Environment Enrichment for Chinchillas

Wheels

Many Chinchillas love wheel but they should be the right type and not the plastic ones that are frequently sold as suitable for chinchillas. Proper chinchilla wheels are made out of steel and are either in the conventional upright position or are of the ‘flying saucer’ type which allows for a more natural running position. Never provide one of the metal wheels with spokes as chinchillas can so easily trap their legs in these. The wheel you choose should have a smooth, solid running surface only.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are a favourite toy, being used to hide in as well as chew to bits! Ensure that there are no metal staples in the boxes makeup and that there are adequate large holes in the box to allow for easy escape. Cereal boxes can be ideal.

Cardboard Tubes.

Save your toilet roll inners! They make ideal chew toys plus you can stuff them with hay as an added bonus, but please be wary of the glue used to put them together! Large tubes, normally coloured with vegetable dye are safe and are sold in may pet shops. They can make great places for chinchillas to hide out in or simply for them to chew! A cheaper alternative is to ask at a carpet shop for any unwanted inner tubes from the carpet rolls. They take a bit of cutting up (think hard work with a stanley knife or hack saw) but they are always welcomed by the chinchillas!

Other toys include pine cones (dry and clean, collected from unpolluted areas) and simple off cuts of untreated pine.

Some "Toys" are actually dangerous!

Please do avoid things like ‘chinchilla balls’ as these are not suitable for such an active animal with thick fur, causing them to overheat quickly! Also avoid plastic wheels and plastic toys – they will not last 5 minutes with a chewing chinchilla!

Also, toys involving chain-link, such as the bare chains on hanging chew toys can be dangerous and lead to nasty injuries. Slip the bare chain through a narrow card tube e.g. a sweet tube to protect your chinchilla and prevent their paws from getting tangled.

If you are unsure as to the suitability of a particular toy or chew, please remember that you can always get in touch with the Chinchilla Carers Club for advice!

C.H.