When your chinchilla isn’t spending time with you, it’s likely they’re busy playing. Your furry pal is super active and can jump up to five feet in the air! They probably won’t be jumping this high daily, but having a soft and cushy surface is still a necessity. Chinchilla bedding is a good way to give their feet a break. Keep reading to learn about the different types of bedding.
Types of chinchilla bedding
Your fuzzy friend has their pick of the litter when it comes to bedding options that will support their jumping antics and help with grooming and habitat maintenance. Chinchilla bedding helps keep their cage clean by absorbing spills and locking in odors, making it an important part of their environment.
The recommended types of materials to use for chinchilla bedding include:
High-quality paper
Crumpled paper
Hardwood shavings
Paper and wood-based shavings are both biodegradable and hypoallergenic. They are also safe for your pet to ingest.
How often should you change bedding?
Supply your chinchilla with a fresh layer of bedding and litter at least once a week. Remove soiled bedding on a daily basis. This helps avoid build-up of unwanted odors and keep their habitat clean.
What to consider when choosing bedding?
The ideal substrate for your chinchilla's habitat should both be soft to support their paws and absorbent to help keep their cage dry so they stay happy and healthy. Chinchillas are also heavy chewers, thanks to their continually growing teeth. Since they are likely to gnaw or eat some of the floor in their cage, make sure their bedding is safe to digest.
It’s recommended that between 1-2” of bedding is used to line their habitat, and the material you choose is safe for contact with their food. Crumpled paper should be chemical-free and contain no inks or dyes, in case it is ingested. Any hardwood shavings used should be dust-free. Cedar and pine-based products are not recommended, as they are less absorbent and potentially harmful to chinchillas. A naturally scent-free bedding option is suggested over one that contains aromatic oils.
Discover the right chinchilla bedding option for your pet at Petco, then sign up for Repeat Delivery to have fresh supplies delivered to your home!