Chinchilla Community Forums

News & Updates => News => Topic started by: chintastick on November 03, 2012, 01:36:59 PM

Title: corn and nuts
Post by: chintastick on November 03, 2012, 01:36:59 PM

Hello,
i was wondering if i could give some dried corn to my chinchilla? is it healthy for her? and i've heard that nuts are very fattening for chins so i was wondering if just giving her the walnut's shell would it be ok or still as bad for her?

Thank you in advance :)

Title: Re: corn and nuts
Post by: GrayRodent on November 03, 2012, 02:05:52 PM

I understand corn is not safe. Walnut shell has oils in it that may not be safe.
I recommend raisins no more than two a day as a treat. You can cut them up into small pieces and use it for taming your chinchilla.

Title: Re: corn and nuts
Post by: chinclub on November 04, 2012, 01:52:48 PM

GrayRodent is correct.  Nuts are dangerous not because they will cause your chinchilla to gain weight but because they can damage the liver. Corn is not easily digested and can lead to digestive trouble. Animal grade corn is even more dangerous because it can carry toxins that chinchillas are susceptible to.

Title: Re: corn and nuts
Post by: Snickerdoodlesmom on December 04, 2012, 08:29:59 PM

Try dried basil. I use fresh and organic, but only because snickerdoodle has a really strong belly. I wouldn't do it for a chin with a history of stomach problems. Tiny 1/8 tsp apple chunks are safe--- again, my chinchilla has a strong stomach, so I don't know about yours.