Yes, chinchillas can grind down their molars by eating hay pellets, but it's best to prioritize Timothy hay in their diet.
While chew sticks and mineral blocks are great for their incisors, they don't effectively grind down a chinchilla's molars. For this, chinchillas need to consume plenty of high-fiber hay, especially Timothy hay. It's worth noting that mountain hay and fruit tree hay are also high-fiber options. While not perfect substitutes for Timothy hay, they can be used if your chinchilla refuses to eat it. Ryegrass, wheatgrass, and oat hay should only be given as treats and not in large quantities. Focusing on high fiber hay is very important for chinchilla dental health.
Symptoms of Overgrown Chinchilla Teeth
Symptoms of overgrown teeth in chinchillas include difficulty chewing, decreased appetite, and excessive drooling. If you notice these symptoms in your chinchilla, take it to a veterinarian promptly to address the issue and prevent potential harm. In addition to feeding the right hay, providing chinchillas with appropriate chewing items, such as mineral blocks and safe wood branches, can help maintain dental health.