (in hot salted water) and allow to fully dry before giving it to the chins.

If necessary, dry the wood in a warm oven.

If your chin is not used to eating/chewing wood - give a tiny amount at first - and gradually increase it over a period of weeks. Be aware that some woods turn a chinchillas pee bright orange. This is nothing to worry about.

The following are all regarded as safe - but if in doubt - don't feed it!!

Apple, pear, medlar and hawthorn.

Rose and bramble prunings are enjoyed (watch out - they may be too prickly for some chins)

Elm

Mulberry

Poplar

Aspen

Ash

Birch

Lime (not the citrus wood - but the common UK Limetree)

Sycamore

Willow - with the exception of white willow.

Hazel

Pine wood is safe (kiln dried - not fresh pine) Thoroughly washed and dried "old" pinecones can also be given.