The correct cage for a pet chinchilla is proof against chewing, supplies ample area and ranges for climbing and enjoying, and has bars spaced shut sufficient—lower than an inch for grownup chinchillas—to allow them to’t squeeze by way of however air can circulate freely. “An important issues when searching for a chinchilla habitat are dimension, peak, and environmental enrichment,” Whimsy, proprietor of a chinchilla rescue based mostly in Virginia, instructed The Spruce Pets. To begin your search, she recommends specializing in area over another function, saying, “Principally, the larger, the higher.”
Our favourite is the MidWest Properties for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit. This chinchilla cage supplies a number of ranges of play with a strong development, full-width doorways, and a storage shelf. However we’ve additionally discovered different incredible cages that will higher suit your circumstances.
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The MidWest Properties for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit is a fantastically constructed unit that is likely one of the most sturdy and aesthetically pleasing cages available on the market. It has two completely different ranges, full-width pans for max floor, and two adjustable cabinets or half-floors—plus, it is comparatively simple to assemble. The included ranges have a lip round them, so that they gained’t leak in case your chinchilla makes a multitude, and grippy ramps with “Completely happy Toes” ramp covers present pathways between the completely different ranges.
It’s additionally simple to get your chinchilla out and in of the Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit since each ranges have doorways that span the complete width of the cage, with latches which are critter-proof however nonetheless simple sufficient to open with one hand. Plus, the habitat has 4 locking wheel casters, making it simple to maneuver round when mandatory, and a wire shelf beneath the enclosure, so you may maintain your chinchilla’s bedding, meals, and toys helpful. The Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit additionally is available in a single-story model, so you can begin small and go for the add-on stage in case you resolve to undertake one other chinchilla.
Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 63 inches | Supplies: Steel wire, plastic ramps with fabric covers | Coloration Choices: Black | Equipment: Adjustable cabinets, ramps
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Steel body on wheels with three doorways
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Straightforward to assemble
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Six tiers linked with ramps for climbing
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Bowl, water bottle, and tray included
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Appropriate for guinea pigs, squirrels, chinchillas, ferrets, rabbits, rats, and hedgehogs
The Yaheetech Pet Cage 52 Inch provides six ranges linked with ramps for a chinchilla to securely discover, sitting on 4 rubber wheels, making the cage simple to maneuver. The steel framed cage is made in two colours, black or white, and comes collectively simply with all the required elements, {hardware}, and instruments included together with illustrated directions. It additionally comes with a water bottle, a meals dish, and a detachable tray to streamline cleanup.
On this cage and the 37-inch mannequin (with 4 ranges and two entry doorways), the bars are spaced 0.9 inches aside, so it is unlikely your chinchilla will have the ability to slip by way of—plus the three doorways are the complete peak of the cage and have critter-proof latches. The corrugated ramps and platforms may have additional padding for delicate toes, however additionally they present a quiet floor for an energetic chinchilla and different small pets, together with ferrets, rabbits, and hedgehogs (though every species ought to have their very own cage).
Dimensions: 25 x 17 x 52 inches | Supplies: Iron, plastic base | Coloration Choices: Black | Equipment: Water bottle, meals dish, corrugated ramps, trays
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Six ranges for an energetic chinchilla to roam
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A number of spots for hanging toys
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Straightforward to scrub with slide-out tray
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4 omnidirectional wheels, two with brakes
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Two coloration choices, black or pink/white
The PawHut 6-Stage Small Animal Cage is ideal for anybody who desires to supply as a lot vertical area for his or her chins as potential. It is the identical peak as our Greatest Total decide however provides extra inside area for a number of chinchillas to socialize and play. The sturdy cage is constructed from powder-coated steel and iron wire and has 0.95-inch bar spacing all through, so your grownup chin is unlikely to flee. Inside, your chinchillas will get pleasure from six ranges with ramps connecting every, all designed for delicate paws.
No toys are included, however there are many locations to hold a wide range of enrichment items. The cage additionally has three doorways spaced vertically with critter-proof latches, so you may entry your chinchillas at any stage throughout the cage. There’s a detachable tray that slides out and may be cleaned with cleaning soap and water, plus 4 omnidirectional wheels so you may transfer the big habitat with ease.
Dimensions: 32 x 20.75 x 62.75 inches | Supplies: Steel, plastic | Coloration Choices: Black, white/pink | Equipment: Ramps, trays
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The Prevue Pet Merchandise Critter Animal Cage is close to the minimal footprint for a cage that would fortunately accommodate a single chinchilla. When you’ll want bedding or a platform cowl for the wire-frame backside of the cage, the ramps and cabinets are strong, making them appropriate for chinchilla toes. You too can choose to take away the underside grille and use the slide-out particles tray because the cage backside.
Apart from the plastic particles tray on the underside of the habitat, the Critter Animal Cage contains a chew-proof, all-metal development with 3/4-inch wire spacing. The cage contains a single, giant entrance gate. Plus, identical to our Greatest Total decide, the Prevue Pet Merchandise cage has a wire shelf beneath the habitat, so you may retailer meals and different chinchilla gear.
Dimensions: 31 x 20.5 x 40 inches | Supplies: Steel, plastic, acrylic | Coloration Choices: Earth dusted rose | Equipment: Ramps, trays
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Vertical bars much less vulnerable to breakage
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Sturdy steel development
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Twin-locking latches
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Ample area for play
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Out there in single- and double-story
This Ferret Nation Deluxe Ferret Cage by MidWest Properties for Pets is similar to our Greatest Total decide. It has the identical sturdy steel development, beneficiant area, adjustable shelving, ramp cowl, and dual-lock system. The important thing distinction is the orientation of the steel bars—right here, they’re vertical, not horizontal as within the Critter Nation cage. A Reddit consumer on the chinchilla discussion board recommends this cage over the latter based mostly on a pal’s expertise of getting their rescue chinchillas repeatedly “breaking the bars on the critter nation,” including, “It is also very simple to customise the cages for each critter and ferret!”
Just like the Critter Nation cages, the deluxe ferret cages can be found in single- and double-level, with a number of attachment factors for equipment. Nevertheless, among the items do not all the time line up completely, which may make meeting extra sophisticated than anticipated.
Dimensions: 36 x 25 x 38.5 inches (single) | Supplies: Steel wire, plastic ramps with fabric covers | Coloration Choices: Black | Equipment: Adjustable shelf, ramp
Ultimate Verdict
The MidWest Properties for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit is our total favourite, with a considerate design and sturdy supplies. Should you’re in search of a spacious but inexpensive choice, strive the Yaheetech Pet Cage, which comes with a water bottle, meals dish, and detachable tray and can be appropriate for different small pets.
What to Look For in a Chinchilla Cage
Development
Steel wire is the popular materials for chinchilla cages as a result of their thick fur makes them prone to overheating, so that you wish to choose a habitat that gives them with loads of airflow. Steel can be preferable as a result of chinchillas chew no matter they will get their jaws round—nevertheless, offering chew toys and a pumice block may give them the chewing surfaces they want, although you’ll nonetheless wish to maintain an in depth eye on any plastic or picket surfaces. Most of our suggestions use wire mesh development, however there are some plastic elements right here and there.
It’s additionally vital that your chinchilla cage has strong platforms and ramps. Whereas different small pets might be able to tolerate working and climbing on wire surfaces, chinchillas have delicate toes which are vulnerable to harm. Guarantee that platforms and different areas are both constructed from strong steel or are lined with cozy fabric or steel trays.
Measurement
“Chinchillas like heights and like to perch up excessive to survey their environment,” Whimsy instructed The Spruce Pets. “Ledges and cage equipment organized as touchdown factors from one to a different are excellent.” Ensure that to pick a cage with a width and depth that gives a minimum of 576 sq. inches of area (24 by 24 inches), however bigger is all the time higher.
Whimsy’s chinchilla rescue group provides quite a few images of how chinchilla house owners have kitted out their cages to maximise vertical area and supply a number of ledges for inhabitants.
Equipment
Chinchillas love toys, so you need to choose a cage that anticipates their wants. You’ll wish to have a spot within the cage the place you may set up a large-diameter working wheel, which is specifically designed to have strong somewhat than wire surfaces. You’ll additionally want area for water and meals trays, chew toys, and a “nest” the place your chinchilla can cozy up and conceal.
Bumblefoot Situation
Chinchillas have delicate foot pads which are vulnerable to growing—like rodents, birds, and rabbits—a situation referred to as bumblefoot, medically referred to as ulcerative pododermatitis. Should you discover any indicators of irritation or your chinchilla is proof against strolling and climbing, you need to search steering out of your veterinarian as quickly as potential.
This bacterial an infection results in irritation, discomfort, and redness, and is commonly brought on by repeated strolling on harsh or abrasive surfaces, akin to wire-floored cages, cabinets, and ramps. You’ll be able to add padding to your chinchilla’s habitat to present their paws a respite. Retaining their house clear will even assist keep away from bumblefoot.
FAQ
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”Sure, chinchillas want bedding,” Whimsy stated. “Contemplating their cage must be tall, a thick layer of pure, kiln-dried pine bedding acts as a shock absorber in case of a fall. Plus, pine naturally absorbs urine smells and can be utilized as compost after cage cleansing. And, pine bedding is protected for chinchillas to chew (in contrast to recycled ‘fluff’ beddings).” Platforms with raised lips will do a greater job of holding within the dye-free paper or dried pine bedding chinchillas choose.
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”When searching for toys and cage equipment, it is crucial that one is aware of precisely which supplies are chinchilla protected,” Whimsy instructed The Spruce Pets. “Kiln-dried pine is great for ledges as they’re protected for the chinchilla to chew, are comparatively cheap, and are simple to scrub or sand to refresh. When choosing toys, it is excellent to have all kinds of pure supplies. We all the time advocate having tender (loofah, palm, seagrass, vine, wicker, natural hays), medium (pure, bark-on wooden), and laborious (pumice) toys out there in order that your chinchilla can make the most of no matter texture they need/want. The toys a chinchilla destroys quickest are those they want essentially the most. If a toy just isn’t salient, it’ll serve no helpful goal. And the aim of getting chew toys is to assist maintain enamel trim and to supply environmental stimulation.”
Why Belief The Spruce Pets?
This text was written by Ellie Welles, who has raised canines, cats, rabbits, and even a green-cheeked conure. She’s enthusiastic about discovering one of the best merchandise in your littlest members of the family. For this text, she consulted veterinary suggestions, product evaluations, and chinchilla proprietor suggestions to seek out merchandise which are particularly designed for chinchillas somewhat than different widespread pet rodents.
Further experience was supplied by Whimsy of Whimsy’s Menagerie Chinchilla Rescue, who has been offering short-term shelter environments for chinchillas since 1998, after studying that the majority animal management services both don’t settle for or are inadequately outfitted to deal with unique pets like chinchillas. Her web site has turn into a repository of helpful data for chinchilla house owners. She additionally conducts coaching in chinchilla look after veterinary clinics and pet shops within the Richmond, Virginia, space.