Enrichment

As with any domesticated animal, Chinchillas need enrichment to stimulate them and to encourage natural behaviour and discourage abnormal behaviour. There are a few basics to remember when selecting toys and accessories to enrich your chins life. Don’ts Plastic toys Plastic can be fatal to chins when eaten and should not be used. Although there are a multitude of plastic products available in the shops and online that say they are suitable for chins I am yet to find one that is. NONE of my chins have any plastic items in (or within reach) of their cages. Giant balls These are made of plastic so are automatically on my list of products to avoid, however there are additional reasons why balls are SO dangerous for chinchillas. Giant balls are based on the hamster balls (but much larger), as with other small mammals they don't simulate natural behaviour due to the curve on the inside of the ball, this alone can cause back problems. Additionally Chinchillas find it very difficult to regulate their body temperature, putting them in a large plastic ball and encouraging them to run about can cause them to overheat very quickly and can lead to fatalities. Plastic or wire wheels There are NO plastic wheels available in the UK that are suitable for chinchillas. As previously mentioned, firstly there are the dangers evolved in providing plastic toys. Secondly though the MINIMUM diameter for a chinchilla wheel is 16", there are no wheels available in shops and only 2 available on line that fit this criterion, these are available from and . Wire wheels are also unsuitable for 2 reasons, firstly they are to small and secondly the chinchillas can get their limbs, feet and tails trapped in the wire bars which can result in the chinchilla needing an amputation, which can be life threatening. Plastic bath houses In my opinion these are to small for a chinchilla to be able to bathe properly, in some instances, the chins are to big even to lie down properly which means that they are not long enough for the chinchillas to roll in. When used they are generally chewed and used as a toilet, hence adding to their unsuitability. Rope toys Some parrot toys are suitable for chinchillas; however, toys containing rope should be avoided. When chewed the rope can form a mass in the chinchilla’s digestive system, this can result in a blockage which can be fatal. Chains Many toys that are designed for chins come on chains, these are fine as long as the chain is fitted in such a way that there is no bare chain in the chinchillas cage as they can get it wrapped around their limbs which can result in the chin being left hanging from it's limb. This can result in the limb being broken and needing amputating. Toilet and kitchen rolls. While these make fantastic toys for chins it is necessary to cut them along their length to prevent the chinchilla from getting stuck if it tries to crawl through it. Stuffing them with hay can make a good boredom buster. Wood The following woods are NOT suitable for chinchillas:- As a general rule any wood from a fruit tree where the fruit contains a stone are not suitable for chins, which would include, peach, plum and cherry. Other unsuitable woods include Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, and citrus wood, Fresh pine branches and ANY chemically treated or man made (ie, plywood, MDF, chip board) wood. Additionally any plant that is toxic to humans should not be given to chinchillas. has a comprehensive list of toxic plants and their effects, however, If you are unsure about the toxicity of a plant or you have reason to believe that your chinchilla has eaten a plant that may be toxic please contact your vet - even if your chinchilla isn't showing any symptoms. Do's Providing your chinchilla with toys doesn’t have to break the bank, there are several cost effective (or free) options that are often the most appreciated by your chinchilla. Free stuff Toilet roll and kitchen roll tubes As mentioned in the Don’ts section as long as toilet and kitchen roll tubes are cut along their length they can be a good, free toy. Carpet tubes Carpet tubes are normally available from most carpet shops, as long as you check that they haven’t been kept outside they are fantastic for chins. They can easily be cut to any length for use in the cage or when out playing. The best method that I have found for fixing them to the inside of cages is the use of net curtain wire (stripped of the plastic) with hooks on each end. Apple and willow sticks As long as you are lucky enough to have an apple or willow tree in your garden these fall in the free stiff category. They have to be scrubbed with hot water and then dried in a low oven to ensure that they are clean and thee is no fungus spores or mould living in the wood. Shoe boxes (obviously you have to buy the shoes first) Empty shoe boxes are fantastic for chinchillas. I generally make a hole in the bottom of the box and then put it in the cage upside down. They are also very handy if you have a chinchilla that is particularly difficult to catch as once they feel safe within their box they use it as a bolt hole, allowing you to easily remove them from the cage (obviously you need to cover the hole. Cheap stuff (under £10) Here are some examples of affordable items that are easily obtained and can make a huge difference to the quality of life of your chinchilla. There are lots of other products available on the market and simply by following the points raised in the don'ts section you can provide your chinchilla with an environment that is full of exciting things for him to do and to play with. Thermalite blocks These are available from your builders merchant, the chances are that unless you have lots of chinchillas you will only need 1 to last you for years (literally), breaking it up with a hammer (and goggles) or an angle grinder for more precise cuts can make perfect gnaw stones for your chinchilla. Marble slabs/ place mats As long as you can find ones that you can get into the cage these make fantastic resting places for your chinchilla, especially in the summer. Terracotta pots These make fantastic hiding places (and cool spots) for you chinchilla. They are reasonably priced and available from garden centres. Cuttlefish bones Cuttlefish bones are relatively cheep (from 50p to £1.50) depending on where you get them. Wooden clothes pegs (the old fashion ones) You can get wooden dolly pegs for about £1 for 50, chins find them great fun and my lot frequently run around their cage with theirs in their mouths. Willow Sticks These are available from most pet shops in bundles for a few pounds. Some people give then in the bundles but personally I give them one at a time. Chinchilla houses There are several different houses available for chinchillas, the points to remember is that they shouldn't be made from man made wood, nails or staples. Suitable products should be big enough for a guinea pig or small rabbit. Hammocks There are a few makes of hammocks available. My testers have found that Hammocky Hammocks are by far the best.