We prepare twigs—chews for chinchillas—ourselves

Recommendations for preparing branch feed

Shoots and twigs of various plants are introduced into the diet of animals for several reasons:

• Wood will add variety to the diet of an animal that is deprived of the opportunity to choose what it needs at any given time, as happens in its natural habitat. Greens and twigs are rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements. This is a good addition to your pet's daily diet.
• Like other rodents, chinchillas' teeth grow continuously. They need to be sharpened. For this reason, the animal is always gnawing on something. Hardwood is a good choice for this. Otherwise, the chinchilla will chew everything it can, and this does not always please the owners.
• Any wooden object is perceived by your pet as a toy. You can encourage your pet to play with twigs and twigs. This will increase his interaction with you and he will become more sociable, active and trusting towards you.

Dried young shoots are a natural product with nutritional value similar to hay. It contains proteins, fats and lots of fiber. In industry, these raw materials are used to produce vitamin flour.

The branches are collected during the plant's growing season, when they contain the most nutrients.

Logging sites must be environmentally friendly. Forests are not suitable for waste collection if there are highways or industrial areas nearby. Also, you should not store tree feed within the city, even in parks.

The branches must be clean - free from mold, pests, fungi and signs of animal bites.

The bark contains beneficial substances in maximum concentration, so there is no need to clean it.

Familiar treats

The most accessible are walnuts, so we will begin to consider this issue with them. Veterinarians differ in their answer to the question: Do chinchillas need walnuts?

Some experts believe that nut kernels are an excess in the diet, while others argue that nuts must certainly be present. It is worth watching your pet when introducing this type of nut into its diet.

Harmful branches for chinchillas

Some plants are not only not beneficial for rodents, but are actually prohibited for them:

• all coniferous trees and plants whose wood contains resin;
• Cherry, almond, plum, apricot and other fruit trees with seeds. The cyanide compounds present in them produce strong hydrocyanic acid (the strongest poison);
• all citrus fruits;
• sea ​​buckthorn, elderberry, maple, cherry.

Introduce him to tree food gradually, observing his reaction to the new treat over several days. Not all pets eat branches of different plants with the same pleasure. Over time, you will learn your pet's preferences and be able to stock up on what he likes.

A chinchilla's diet should consist of more than just vegetables, fruits, grains, etc. It is necessary that the animal receives with food the substances necessary for the body, which are contained in various twigs, branches and cut branches.

But not every tree is suitable for the normal development of a rodent, and before planting any branches in the cage, you need to understand which trees can be chewed by chinchillas so as not to harm the animals.

Final table

It is quite difficult to immediately remember all the branches that are allowed and prohibited for feeding chinchillas. Therefore, to avoid mistakes and just for convenience, you can use a summary table of tree species that are useful and harmful for fluffies:

Knowing which tree branches can be given to a chinchilla and which ones cannot, every owner will be able to protect their pet from health problems. If a mistake does occur and the animal gnaws on a stick of a prohibited breed, you must immediately contact a veterinary clinic. The specialist will examine the animal and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Rules for self-harvesting branches

As soon as buds appear on the trees, you can begin collecting branches. They are trimmed with pruning shears. The sap moving through the trees at this time contains the most valuable nutrients.

• Take only living branches from healthy trees and shrubs. Do not cut plants that are dry, dirty, moldy, or have animal teeth marks. The stems of raspberries, gooseberries and hawthorns should be cleared of sharp thorns so that the animal does not injure itself in the mouth.
• The twigs (about 1 cm in diameter) are divided into pieces 5-7 cm long. This size is convenient for chinchillas to eat while sitting and hold the treat in their front paws.
• Wash the cut branches well and scald them with boiling water. Oven dry by spreading a thin layer onto a baking sheet.
• Leave the oven door slightly open. Check and stir the drumsticks from time to time.
• Store completely dried branches in cardboard boxes. Plastic containers are not suitable as they may mold in there. Well-dried wood will not become moldy. However, check the branches after a few weeks - throw away any mold-infested branches and leave them dry.

What branches to give to chinchillas

Wood food makes up no more than a quarter of the daily diet. Depending on the type of stocking, dried twigs can be fed to chinchillas in approximately the following quantities:

• Gooseberries - up to 3 branches in 7 days;
• Crow, hawthorn and sea buckthorn: 1-2 branches per week is enough;
• Raspberries are served at a price of 2 times a week;
• Every 2 weeks, 1 branch of raspberry and willow is offered;
• Birch is a favorite plant of many chinchillas. In addition to vitamins and microelements, birch leaves and twigs contain phytoncides that have an antibacterial effect, which is especially useful for young chinchillas. The leaves contain a lot of ascorbic acid and metabolism activators. Feed the animal 1 sprig per week;
• Elm is offered every 3 days;
• Chinchillas eat willow and pear well. You can give up to 5-6 seatings per week. Sprouts cut during the cooler months have the greatest nutritional value;
• Currant branches are good for chinchillas, 3 branches are distributed per week;
• Linden can be caged in any number;
• give a piece of hazelnut twice a week;
• Aspen (bark and branches) are fed every 3-4 days. The best season for harvesting is winter.
• Oak and alder can help with diarrhea. Simply divide one sprig into 7 parts and give for a week to normalize bowel movements and prevent constipation.

Some owners collect pieces of grapes, rose hips and apple shoots.

Feed manufacturers add carob to some species. They are rich in proteins, sugars, pectins, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium and other elements.

Why does a chinchilla need twigs?

Wood helps add variety to the rodents' diet. It is necessary as a supplement, thanks to which the animal receives vitamins and minerals.

The chinchilla successfully grinds its teeth on hard wood, which it must do constantly.

Branches and wooden objects also serve as toys for pets. If your pet is not distracted by various toys, he may begin to pull out fur.

Dried branches are similar in nutritional value to natural hay of relatively good quality. They contain up to 8 - 15% protein, various types of fat (5 - 8%), as well as a large amount of fiber and other components. In industry, these raw materials are used to produce vitamin flour.

Melon seeds

Any seed contains enormous energy. That's why birds and rodents love them so much.

Raw pumpkin seeds, zucchini seeds, watermelon seeds, and melon seeds are very useful for chinchillas.

But the owner of the rodent must observe the measure. A pet needs from 5 to 7 melon seeds per day.

Important! All seeds that the owner wants to feed his pet must be fresh, slightly dried.

Vitamin supplements to complement your diet

Additional vitamins are given to animals in case of malnutrition, young animals, females during pregnancy and lactation, and also in case of illness. They are available in various forms, but it is easier to add liquid vitamin supplements to water. Some manufacturers produce food fortified with vitamins.

Owners sometimes sprinkle 2-5 grams of dry yeast as a source of protein and vitamin B. Various types of mineral and salt stones are placed or suspended in a cage where they scrape the teeth and replenish the mineral balance in the body.

Recommendations for preparing branch feed

First you need to understand the need to introduce branches into the diet.

Read also: dishes for chinchillas: sand or water bath

Greens saturate the body with useful microelements and vitamins, and sprouts can also improve the condition of teeth if your pet constantly chews something.

Twigs can be used by animals as toys, which has a beneficial effect on behavioral factors, activity and sociability.

Rules for preparing branches yourself:

• Feed collection should be done in areas that comply with environmental regulations, preferably avoiding highways, industrial areas and areas with heavy traffic.
• The best time to pluck branches is when the leaves are growing. This is the best time to get nutrient-rich feed.
• The stems must be free from fungi, lichens and traces of other diseases and pests.
• Before harvesting, the shoots are washed well in warm and then cold water, after which the young branches are dried.
• Choose a storage location with a minimum percentage of humidity.
• There is no need to peel the bark as it contains many nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

What branches are allowed to be fed to a chinchilla?

Constantly introducing shrubs and trees into your diet on a daily basis is not a good idea, but you can safely diversify your diet with these tree branches by adding them to your diet along with other foods:

• Hawthorne. It is necessary to properly prepare the food - remove leaves and thorns. A couple of branches twice a week is enough.
• Raspberries. You can feed two stems once a week.
• Gooseberry. The bush is cleared of thorns and then added to the feed at the rate of 3 times every 7 days.
• Raspberries. It is necessary to get rid of any elements that could cause harm. Escape can be carried out for your pet no more than once every 14 days.
• Sea buckthorn and rowan. Remove all the leaves ahead of time and you can feed the stems to your pets several times a week.
• Currant. You can take three sprigs and distribute them in a weekly portion.
• Silk worm. One tree shoot can be fed to the animal once every 7 days.
• Birch. It feeds in the same way as alder. Tree shoots are characterized by a large amount of vitamins and beneficial microelements. Particularly pleasant is the large amount of phytoncides - substances with antibacterial activity. Animals kept in cages often suffer from a deficiency of this element. Ascorbic acid contained in young leaves helps supplement the requirement of this vitamin. Greens are also rich in substances that have a positive effect on life processes. This healthy treat can be given to your pet throughout the year, but do not overdo it, as a large amount of leaves will negatively affect the kidneys.
• Juniper. Rodents like both the coniferous part of the tree and berries, which contain large amounts of sugars with antibacterial properties.
• Pine. The branches are rich in starch, various types of vitamins and a small amount of fat and iron. The latter element is part of hemoglobin and has a beneficial effect on the animal’s metabolism. In addition, the twigs contain spicy substances that determine the good appetite of pets. Pine needles hold the record for ascorbic acid capacity (the result is 6 times higher than that of citrus fruits). Pets should eat only young spring stems that have been cleared of resin. Conifer seeds can be added to rodent food throughout the year.
• Willow. Just feed one sprig every 14 days.
• Elm. It is allowed to feed the stem every 3 days.
• Pear tree, willow. Use 2 shots as food maximum 3 times per week. Both types of trees are valuable food that chinchillas love. You can give this treat to your pet all year round. Roses collected in the cold season are the most nutritious.
• Linden. There are no feeding restrictions, you can always stay close to the animal.
• Hazelnut. Twice a week you can please your furry one with a sprig of walnut.
• Aspen. One session is enough several times a week. Any part of the tree can be used to supplement the main diet. Harvesting is best done in winter, when it provides maximum amounts of fat and protein.
• Alder. This is an excellent prevention of diarrhea. 1 sprig for 7 days will relieve unpleasant intestinal diseases.
• Oak. The fruits and twigs of this tree are of interest to furry animals throughout the year. Tannins in the composition help cope with diarrhea, but it is not recommended to give an abundance of this plant to chinchillas, as it can cause constipation.
• Poplar. The nutritional value is very high, many times superior to many foods, but such a tree is quite unattractive for rodents.

Alder and oak should be fed with extreme caution, as they contain large amounts of tannins. These branches should be given in case of digestive disorders.

Foods that can be given in limited quantities

Many breeders argue about the need or possibility of feeding these types of products to the animal. However, in small quantities they bring more benefits.

The first such product is nuts. Chinchillas simply love them. Nuts contain many useful microelements, vitamins, acids and amino acids. The danger is that nuts can cause allergies, diarrhea and provoke the development of obesity. However, once a week you can offer your pet a tasty treat - walnuts, almonds, peanuts or hazelnuts. The main thing is that there should only be one nut.

A lot of controversy arises about seeds. They contain a large amount of fatty acids, and those who are involved in breeding and exhibitions know what a positive effect the seeds have on the condition of the fur and the appearance of the animal. However, an excess of seeds in the diet can lead to obesity and problems with the stomach. Chinchillas can be given some pumpkin or watermelon, sunflower or flax seeds. It is very important to remember that the seeds must be fresh. Roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds will cause constipation and poisoning.

Dried fruits are most often used as a treat. If you really want to treat your animal to a piece of raisins or dried apricots, give it no more than once a week and only in small quantities.

Any type of dried fruit has a number of very useful substances for humans, but they are not entirely suitable for chinchillas. Raisins are too sweet and can cause problems with your sugar levels. Most often, raisins are given to sick animals that refuse to eat or to a female who has just given birth. Prunes have a strong laxative effect and you can only give a small piece if you are constipated.

Consumption of leaves

You can also introduce the leaves into your chinchilla's diet. Dried or dried leaves are ideal. Fresh food is also acceptable for rodents, but no more than 4-5 small pieces per 7 days.

These must be young leaves of such trees:

1. Birch. Regular use provides an antibacterial effect and stimulation of life processes. Acceptable all year round, without restrictions.
2. Oak. Helps cope with gastrointestinal disorders. Give as needed, but no more than 1-2 leaves per day. Large doses may cause constipation.
3. Aspen. The leaves make a wonderful addition any time of year. They are valued for their high content of healthy proteins and fats.
4. And you. Healthy and nutritious. You can feed your pet all year round, there are no restrictions.
5. Poplar. It is nutritionally superior even to forage grasses. The leaves can be eaten year-round, but animals are usually not very willing to eat them.

We suggest reading how to properly care for chinchillas at home.

Boiled puree

Long-eared animals love boiled puree even more than raw vegetables. The concentration of sugar in it becomes greater, but the beneficial substances do not go anywhere. Start giving this puree to your rabbits, and also add it to the feed. Even if rabbits don’t particularly like it, with mixed puree everything will be eaten clean. In addition to cooking, use oven baking. Bake, as well as boil, should be done without adding salt and spices. Then you should grind it with a grater, mortar, fork or blender.

Seeds are also very important to introduce into the diet, but remember that different amounts of seeds are needed for rabbits and baby rabbits, since the concentration of vitamins there is very high and it can harm their well-being. Give adult rabbits 4-5 pieces per day, and baby rabbits need to chop 1-2 and add them to their food.

Pumpkin tops have enough fiber to be included in a rabbit's diet. And the rabbits themselves will be happy to chew on the juicy shoots. It turns out that pumpkin is a waste-free raw material - everything goes into feed, making it varied.

Tip: Be sure to include ripe orange pumpkin in your diet if you are raising red-coated rabbits. With sufficient consumption, wool becomes not only softer, fluffier and of higher quality, but also a brighter color - this is due to the presence of beta-carotene in large quantities.

What wood is dangerous for chinchillas?

There are many recommendations about which trees are good for chinchillas to chew, but there are also types of trees and shrubs whose branches should absolutely not be given to animals. Including:

Branches of rosemary, elderberry, sea buckthorn, midge, wolfberry, and cherry also pose a threat to animals due to increased toxicity. Therefore, they should be excluded from the animal diet.

Uncontrolled consumption of branches from trees that are “edible” enough for chinchillas can also end sadly. For example, if a chinchilla eats birch twigs more often than usual, this can lead to kidney inflammation.

Do not feed chinchillas building materials such as particle board and plywood. These materials use toxic adhesives containing phenol. And if they are used for a pet house, then the ends should be covered with metal corners to hide them from the teeth of rodents.

Oak and alder contain tannins, so it is more advisable to give them to an animal with digestive disorders.

Tree pulp is considered an important component of the rodent diet. If you know which tree branches can be fed to chinchillas, you can provide the animal with all the necessary substances.

Rules for self-harvesting branches

As soon as buds appear on the trees, you can begin collecting branches. They are trimmed with pruning shears. The sap moving through the trees at this time contains the most valuable nutrients.

• Take only living branches from healthy trees and shrubs. Do not cut plants that are dry, dirty, moldy, or have animal teeth marks. The stems of raspberries, gooseberries and hawthorns should be cleared of sharp thorns so that the animal does not injure itself in the mouth.
• The twigs (about 1 cm in diameter) are divided into pieces 5-7 cm long. This size is convenient for chinchillas to eat while sitting and hold the treat in their front paws.
• Wash the cut branches well and scald them with boiling water. Oven dry by spreading a thin layer onto a baking sheet.
• Leave the oven door slightly open. Check and stir the drumsticks from time to time.
• Store completely dried branches in cardboard boxes. Plastic containers are not suitable as they may mold in there. Well-dried wood will not become moldy. However, check the branches after a few weeks - throw away any mold-infested branches and leave them dry.

What branches to give to chinchillas

Wood food makes up no more than a quarter of the daily diet. Depending on the type of stocking, dried twigs can be fed to chinchillas in approximately the following quantities:

• Gooseberries - up to 3 branches in 7 days;
• Crow, hawthorn and sea buckthorn: 1-2 branches per week is enough;
• Raspberries are served at a price of 2 times a week;
• Every 2 weeks, 1 branch of raspberry and willow is offered;
• Birch is a favorite plant of many chinchillas. In addition to vitamins and microelements, birch leaves and twigs contain phytoncides that have an antibacterial effect, which is especially useful for young chinchillas. The leaves contain a lot of ascorbic acid and metabolism activators. Feed the animal 1 sprig per week;
• Elm is offered every 3 days;
• Chinchillas eat willow and pear well. You can give up to 5-6 seatings per week. Sprouts cut during the cooler months have the greatest nutritional value;
• Currant branches are good for chinchillas, 3 branches are distributed per week;
• Linden can be caged in any number;
• give a piece of hazelnut twice a week;
• Aspen (bark and branches) are fed every 3-4 days. The best season for harvesting is winter.
• Oak and alder can help with diarrhea. Simply divide one sprig into 7 parts and give for a week to normalize bowel movements and prevent constipation.

Some owners collect pieces of grapes, rose hips and apple shoots.

Feed manufacturers add carob to some species. They are rich in proteins, sugars, pectins, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium and other elements.

Harmful branches for chinchillas

Some plants are not only not beneficial for rodents, but are actually prohibited for them:

• all coniferous trees and plants whose wood contains resin;
• Cherry, almond, plum, apricot and other fruit trees with seeds. The cyanide compounds present in them produce strong hydrocyanic acid (the strongest poison);
• all citrus fruits;
• sea ​​buckthorn, elderberry, maple, cherry.

Introduce him to tree food gradually, observing his reaction to the new treat over several days. Not all pets eat branches of different plants with the same pleasure. Over time, you will learn your pet's preferences and be able to stock up on what he likes.

The main food for chinchillas is pelleted or pelleted. This food contains all the vital substances. Pelleted food should always be in your chinchilla's bowl.

Feed pelleted food once a day, preferably in the evening and at the same time. You need to feed one tablespoon per chinchilla, but if there is no food in the bowl the next day, you can add a little more food.

Various leaves, berries, twigs, roots and flowers can be given to chinchillas, but only in dry form! When the leaf is properly dried, it retains all the vitamins.

Each new treat or twig should be introduced into the diet gradually (in very small pieces), and gastrointestinal reactions should be observed. If constipation or diarrhea occurs, remove it from the diet immediately. Of course, if you are giving something for the first time, you should not mix it with something else, otherwise you will not know what is causing the reaction.

Almonds for a snack

The high percentage of fat content and energy value of almond grains is not much inferior to pine nuts. Although some owners indulge their pets with this delicacy, veterinarians advise against it. Eating almonds by an animal leads to digestive disorders and is difficult to treat.

According to another version of experts, almonds strengthen the body’s defenses and resistance to infections. If the pet is completely healthy, he is allowed to eat a little treat - ¼ of a kernel approximately once every 10-12 days.

If an animal is exhausted after illness, almonds will restore its strength. It will also serve as an additive to the diet of pregnant and lactating females.

Which tree branches can be given to a chinchilla?

It is important to provide chinchillas with a varied diet of greens and young tree shoots. However, not all branches can be food for rodents. Many trees and shrubs can negatively affect the health of pets.

First you need to understand the need to introduce branches into the diet.

Greens saturate the body with useful microelements and vitamins, and sprouts can also improve the condition of teeth if your pet constantly chews something.

Twigs can be used by animals as toys, which has a beneficial effect on behavioral factors, activity and sociability.

Rules for preparing branches yourself:

• Feed collection should be done in areas that comply with environmental regulations, preferably avoiding highways, industrial areas and areas with heavy traffic.
• The best time to pluck branches is when the leaves are growing. This is the best time to get nutrient-rich feed.
• The stems must be free from fungi, lichens and traces of other diseases and pests.
• Before harvesting, the shoots are washed well in warm and then cold water, after which the young branches are dried.
• Choose a storage location with a minimum percentage of humidity.
• There is no need to peel the bark as it contains many nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

What branches are allowed to be fed to a chinchilla?

Constantly introducing shrubs and trees into your diet on a daily basis is not a good idea, but you can safely diversify your diet with these tree branches by adding them to your diet along with other foods:

• Hawthorne. It is necessary to properly prepare the food - remove leaves and thorns. A couple of branches twice a week is enough.
• Raspberries. You can feed two stems once a week.
• Gooseberry. The bush is cleared of thorns and then added to the feed at the rate of 3 times every 7 days.
• Raspberries. It is necessary to get rid of any elements that could cause harm. Escape can be carried out for your pet no more than once every 14 days.
• Sea buckthorn and rowan. Remove all the leaves ahead of time and you can feed the stems to your pets several times a week.
• Currant. You can take three sprigs and distribute them in a weekly portion.
• Silk worm. One tree shoot can be fed to the animal once every 7 days.
• Birch. It feeds in the same way as alder. Tree shoots are characterized by a large amount of vitamins and beneficial microelements. Particularly pleasant is the large amount of phytoncides - substances with antibacterial activity. Animals kept in cages often suffer from a deficiency of this element. Ascorbic acid contained in young leaves helps supplement the requirement of this vitamin. Greens are also rich in substances that have a positive effect on life processes. This healthy treat can be given to your pet throughout the year, but do not overdo it, as a large amount of leaves will negatively affect the kidneys.
• Juniper. Rodents like both the coniferous part of the tree and berries, which contain large amounts of sugars with antibacterial properties.
• Pine. The branches are rich in starch, various types of vitamins and a small amount of fat and iron. The latter element is part of hemoglobin and has a beneficial effect on the animal’s metabolism. In addition, the twigs contain spicy substances that determine the good appetite of pets. Pine needles hold the record for ascorbic acid capacity (the result is 6 times higher than that of citrus fruits). Pets should eat only young spring stems that have been cleared of resin. Conifer seeds can be added to rodent food throughout the year.
• Willow. Just feed one sprig every 14 days.
• Elm. It is allowed to feed the stem every 3 days.
• Pear tree, willow. Use 2 shots as food maximum 3 times per week. Both types of trees are valuable food that chinchillas love. You can give this treat to your pet all year round. Roses collected in the cold season are the most nutritious.
• Linden. There are no feeding restrictions, you can always stay close to the animal.
• Hazelnut. Twice a week you can please your furry one with a sprig of walnut.
• Aspen. One session is enough several times a week. Any part of the tree can be used to supplement the main diet. Harvesting is best done in winter, when it provides maximum amounts of fat and protein.
• Alder. This is an excellent prevention of diarrhea. 1 sprig for 7 days will relieve unpleasant intestinal diseases.
• Oak. The fruits and twigs of this tree are of interest to furry animals throughout the year. Tannins in the composition help cope with diarrhea, but it is not recommended to give an abundance of this plant to chinchillas, as it can cause constipation.
• Poplar. The nutritional value is very high, many times superior to many foods, but such a tree is quite unattractive for rodents.

Alder and oak should be fed with extreme caution, as they contain large amounts of tannins. These branches should be given in case of digestive disorders.

Authorized Products

The list of foods that can be given to chinchillas is quite large. Animals can be fed fruits:

• Bananas,
• Apples,
• Pears,
• Figs
• Vegetables:
• Pumpkin,
• Milk corn,
• Bell pepper,
• Kohlrabi,
• Zucchini,
• Zucchini,
• Kohlrabi,
• Patissons,
• Ripe red tomatoes.

• Lettuce leaves,
• spinach leaves,
• Clover,
• Alfalfa,
• sorrel leaves,
• Dandelion leaves and stems,
• Celery,
• Chicory,
• Cornflowers,
• Vika,
• Common nettle,
• Sagebrush,
• Raspberry leaves and stems
• Strawberry leaves and stems
• Plant tops,
• Twigs with leaves of apple, pear,
• Birch and linden branches,
• Hazelnut sprigs.

• Corn (corn grains are part of the feed mixture and are given in ground form),
• Barley (given in ground form),
• Wheat (grains and bran),
• Oats (grains, bran, flakes),
• Millet,
• Buckwheat,
• Rice.

Apples, pears, as well as carrots, pumpkins, zucchini, berries can be given to animals both fresh and dried.

Some chinchillas are more willing to eat dried foods, and they are also safer for the digestive tract.

It is recommended to collect fresh grass for furry pets in places far from roads and landfills, walking pets and industrial enterprises. It is not recommended to feed grass that is wet from dew or rain. And also carefully monitor that there are no poisonous plants among other weeds.