Good Treats for Training Chinchillas

Whether taming your chinchilla to be handled or training your chinchilla to do specific tasks, it is helpful to give a treat as a reward. However, chinchillas have very sensitive digestive systems and are prone to becoming overweight. Too many treats can cause your chinchilla to become sick or even die. Give treats in small doses no larger than a small sugar cube and provide them at most once a day.

  1. Fruits

    • High-fiber fruits make healthy chinchilla treats. Raisins top the list of recommended fruits, according to ChinchillaFacts.net; banana chips and dried pineapple, papaya, apples, pears and cranberries are also options. Don't give wet fruits to your chinchilla.

    Nuts and Seeds

    • Peanuts and some seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin and flax are possible treats for your chinchilla, though they can be fatty and caloric. Provide them very sparingly.

    Grains

    • Grains such as rolled oats or dried whole wheat bread, which are high in fiber and low in fat make good treats. Low-sugar cereals such as Cheerios and unfrosted shredded wheat can be good treats as well.

    Plants

    • Rose hips are an excellent treat for chinchillas. Rose buds and chopped alfalfa are other good plant options for treats. You can make treats by drying plants such as oregano, mint and dandelion from your own garden, but rinse everything thoroughly first and make sure nothing has been treated with pesticides.