Safe and Unsafe Woods for Chinchillas: What You Need to Know

We often see “safe” and “unsafe” wood lists circulating for small pets, but many are repeated posts borrowed from others, just reworded. Of course, we all learn from experience and mentors, but for animals like chinchillas, there aren’t many formal studies to guide us.

I’d like to explain why certain woods are considered safe, why others are considered dangerous, and a few alternative chew options.

Safe Woods for Chinchillas

The most widely recognized safe chew options include:

Apple, Ash, Aspen, Balsa, Birch (white), Bamboo, Blackberry (branches only), Black Currant (branches only), Cholla (dried cactus), Cottonwood, Crabapple, Dogwood, Elm, Grapevine, Gooseberry, Hawthorn, Hazelnut, Kiwi, Magnolia, Manzanita, Mulberry, Pine (kiln-dried only), Pear, Poplar, Raspberry ( Branches only - remove throns ), Rose, Sycamore, Willow (not white), and Yucca.

These woods are considered safe for several reasons:

  • Low in toxic compounds: They have minimal resins, phenols, alkaloids, or cyanogenic compounds, which are natural tree defenses against insects and fungi.

  • Appropriate hardness: Hard enough to help wear down continuously growing teeth, but not so hard that they risk fractures.

  • Digestive safety: The cellulose and lignin structures are neutral and non-irritating to a chinchilla’s gut, and they don’t release harmful volatile oils or acids when chewed.

Woods to Avoid

Some woods are unsafe due to naturally occurring toxins:

  • Stone fruit woods (Cherry, Peach, Plum): Can release cyanogenic compounds, which interfere with oxygen use in cells and pose a poisoning risk.

  • Evergreens: Contain strong-smelling oils (resins) that can damage the liver and respiratory system. Kiln-dried pine is an exception because the drying process removes most resins.

  • Walnut, Pecan, Chestnut, Oak: Contain juglone and tannins, which may cause gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, or nutrient binding.

  • Exotic hardwoods (Mahogany, Teak): Contain strong alkaloids and resins as defenses against tropical insects, which small animals cannot safely process.

  • Citrus and Eucalyptus woods: Contain volatile essential oils that act as natural pesticides—pleasant to humans but toxic to small animals.

Handling and Preparing Safe Wood

Even safe wood requires proper preparation before giving it to your pets:

  1. Clean thoroughly: Remove animal waste, dust, pollution, insect eggs, or larvae.

  2. Avoid lichen: Some lichens are harmless, but many are poisonous. Since there are hundreds of varieties, it’s safest to avoid wood with any lichen.

  3. Dehydrate and bake: Dry the wood completely to remove moisture and reduce the risk of mold.

Proper preparation ensures your pets get the benefits of chewing safely, without accidental exposure to contaminants or harmful compounds.

Note: Some wood may appear fuzzy during new branch growth, but this is completely safe and is a favorite among chinchillas. These fuzzy new growth pieces are quickly chomped on by chinchillas. Similarly, pieces with flower buds are also safe. If you find buds or blossoms on your tree, consider picking and processing them separately for a special treat!

Safe Alternative Chew Toy Options for Chinchillas

Minerals & Hard Chews

  • Deer antler: very hard and not suitable for animals 6 months or younger. Monitor to avoid tooth fractures.

  • Cuttlefish bone: The internal shell of a cuttlefish, which is primarily composed of aragonite, a mineral form of calcium carbonate.

  • Mineral lava stone: A rough, heavier volcanic rock, but forms from lava that has less gas or cools more slowly, resulting in a denser, more solid structure. 

  • Pumice stone: lightweight, vesicular volcanic glass that floats on water.

Plant Fibers & Leaves

  • Banana leaf: dried

  • Loofah: Dried fiber of the luffa plant

  • Palm leaves: shredder-type toys like finger traps or woven baskets

  • Corn husk: dried

  • Loofah: rinsed, dried, and unbleached

  • Sola: Bark from a root plant

Woods & Vine

  • Grape vine: An Alternative to willow used to make woven toys

  • Coconut shells: with or without hairy fibers, cleaned of all “flesh”.

  • Pine cones: must be cleaned and baked to remove sap and seeds. Hard to DIY.

Ropes & Shredders

  • Sisal rope: the natural, untreated fibers of the Agave Sisalana plant.

  • Seagrass: made an intro rope for toys

  • Coconut fiber: made into rope for toys

Other Options

  • Any Hay cubes (Alfalfa, Timothy, Oat)

  • Cardboard: Debated topic. Not all cardboard is made equal. Corrugated cardboard is typically safe for Chinchillas to chew and shred. Compressed cardboard used in “bagels/birdie bites “ commonly found on chew toys are typically safe for small chewing animals.

  • Food-grade kraft sandwich bags stuffed with hay, sticks, and treats are a foraging toy.

  • Food-grade cupcake liners (plain or dyed), but unwaxed.

Contrary to popular beliefs, we are not specialists. We are simply enthusiasts and love learning about Chinchillas. This information is provided solely for educational purposes, based on our experiences and discussions with breeders, ranchers, veterinarians, and pet shop owners. It should not be treated as cold, hard facts or a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s diet or health.