<html><head></head><body>*As this is a health-related topic, I want to preface this article with the disclaimer that I am not a veterinarian. My knowledge on this topic is through my formal educational background in biological sciences and my 14 years of experience with my own herd of show and pet chinchillas.*

Loose stools, bloat, and diarrhea in chinchillas are most frequently caused by an upset of the digestive tract due to rich/sugary treats, excessive grains, fruit or vegetables. Chinchillas are quite sensitive to digestive issues and can get dehydrated and go downhill quickly if not treated promptly so it&apos;s important to make sure your chinchilla gets proper treatment. 

Stopping treats, removing pellets, and just feeding unlimited Timothy hay (or other staple grass hay such as orchard), a tiny 1/2&quot; piece of BURNT (I&apos;m talking burnt to a charcoal crisp!) followed by a [probiotic](https://amzn.to/3oYvpCO &quot;Benebac&quot;) and a dropperful of [simethicone infant gas drops](https://amzn.to/2KhkZj4 &quot;simethicone infant gas drops&quot;) (to ward off bloat) are often enough to alleviate any symptoms of soft stools due to something your chin ate. But if stools don&apos;t firm up, worsen, or become watery, your chin really needs to see a vet ASAP. In chins, even a small amount of diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and it is important to get vet care. 

Other than diet-related issues, diarrhea can also be caused by infection of tiny single-celled parasites called protozoa. These infections are acquired orally, through unfiltered water, consumption of contaminated food, or even through the grooming of paws that have stepped on feces containing the parasites. In addition to diarrhea, the stools often develop a foul odor as well. A vet can help determine the cause of your chin&apos;s diarrheal symptoms and prescribe appropriate medication if it is due to a protozoal infection. 

![giardia tap](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/1MuZMBKZhqsmUv4xHwNV7Q/570fac72af8d5ad5f8edbffa5a728351/shutterstock_1387808339.jpg)

To prevent protozoal infections, it is important to use only filtered water for chinchillas and to ensure feed is stored properly, away from access by other animals. Additionally, when bringing new chinchillas into the home, it is important to quarantine the new additions for at least 30 days so that their health can be monitored. Chinchillas sometimes get stressed in a new home which can lead to soft stools; it is important to monitor new chins to make sure any soft stools clear up and that they are healthy before any introductions with your other chinchillas. Quarantine is just good practice; there are many other types of pathogens that can also be contracted from chin to chin; &quot;Strep&quot; (*Streptococcus equi* subspecies *zooepidemicus*) and ringworm fungus, to name a few.

For more detailed info on two of the most common protozoal infections, giardia and coccidia, please take a look at the article below. A fellow chinchilla breeder, Shahna Thomas Powell of [Kiss Chinchillas](https://www.kisschinchillas.com &quot;Kiss Chinchillas&quot;) and I wrote an article on this topic several years ago, which was published in the August 2011 issue of The Empress Chinchilla Breeder, the monthly magazine of [Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative](http://www.empresschinchilla.org &quot;Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative&quot;):

### Battling Protozoal Infections in the Chinchilla

__[Shahna Thomas](https://www.kisschinchillas.com &quot;Kiss Chinchillas, Grass Valley, CA&quot;) and [Sumiko De La Vega](https://sites.google.com/site/chinchillachateau &quot;Chinchilla Chateau, Manteca, CA&quot;)__

Empress Chinchilla Breeder, August 2011
Vol. 67, Issue 8

Download the PDF:
[Battling Protozoal Infections in the Chinchilla - Thomas and De La Vega](//assets.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/5pzP0TJ8fTX6bWmapeY0zT/e95c008b09f0566234c6fa1cca005e16/PDF_Battling_Protozoal_Infections_in_the_Chinchilla_-_Thomas_and__De_La_Vega.pdf)</body></html>

Battling Protozoal Infections: Diagnosis and Treatment of Giardiasis and Coccidiosis in the Domesticated Chinchilla

Battling Protozoal Infections: Diagnosis and Treatment of Giardiasis and Coccidiosis in the Domesticated Chinchilla

More Than an Upset Stomach

<html><head></head><body>Spoil your chin this holiday with some new cage accessories! Here&apos;s a guide of some items I found that can ordered online if you&apos;re doing some holiday shopping for that special chinchilla in your life!

# Homes, Sweet Homes!

These are durable houses and hideaways that you can place in your chin&apos;s cage to give them some security. As chins are prey animals by nature, they appreciate having a place to dart into if they happen to be startled. Why not give them a stylish place to serve that purpose?

### [Chew-proof Metal 2-Story House](https://amzn.to/3p53v9b &quot;Chew-proof metal 2-story hidey-house&quot;) 

[![xl house](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/2mf8VUzgBpa0Ff4A0mM8d4/38b4f607487274b21574cc0729ea6ecd/xl.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3p53v9b)

Home in a home in a home - this gives me inception-like feelings as this metal 2-story home can be placed in your chin&apos;s home... inside your home! Hah! Before I bought this, I was actually a little afraid that the edges would be sharp but they&apos;re smoothed down and blunt. The quality is great - it&apos;s solid and durable, and because it&apos;s metal, it can keep your chin cool in the summertime if you first put it in the fridge or place it on a chin-chiller tile. It&apos;s also big enough that it can fit more than one chin, if your chin has cagemates!

### [Chew-Proof Metal Hidey Hut](https://amzn.to/3k6I9Vc &quot;Chew-proof Metal Hidey Hut&quot;)

[![hut felix fido](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/rET4gVTwRsqMA1JCEZIxu/b31f973b96ddc8218b49483c69449a1f/hut.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3k6I9Vc)

This is the simpler hidey-hut version of the previous house, made by the same company. Again, great quality and can be cooled in the fridge to keep your chin cool in the summer. It also takes up less vertical space than the 2-story one, if you have a lot of other ledges and items in your cage.

### [Large Terra Cotta Chew-Proof Hideaway](https://amzn.to/2U0BX6G &quot;Large Terra Cotta Chew-Proof Hideaway&quot;)

[![terracottahideaway](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/41xnnH2JSA7HpuyEu8RNNJ/3e79f3a70edf12b0a6bea70786b746a2/terracotta.jpg)](https://amzn.to/2U0BX6G)

Do you like warm earthy colors or Mediterranian design style? If so, this terra cotta hideaway would be a great addition! Terra cotta is a fired clay material that can be used as a chilling item if you place it in the fridge first. These hideaways are quite heavy so your chin can&apos;t move it around the cage or flip it over like they often do with wood huts. It&apos;s basically a cool tunnel that chins can hide and snooze in! Just make sure you get the large one and not the small (for hamsters)!

# Home Cardio 

A lot of us have been forced to stay at home during the COVID-19 crisis and have had to completely change our exercise routines, investing in weights and home gym equipment. Compared to how pricey equipment is for us, exercise wheels for chins are relatively much less expensive, and they can be put directly in their home for their at-home fitness programs!

Let&apos;s be honest though - most pet store exercise wheels are NOT chin-safe. Many are too small in diameter which can cause your chin to injure its back from overly arching while running. Many are also made of unsafe materials like plastic (which chins will chew and if ingested, can cause impaction in their intestines!), wire mesh (these can catch toes!) or made with metal crossbars (quickly moving crossbars can injure limbs!) The wheels listed below all have a solid metal running surface and are large enough in diameter to not injure your chin&apos;s back. 

They may seem pricey but consider them a purchase for the lifetime of your chin... I still have Chin Spin wheels that have been working since their purchase in 2006! 

### [Spin-Safe Exercise Wheel](https://amzn.to/3n6APuN &quot;Chin-Safe Exercise Wheel&quot;)

[![spin safe wheel](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/4oEr3Tn9FK199ulldIPbeN/e33006848881c2e2e8d60ac18023f871/spinsafe.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3n6APuN)

The Spin Safe by Felix and Fido has a solid metal running surface with a solid wood back. There is no plastic or exposed wood parts. The diameter is 15&quot; to allow your chinchilla to run comfortably without arching.

### [Chin Spin Exercise Wheel](https://amzn.to/3l4gYvB &quot;Chin Spin (Quality Cage Crafters)&quot;)

[![pink chin spin](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/3oTiU6Dv5rx7Fc3cJFjVyE/bd9a7cb179472dc396f085d4df41035f/chinspin.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3l4gYvB)

The Chin Spin by Quality Cage Crafters is the original chin-safe exercise wheel with the solid metal running surface and solid wood backing. It has a 15&quot; diameter and can be purchased in the original silver vein color or in several powder-coated colors. 

### [XTRA Soundless Spinner](https://www.etsy.com/listing/770294236/rainbow-xtra-soundless-spinner-xtremely?ref=shop_home_active_28&amp;frs=1&amp;crt=1 &quot;XTRA Soundless Spinner (Pandamonium Pets)&quot;)

[![XTRA Soundless Wheel Pandamonium Pets- Rainbow](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/2nn0QQhJEMbPs3Wl5kNuy9/f0834a272f3f81c400bb7389170e0abe/rainbow_xtra_sounless_spinner.jpg)](https://www.etsy.com/listing/770294236/rainbow-xtra-soundless-spinner-xtremely?ref=shop_home_active_28&amp;frs=1&amp;crt=1)

If you&apos;re not in need of the Amazon Prime shipping speed, the XTRA Soundless Spinner is a solid metal wheel available on Etsy from Pandamonium Pets. It comes in many powder-coated colors including a really pretty iridescent rainbow color. This new XTRA version is also extremely quiet.

# There&apos;s Levels to This

Chins are rock-hoppers in their natural habitat so providing different types of ledges and platforms at different levels of their cage can give them spots to hop and perch on. A lot of cages marketed for chinchillas actually have unsafe ledges or ramps made of plastic or improperly-sized wire mesh which can catch toes; removing those and replacing them with metal or wood (kiln-dried pine or aspen) ledges will make the cage much safer for your chin!

### [Wood Platform with Chewing Toys](https://amzn.to/2IcTs10 &quot;Wood Platform with Chewing Toys&quot;) 

[![Ledge with Chews](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/2MfFtKJLcJTDrTIi0WLxc6/4010211312d318a882fc6940a0530599/ledge.jpg)](https://amzn.to/2IcTs10)

This item by Alfie Pet is both a ledge and a chew toy in one! The ledge attaches to the side of your cage and also has wood and pumice pieces strung on metal chain. The best part, even after everything is chewed up, you can reuse the chain and restring new chewing items onto it!

### [Cooling Platform](https://amzn.to/343qXeb)

[![metal platform](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/7K21pvwVEflo5XgX5HKYxx/3bc91df7839dbe266a9bf80fc3475454/metal.jpg)](https://amzn.to/343qXeb)

This platform is made with metal which is great for keeping your chin cool as it helps dissipate heat away from their body. Metal is also a great material as it is easy to clean and sanitize. [Carolina Chinchilla Ranch](https://www.facebook.com/tiffanyschinchillas/ &quot;Carolina Chinchilla Ranch&quot;) also sells metal ledges if you contact them directly.

### [Wooden Bridge ](https://www.etsy.com/listing/598171698/plain-wooden-bridge-w-plain-wooden-beads)

[![bridge](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/3A9Xih7oDYmZCzfdMcxXZl/081e4606fbf3c446e898b81eb79dcb44/bridge.jpg)](https://www.etsy.com/listing/598171698/plain-wooden-bridge-w-plain-wooden-beads)

This bridge by Pandamonium Pets connects to opposite sides of the cage to create a unique path for your chin to traverse! It&apos;s wooden so can be safely chewed and new planks can be restrung on the metal chain if they chew it up.

### [Wooden Ledges](https://www.facebook.com/MillersCreatureComforts/)

[![ledges](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/plHdmbZTkFDv0HK4wRIuC/f6a31ca67392d447ac58cc8a0f86eded/sanded_wooden_ledges.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/MillersCreatureComforts/)

Miller&apos;s Creature Comforts makes all sorts of cage items including these wooden ledges with sanded edges. They don&apos;t sell on Amazon but have great customer service - you just need to contact them through Facebook!

# FURniture and Fleece

### [Wooden Picnic Table with Bowl](https://amzn.to/356HYF4 &quot;Wooden Picnic Table with Bowl&quot;) 

[![picnic table](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/5iioIpFia2EToV9O7oVvCJ/d34aa39840489f303c3162970817ea15/picnictable.jpg)](https://amzn.to/356HYF4)

Time to eat! This picnic table originally designed for feeding squirrels makes for some cute photo ops, especially once your chin learns that there is food at the table! I&apos;d only use the above as an out-of-cage photo prop because while it is made of safe kiln-dried pine, it does have visible wood staples so chins should be monitored while playing with it, in case they try to chew. [Pandamonium Pets](https://www.etsy.com/listing/783459614/critter-picnic-tables &quot;Pandamonium Pets Critter Picnic Tables&quot;) makes a version which just has a couple wood screws and [Miller&apos;s Creature Comforts](https://www.facebook.com/MillersCreatureComforts/) makes a version that only uses wooden pegs - no metal.

### Chin-Chill Out!

![cupcake on house](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/13m3ZWKAizFpjE07qNjWDG/e18474275b42c196eeea79a6013decb6/image_6483441.JPG)

What chin doesn&apos;t like to chin-chill out in some cozy fleece? Fleece is a material that does not unravel and is generally recognized as safe for chinchillas. Of course, if your chinchilla is a voracious chewer, fleece shouldn&apos;t be used, but many chins do not chew fleece if given lots of other chewing items. Fleece items can add a nice touch to your chin&apos;s cage. The following vendors make fleece hammocks, beds, fleece-covered tubes and ledges, fleece hanging houses, tray/shelf liners, and even chin-shaped cuddle buddies for your chins to snuggle up with!

### [Chin Chic](https://chinchic.bigcartel.com/ &quot;Chin Chic&quot;)

### [Chinnie Boutique](https://chinnieboutique.com/ &quot;Chinnie Boutique&quot;)

### [Carolina Chinchilla Ranch](https://www.facebook.com/tiffanyschinchillas/ &quot;Carolina Chinchilla Ranch&quot;)

### [Pandamonium Pets](https://www.pandamoniumpets.com/ &quot;Pandamonium Pets&quot;)

Have fun decking out your spoiled chinnie&apos;s cage! Someone needs to start a &quot;Chinchilla Cribs&quot; series so we can explore everyone&apos;s chinnie mansions! ;)</body></html>

Deck the Cage With New Accessories, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la, la, la!

Deck the Cage With New Accessories, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la, la, la!

The Holiday (Online Shopping) Gift Guide for Chinchilla Lovers #3 - Deck the Cage

<html><head></head><body>Hay -- those grassy stalks that we lovingly nestle into our chinchilla&apos;s cute ceramic hay holders or wooden slat hay racks, or perhaps place in a neat pile next to their food dish... we know how it always ends up -- inspected one-by-one with the rejected pieces strewn all over the cage to be urinated on... but as much as it seems our chins sometimes waste their hay, the pieces that pass the test and get eaten are extremely beneficial to a chinchilla&apos;s health!

![kiteatinghay](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/7zKQ2YxKgY3fbPD0tmlZc0/71669174767e8ad3afc0dd500f65223b/kiteatinghay.jpg)

# Benefits of Hay

### Gut Health

Hay should actually be considered the staple of a chinchilla&apos;s diet. Yes, it&apos;s that important! Chinchillas are herbivores and their digestive tract is designed to process a diet very high in fiber. They have a large pouch in their intestines called a cecum which contains colonies of &quot;good bacteria&quot; whose job is to break down plant-based food items and extract nutrients from it. As chinchillas are native to a cool, dry region in South America (think: a dry, rocky desert atmosphere but at a cool, high elevation), their digestive system is meant to handle a diet that is mostly grasses and fibrous plants. In fact - feeding them foods which are nutrient-rich or sugary often ends up disrupting their gut balance and can lead to bloat or diarrhea; this is why fruits and veggies are not good foods for chinchillas. Chinchilla pellets are made up largely of alfalfa hay and are fortified with vitamins, but lots of loose hay should be provided to your chin as well to give them the fiber bulk they need to be moving through their gut for a healthy digestive tract.

![Chinchilla natural habitat in South America - photo by Jamie E. Jimenez](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/1DTGKL43Kh12fN2rFMOO8P/da234c49aacf39067a4ce6cd03f28810/chin_habitat.jpg)
*Chinchilla natural habitat in South America - Photo by Jamie E. Jimenez*

![Chinchilla Habitat in Chile - credit M. Belov and www.chileflora.com](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/2TTf04VG6M2tNCUe5IvFd4/bce4be1ad46b9002838d3a845fa34f65/chileflora.jpg)
*Chinchilla habitat and native grasses in Chile - Photo by M. Belov/Chileflora*

### Dental Health

Other than the fiber source that loose hay provides, hay also contains silicates which provide the roughness needed to help file down the cheek teeth (premolars and molars) of a chinchilla. Chinchillas are rodents so their teeth will grow continuously throughout their lifetime. Gnawing on hard surfaces like wood and pumice helps to wear down their incisors (front teeth) but having a diet with lots of loose hay helps to wear down those back teeth. Pellets are combined with other ingredients such as grains and vitamins, processed, and extruded into a pellet form, so they tend to crumble when chewed - while nutritious, pellets alone aren&apos;t the best for maintaining healthy teeth. Chinchilla teeth are unique in that they&apos;re open-rooted; without adequate wear of the surfaces of the teeth, the chewing surfaces may become misaligned (malocclusion) and the roots will begin to elongate. Overgrown roots can eventually protrude into the sinus cavities and eye sockets on the top and into the jaw bone on the bottom - this is why one of the telltale signs of dental problems is wet eyes, and/or drooling. It is a painful condition and while there is a genetic predisposition to it, diet is one of the factors contributing to if or how quickly &quot;malo&quot; develops.

![Figure 9. Radiograph of a chinchilla skull with graphic overlay, showing the above limit for maxillary teeth apices. - Photo by Kathleen Hermans](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/11TSVL1gBBTsbeWDrtNOk4/48dd0c3aec00ee3f686f7cd1899411fc/Radiograph-of-a-chinchilla-skull-with-graphic-overlay-showing-the-above-limit-for_W640.jpg)
*Radiograph of a chinchilla skull with the yellow line showing the above limit for maxillary teeth apices. - Photo by Kathleen Herman*

# So What Hay Should I Feed?

### Grass Hays, Every Day!

The staple hay for a chinchilla should be a loose grass hay, such as Timothy or Orchard. Grass hays have the correct ratio of the minerals, calcium and phosphorous, so these hays can be given daily and in abundance. While some chins are great hay eaters and will eat their hay daily, some can be picky and getting them to eat hay can be a challenge. Soiled hay must be thrown away and replaced daily so it can be frustrating to have wasteful chinchillas. The one good thing is that the hay does provide them with some enrichment, even if they&apos;re just tossing it around... but we do need them to consume the hay for its dental and nutritional benefits. 

![navi hay](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/5GJcIiuLHDtIulEcmJq8Rv/3b585118c1d82658257521251c6b40ec/navi_hay.jpg)

## Tips to discourage wastefulness and encourage hay consumption:

### Use Your Senses! 

Old, overly dried-out hay won&apos;t be appetizing for a chinchilla but wet, moldy, or improperly stored hay isn&apos;t safe either. Use your senses to determine the quality of the hay. 

 __Look at it__ - The color does not necessarily need to be bright green as the sun often bleaches the color during drying. Just take a look at the hay that isn&apos;t on the outside of the bale or package and ensure that there are no hidden discolorations, clumps, random items, weeds, or black spots indicating mold growth. Once you take it home, make sure it&apos;s stored properly in a breathable bag or container. I don&apos;t like plastic bags for storing hay because condensation can build up and result in mold growth - paper bags, cardboard boxes, or big canvas horse bale bags (if you buy in bulk!) are my favorite storage methods.

 __Smell it__ - it should smell slightly fragrant, not musty or sour. 

 __Touch it__ - Bend and twist a small handful of hay - you should be able to break the stalks and leaves apart but it shouldn&apos;t be so brittle that it immediately snaps upon bending or disintegrates to dust upon touch. On the other hand, it shouldn&apos;t be so moist that it is flexible either - damp hay isn&apos;t properly cured and is more likely to mold. 

![KMS bluegrass hay](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/1rNmLDG6Nkw0lNGz46Eq3T/90a1ff053aa664c6db3cd77c579b12f8/IMG_7792.JPG)

### Switch up the Flavors!

While you want to give your staple hay (orchard or timothy) on a regular basis, adding in other hay varieties on occasion can entice your chin to eat more. Here are some hays which are good as the occasional mix-in:

 __Brome, bluegrass, and meadow hay__ - these are all __grass hays__ and a nice handful can be given with their timothy hay. Each of these varieties have different flavors and textures than timothy and can help keep your chin interested in their hay. 

 __Alfalfa__ - this is a __legume hay__ which means it is higher in protein and calcium. It is especially good for young growing chins or pregnant/nursing moms but it is also a nice fragrant treat hay. Alfalfa should not be given daily in large portions to non-breeding adult chins. I consider it a treat hay for non-breeding adults as it is quite rich and can cause loose stools in chins that don&apos;t have high protein and mineral requirements.

 __Oat or barley hay__ - these are __grain hays__ which tend to be higher in carbohydrates and higher in phosphorous than calcium. Grain hays should not be the staple hay; however, they tend to be thicker-stemmed and more &quot;crunchy,&quot; so they are really good abrasive hays for helping to maintain dental health. A small amount as an occasional treat hay can provide nice variety for your chin.

### Vary the Cuts!

It&apos;s only natural to become bored with the same thing all the time. Another way to give your chin variety in the firmness and texture of their hay is by purchasing different cuts!

Remember that hay is grown in fields and is harvested multiple times during the growing season. The first time the fields are cut, that hay is 1st cutting hay; the second time, 2nd cutting hay, and so on, if the growing season permits.

 __1st cutting__ - tends to be stemmy, more abrasive, less leafy, high fiber

 __2nd cutting__ - has flexible stems, more leaves, and some seed heads

 __3rd cutting__ - a leafier and softer hay, more flavorful for picky eaters but lower in fiber and less abrasive

![Yuna angry hay cube](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/1CCBE4DbadRdX9rymsfxX1/7fae95d0f13698e9bd5516b79934b65c/haycubeangry.jpg)

### Shape-Shift!

 __Loose__ - loose hay is what I recommend giving on a daily basis. The long-strand hay provides the most fiber and is best for wearing down those teeth. However, some people have allergies to certain types of hay and loose hay can sometimes trigger allergies when handling it

 __Cubed__ - hay can be purchased compressed into cubes - these provide variety in the shape and are also quite hard, requiring chins to gnaw on it with their incisors. Alfalfa, timothy, oat, and blends of either of these are often available at pet stores and feed stores. The one pro of these is that they are less dusty and less allergenic. I developed allergies to timothy hay over the past few years and now give hay cubes more often than loose hay. However, it should not entirely replace loose hay as it doesn&apos;t do AS good a job at wearing the back teeth.

 __Pellets__ - while hay can be purchased from feed stores in a plain hay-only pellet form, their regular chinchilla pellet is really the only pellet they need. Giving an additional hay-only pellet is unneccessary. Their chinchilla pellet is formulated with all the vitamins and minerals they need and there is no need to give them an additional crumbly pellet that doesn&apos;t help with their dental health. Stick with loose and cubed hay as your forms of providing them hay.

# Where to Buy? 

Hay can be purchased from your local pet store, online, or even a feed store. If purchasing an entire bale from a feed store, make sure to ask for horse-quality hay (which is higher quality than bales used for feeding cattle) and inspect the hay bale well. 

One of my favorite hay vendors is Small Pet Select. Their hay is always great quality and they sell different cuttings as well as variety packs if you want to try out different types of hays. And if you have Amazon Prime, you can get it shipped to you in two days.

If you&apos;re interested in trying some new types, I&apos;d recommend this sampler box from Small Pet Select which comes with 2nd cutting Timothy, 3rd cutting Timothy, oat hay, and orchard:

[![Small Pet Select Sampler](//images.ctfassets.net/5z9utdpg5ekk/3WRR5wdX8F5QcETiwNUD0k/720cf64c20b0429edea549b475810e0c/sampler_box.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y336MK8/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=kiwistix-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B06Y336MK8&amp;linkId=67d0d5d7b1ef238e593374454acd4ceb &quot;Small Pet Select Sampler Box&quot;)

[Small Pet Select Sampler on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y336MK8/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=kiwistix-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B06Y336MK8&amp;linkId=67d0d5d7b1ef238e593374454acd4ceb &quot;Small Pet Select Sampler Box&quot;)

Some other brands of hay which I&apos;ve tried and liked are Oxbow which has small packs of hays under $5 if you just want to try it out like [botanical hay](https://amzn.to/3qCGGKM &quot;Oxbow botanical hay&quot;) (makes a great treat with dried flowers mixed in) or [oat hay](https://amzn.to/34a0dZB &quot;Oxbow oat hay&quot;). Another company, [KMS Hayloft](https://amzn.to/3lZmGyd &quot;KMS Hayloft Bluegrass&quot;) also has nice bulk boxes of hays and my chins especially like their bluegrass.

I hope you enjoyed this article on hay - I know this was a long post but I had so much good info to share with you all! Feel free to share with other chinchilla owners who might like to learn about the benefits of hay. Happy hay-ing!

---

__References__

Crossley, DA. Clinical aspects of rodent dental anatomy. J Vet Dent. 1995 Dec;12(4):131-5. PMID: 9693638.

Derbaudrenghien, A. et al. Dental pathology in chinchillas. Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift, v.79, n.5, p.345-358, 2010. [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katleen_Hermans/publication/230800336_Dental_pathology_in_chinchillas/links/02e7e516faf46deacc000000/Dental-pathology-in-chinchillas.pdf](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katleen_Hermans/publication/230800336_Dental_pathology_in_chinchillas/links/02e7e516faf46deacc000000/Dental-pathology-in-chinchillas.pdf?_sg%5B0%5D=lrWstUelrRA3sNkvLnuA_56bkftyoCu8S-fDffuwyCHjDMqVZV02MDZiPv8b1EW-QKi9VnhR_Q4vgODu6cNwzA.BbLhbbCkvQ9a53rCIFrQ1tXjQC6Cj3ZRXhcBSnweo20LH5Xb9GwykqieH--yz3o3kqqvErJOQCurzGTTifMIyQ&amp;_sg%5B1%5D=_J2vbOq4wm2qxOfwkUEX_BhahacwNbMiqGUUQSMWfPLxXbBzhoPEGen-qcZiZX0qCIP9xGcwnxHe37kSivTz3zO0jrj2hH36QkcEE49iOl-1.BbLhbbCkvQ9a53rCIFrQ1tXjQC6Cj3ZRXhcBSnweo20LH5Xb9GwykqieH--yz3o3kqqvErJOQCurzGTTifMIyQ&amp;_sg%5B2%5D=3yyhTzK2s3X5349aUznL8JXW63CZq8zLQ9yMCpk6pk6br5NcOTqP4ZDgOHU9eiqe7Q5xUgreEZqXCYVj0BGU_hyI6Avj.BbLhbbCkvQ9a53rCIFrQ1tXjQC6Cj3ZRXhcBSnweo20LH5Xb9GwykqieH--yz3o3kqqvErJOQCurzGTTifMIyQ&amp;_sg%5B3%5D=MNbb_WxEg_Lv6SP1WdsPx-Umeb_zoyYDgzS_OjTwAyXGr-OjYqzU9WCyATYC0ffaeQAAQ2Ge0Qlt9Ic.vr3Tb5QottpjjfRaMa6rNnzKctiF0dANJHwyU_uP09fnpMGEXzQIBOKcf-XPBaXc--VT8cIGC5nPP7Q1VIormw&amp;_iepl= &quot;https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katleen_Hermans/publication/230800336_Dental_pathology_in_chinchillas/links/02e7e516faf46deacc000000/Dental-pathology-in-chinchillas.pdf&quot;)

Osofsky, A. &amp; Verstraete, F. Dentistry in Pet Rodents. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 2006. 28. 

P&#xE9;rez, W., Vazquez, N., and Jerbi, H. Gross anatomy of the intestine and their peritoneal folds in the
chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera). J. Morphol. Sci., 2011, vol. 28, no. 3, p. 180-183. [http://www.jms.periodikos.com.br/article/587cb49e7f8c9d0d058b4798/pdf/jms-28-3-587cb49e7f8c9d0d058b4798.pdf](http://www.jms.periodikos.com.br/article/587cb49e7f8c9d0d058b4798/pdf/jms-28-3-587cb49e7f8c9d0d058b4798.pdf &quot;http://www.jms.periodikos.com.br/article/587cb49e7f8c9d0d058b4798/pdf/jms-28-3-587cb49e7f8c9d0d058b4798.pdf&quot;)</body></html>

Colorful curious chinchilla poster made on thick and durable matte paper that is sure to brighten any environment. This museum-quality print will add a wonderful accent to your room and office. • Paper thickness: 10.3 mil • Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²) • Giclée printing quality • Opacity: 94%

Colorful curious chinchilla poster made on thick and durable matte paper that is sure to brighten any environment. This museum-quality print will add a wonderful accent to your room and office. • Paper thickness: 10.3 mil • Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²) • Giclée printing quality • Opacity: 94%
<div class="pf-customisable-product" style="display: none;"></div>

Image

Size

String

ProductOption

Poster - Colorful Curious Chinchilla

Product

MoneyV2

ProductVariantPricePair

SelectedOption

10×10

ProductVariant

UnitPriceMeasurement

12×12

12×16

12×18

14×14

16×16

16×20

18×18

18×24

24×36

8×10

Everyone needs a cozy go-to hoodie to curl up in, so go for one that's soft, smooth, and stylish with a unique chalk art chinchilla design. It's the perfect choice for cooler evenings! • 50% cotton, 50% polyester • Double-lined hood • Double-needle stitching throughout • Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling • 1x1 athletic rib knit cuffs and waistband with spandex • Front pouch pocket

Everyone needs a cozy go-to hoodie to curl up in, so go for one that's soft, smooth, and stylish with a unique chalk art chinchilla design. It's the perfect choice for cooler evenings! 
 
• 50% cotton, 50% polyester 
• Double-lined hood 
• Double-needle stitching throughout 
• Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling 
• 1x1 athletic rib knit cuffs and waistband with spandex 
• Front pouch pocket

Unisex Hoodie - Chalk Art Curious Chinchilla

A rosy watercolor design with a sweet chinchilla - this t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Side-seamed Size guide XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL Length (inches) 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Width (inches) 16 ½ 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

A rosy watercolor design with a sweet chinchilla - this t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Side-seamed
 
Size guide
<div data-unit-system="imperial" class="table-responsive dynamic">
<table cellpadding="5">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td>XS</td>
<td>S</td>
<td>M</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>XL</td>
<td>2XL</td>
<td>3XL</td>
<td>4XL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Length (inches)</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Width (inches)</td>
<td>16 ½</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt - Watercolor Splash Sweet Chinchilla

Want to add a splash of color and chinchilla cuteness to your home? This premium pillow with a shape-retaining insert is just what you're looking for! It'll make any room luxurious and provide the perfect excuse for a quick power nap. • 100% pre-shrunk polyester case • Fabric with a linen feel • Hidden zipper • Machine-washable case • Shape-retaining 100% polyester insert included (handwash only)

Want to add a splash of color and chinchilla cuteness to your home? This premium pillow with a shape-retaining insert is just what you're looking for! It'll make any room luxurious and provide the perfect excuse for a quick power nap. • 100% pre-shrunk polyester case • Fabric with a linen feel • Hidden zipper • Machine-washable case • Shape-retaining 100% polyester insert included (handwash only)

Title

Premium Throw Pillow - Watercolor Splash Sweet Chinchilla

Default Title

This chinchilla print with splashes of earthy watercolors is a hit with chinchilla lovers! This reusable face mask will fit you comfortably thanks to its adjustable nose wire and elastic bands. • 100% supersoft polyester microfiber • Fabric weight: 2.4–2.5 oz/yd² (80-85 g/m²) • Nose wire that helps adjust the mask • Elastic bands with PVC earloop size regulators • Pocket for a filter or napkin • Washable and reusable

This chinchilla print with splashes of earthy watercolors is a hit with chinchilla lovers! This reusable face mask will fit you comfortably thanks to its adjustable nose wire and elastic bands. 
 
 • 100% supersoft polyester microfiber 
 • Fabric weight: 2.4–2.5 oz/yd² (80-85 g/m²) 
 • Nose wire that helps adjust the mask 
 • Elastic bands with PVC earloop size regulators 
 • Pocket for a filter or napkin 
 • Washable and reusable

Chinchilla Print Face Mask - Watercolor Splash Fluffy Chinchilla Face

Let fashion take over your wardrobe with this great statement piece featuring a cute chinchilla face and watercolor splashes. The trendy raw hem and matching drawstrings means that this hoodie is bound to become a true favorite. • 52% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% poly fleece • Cropped body with a raw hem • Dyed-to-match drawstrings • Dropped shoulder Size guide S M L XL 2XL Width (inches) 22 23 ½ 25 ½ 27 ½ 29 ½ Length (inches) 18 ⅝ 19 ⅜ 21 ⅜ 22 ⅛ 22 ⅞

Let fashion take over your wardrobe with this great statement piece featuring a cute chinchilla face and watercolor splashes. The trendy raw hem and matching drawstrings means that this hoodie is bound to become a true favorite. • 52% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% poly fleece • Cropped body with a raw hem • Dyed-to-match drawstrings • Dropped shoulder
 
Size guide
<div class="table-responsive dynamic" data-unit-system="imperial">
<table cellpadding="5">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td>S</td>
<td>M</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>XL</td>
<td>2XL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Width (inches)</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>23 ½</td>
<td>25 ½</td>
<td>27 ½</td>
<td>29 ½</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Length (inches)</td>
<td>18 ⅝</td>
<td>19 ⅜</td>
<td>21 ⅜</td>
<td>22 ⅛</td>
<td>22 ⅞</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div class="pf-customisable-product" style="display: none;"></div>

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