~ Cholla Cactus Chewies for Pleco's, Chinchillas, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Birds and other chewing pets ~

NATURAL CACTUS CHEWIES

Inner skeleton of Cylindropuntia bigelovii | Spine-Free | Non-Toxic | Clean & free of pesticides

Cholla Cactus Cylindropuntia bigelovii for pets

'Wood' chew toys are often recommended for chewing animals, such as Hamsters, Rats, Marmosets, Birds, Capuchins, Ferrets, Guinea Pigs, Squirrels, Chinchillas, Sugar Gliders, Rabbits, Gerbils, Mice and Ferrets. They fulfill the need to chew and keep the teeth or beak in condition. Cactus logs are often used for habitats, aquariums and terrariums as well. They are a favorite of some aquatic creatures like Crabs, Shrimp, Pleco's, Farlowellas, and snails.

Aquariums:

Cylindropuntia bigelovii Capuchins, Ferrets, Guinea Pigs, Squirrels

Since we don't keep a variety of Pleco fish, we asked a friend of ours (who breeds many Pleco species for several stores) to share his more experienced opinion about the use of cactus in aquariums. Following is his reply:

"Cholla cactus has been used in aquariums for several years for both decorative and functional purposes. The first time I saw one was in my neighbor's tank. It was about a foot long with at least 25 juvenile ancistrus plecos stuck to it. He said it made it so much easier to catch juveniles because they refused to let go of the cactus log and that sounded good to me. He used a large net and just scooped them up with it. The cactus is light even when waterlogged so he didn't have to worry about injuring the fry. He also had a bunch of smaller cactus logs scattered around the bottom of a river tank. I was admiring this nice biotope when I realized the wood was looking back at me!! Several tiny tetras were peering through the holes from inside the wood.

I went home and researched it right away. It took me a few months to find it but eventually I had some to try. I have read raving reviews to the extreme of miraculous but I think that's hyped. The plecos enjoy it as much as any other wood but other species may like it more or less than mine. Fry and cherry shrimp in particular preferred it to wood in my growout tanks and that might be because it's softer. Its a staple in all of my setups now. Most of my tanks are tannin stained but I'll try to get a picture for you.

Yes I would be happy to test your new food but I think you'll have a hard time beating your current bottombites!!

Charles Yida"

Storm Vos-Browning of Stormiidae writes, "About the cactus wood; I've no experience with it and plec's, but shrimp and baby hets (Heterandria formosa) absolutely thrive with it. They munch away on the aufwuchs and white fungusy stuff, and shelter in it as well. It was great when I had ghost shrimp, because the babies could get away from the predatory adults. Females would hang around on it while their eggs were hatching."

Cholla Cactus Gerbils, Mice and Ferrets

Nutritionally, cactus is a source of soft fiber suitable for their digestive system. Arguably, other than the wood eaters (such as Panaques) most Pleco's need very little (if any) wood in their diet. The reason they love to rasp on wood is it has all sorts of bacteria and microscopic organisms on it. Since this is a highly porous wood, it does facilitate and encourage this 'sugar coating', which may explain it's popularity in Pleco tanks.

For fry (baby fish), it has proven to be a wonderful hiding place in my aquariums, and they too get to pick away at the microscopic organisms. It attracts and increases the number of infusorians as well.

Once the cactus sinks (in about 24 hours), it becomes a functional plant anchor with the holes facilitating quick, natural attachment.

As a general practice, we recommend that any wood be boiled before adding it to an aquarium.

You will receive three Cactus Chewies, one 12" long and two 6" long, packaged in a food grade bag. Diameter varies. Easily cut to desired length.

Click below to purchase three natural Cactus Chewies for only $4.50!

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