TOYS AND TREATS FOR CHINCHILLAS by Linda Rolfe
(written through reference and observation)

LOCUST BEAN
This is a good treat but do not overdo these - they are mainly used for guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, chipmunks and other rodents but the chinchilla digestive system are more sensitive
ONE average lump classed as ONE treat
Do not give more than 4 pieces of this a week - it's the shell of the locust bean but is
rather 'sweet' and contains a lower 'fat' to that of peanuts - not too many as it's too fattening!

HERB TEABAGS
This is a very safe and interesting treat, if you like your herb tea - especially fruit ones!
After you have finished with the teabag - dry it out near the radiator, Aga or anywhere sunny - once dried
you can give the whole bag as ONE treat - make sure you do not include the little staples that some of these bags have attached  - chinchillas like to nibble the little paper notes attached too!

RAISINS
Of course I haven't forgotten raisins!
Just make sure you do not buy the oily type in the commercial supermarkets, I find that the 'California Raisins' that are shown here with my fat Bonny are perfect - they contain no oils (non sulphur) and harmful additives and they are cheaper than buying the 'healthy eating' versions from any health food shop (by the way... my 'fat' Bonny is not fat because of too many treats!)
ABSOLUTELY no more than one classed as one treat - I suggest  raisins in a week at the most for chinnie

apple pellets
I find these an excellent treat - and healthy - these are pure compressed pulped apple - skin and all
 sold on chinchillas2shop.co.uk
You can pop a few in the pellet dish for them - about 4 - 5 a day would be fine

CEREALS and HERB MIXES
Certain cereals are also a good treat - one treat would be: one shreddie OR one half of a mini wheat OR 4 sticks of all bran OR 3 bran-flakes - all these items must be limited to 1-2 times a week as they contain malt which is not too good in large amounts -there is also bran -which is excellent if your chinchilla has slight constipation! - You can also give as one treat a level teaspoon of Quaker oats, the natural kind is best or from a health shop, also, you can buy a herb mix bag that will last for ages (one rounded teaspoon a day is one treat of this herb mix )from Paul Spooner at: www.chillaquip.freeuk.com

OTHER TREATS
There is also a treat pack that 'VITAKRAFT' sell in the usual pet shops, this is a combination of dried fruits like cherry, dried potato, carrot and other similar ingredients, although many chinchillas are not keen on these treats they are okay but expensive! - the best alternative is to buy fresh/dried rosehips - more for the same price as a small pack of Vitakraft
For a large choice and variety of chinchilla safe treats - visit www.chinchillas2shop.co.uk (UK customers only)
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Dried fruit is okay - treat as a raisin - no more than 5 pieces a week
dried prune, peach, apricot, pear - DO NOT GIVE THEM WHOLE OR HALVES! a piece about the size of a large raisin as ONE treat
dandelion leaves - fresh or dried - in spring time - wash with water and dry first before giving - one leave as ONE treat
Remember: too many greens can cause digestive upset and the 'runs'
A lettuce leaf - carrot piece - cucumber slice - are fine in small quantities - glass like greens - small amounts are fine
DRIED thistle leafs and sometimes the head is loved by chinchillas
Ricicles - a cereal - the sugarless kind - they love to crunch them
Burnt toast is great for the digestion - around one a week is fine as ONE treat - about 1" square
Sunflower seeds and Pumpkin seeds - I recommend one a month as a treat - good for their fur but nothing else! - too fatty
Remember: chinchillas do not have a gall bladder - that means they can accumulate fat very easily - and cause future problems

 These treats are not recommended - as follows:
Chocolate drops - I don't care if they are even diabetic - too fatty!
Doggie biscuits - No way
Biscuits for human consumption - for human consumption only!
Any wood with varnish on or toxic paint - yes, that means the old domino in the cupboard!
Ice cream - some people I know HAVE recommended, but I am against any milk with sugar content
Small round very hard objects like dried peas - they cannot bite too good into these items and may choke
cooked porridge - yes I know, it IS fine as dried oats (one teaspoonful) but I've heard of someone who fed their little kit cooked version - absolutely not cooked as it may cause a form of bloat and it's too heavy o their digestive system
cereals - not to much of a problem - shreddies have malt and sugar too - but please be sensible and limit them
Maltesers, Minstrel treats, chocolate drops and all choccy things are out
Dog food and cat food - are out
Cheese - I know rats love it but posh rats do not - or shouldn't!
Tinned fruit - especially sugar kind are definitely out

With a good imagination you can find a good amount of chinchilla toys that you can either make yoursel
or do it the easy way - buy from pet shops and - yes - GARDEN CENTRES! (make sure wood is not treated)

The best toy in the world for a chinchilla is the type that he can chew to bits
If the wood is too hard (like mahogany) then not only can it be toxic but the chinchilla will quickly loose interest
- either that or loose it's front teeth quickly!
Here are pictures and suggestions of some chinchillas with their 'toys'