When you are getting a chinchilla, the cage and its contents will be an important part of keeping your pet healthy and safe. A chinchilla can overheat very easily so it is important that the chinchilla cage not be in direct sunlight or a place that gets too warm.
Getting a wire cage that is tall and has at least a 24″ x 24″ floor will work for your chinchilla. Vinyl and plastic will not be healthy for your pet because they like to chew on these items. Do not put anything in the cage that has a vinyl cover or is made of plastic.
Including shelves and ladders in the cage will give it the exercise that is natural for them and they will like having a wooden box for a nest in the cage as well. If the floor and shelves are wire, place wood planks over them to protect the feet of your pet.
Lining the cage with aspen wood shavings or newspaper is ideal. Cedar is not a good type of shaving to use with chinchillas and regular pine also splinters when nibbled. Putting newspaper in the nesting box will allow your pet to make it comfortable and a good place to retreat if it gets frightened.
Bowls in the cage will not be effective for the chinchilla. If bowls are used, they need to be very heavy and cleaned on a daily basis. By using a glass bottle that has a chew guard and feed hopper that attaches to the cage you will be able to keep food and water clean for your pet.
Chinchillas need a pumice block to keep their teeth the right length. In the wild they chew on stones to keep their teeth ground down. You will need to give them a way to do this in their cage.
Find out why it’s especially important to have a large chinchilla cage if you have two chinchillas, and things to be aware of when making your chinchilla cage plans.