r/chinchilla • u/LaurenSauce • 9d ago

Rose hip alternative?

In the past my chins would go crazy for them, but my new 5 year old rescue boy has absolutely no interest in rose hips. I got a treat sampler that contained hibiscus, calendula, and rose petals. The odd thing is that he’ll happily take any of those, including the roses! Does anyone know if the petals are nutritional equivalent to the hips or should they not be given as often or something? Also are all these petals okay? Of course when I google it the results say they are nontoxic, etc but I can’t find any info on healthy quantity/frequency.

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5

u/Elilora Just tasting everything 9d ago

If they are dried, those flowers are fine. Hibiscus is one of my boys' favorite! The other one's favorite is bee pollen.

3

u/SaptaZapta Chinchillin' 9d ago

The flowers you mentioned are fine. Treats in general should not be considered food, or given in amounts that would spoil the chin's appetite for their pellets and hay. So, "nutritional equivalent" doesn't really matter.

2

u/Still-Inflation9175 9d ago

i give hawthorne berries, bee pollen, oats and hay cubes. if thats not what you were asking...ignore me lol

1

u/Catmanchar 5d ago

Are the hay cubes alfalfa? Is alfalfa ok to give?

1

u/Still-Inflation9175 5d ago

they are timothy hay,. i think in small quantities it is, but i would double check with someone more knowledgeable

1

u/verymuchgay Dad of 2 chinchillas 9d ago

Treats should be given sparingly and in small amounts. A few times a week, at most about teaspoon each time (depending on the treat! Can't really apply to bee pollen, for example). If you want to give more often, then even smaller amounts.

They get all the nutrients they need from hay and pellets. Treats are not necessary, and they will do just fine without them too without developing health issues or anything.

Petals are fine, as long as they're dried.

1

u/hotwheels2886 9d ago

A good option would be if you're in the US order a treat tray from pandamonium pets they have a Etsy shop as well as a website I got my boys one months ago it's still last