How to Use a Dog Cage for Chinchillas
Chinchillas need room to run. These furry little animals enjoy hopping around, getting dust baths and observing the world outside their cages. Dog cages make ideal housing for chinchillas. A wire dog cage provides ample running and playing room, while also ensuring that the chinchilla has a safe and secure home.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Vinegar
- Wooden bird perches
- Pine shavings
- Cardboard box
- Water bottle
- Food bowl
Instructions
-
-
1
Hose down the dog cage and plastic cage flooring with water. Dry the cage and flooring, then wash thoroughly with vinegar. Washing the cage and flooring before you place your chinchilla in it ensures that any chemicals or toxins used to make the cage are completely eliminated. Let the cage dry in a warm, sunny area for 24 hours.
-
2
Install a couple flat wooden perches in the cage. Use bird perches or make your own. However, if you make your own, thoroughly sand down the wood, then wash and dry it before putting in the cage. You can use flat plastic bird perches as well. Install one perch toward the bottom of the cage and one toward the middle. This gives your chinchilla plenty of places to perch and play.
-
-
3
Put down an inch of pine shavings on the bottom of the cage. Place baking soda in all four corners of the cage as well. The pine shavings are comfortable for your chinchilla’s feet while the baking soda helps soak up waste. If you notice your chinchilla using the bathroom elsewhere in the cage, simply sprinkle baking soda in that area.
-
4
Provide a cardboard box big enough for your chinchilla to play or sleep in. Remove any tape or debris from the box. Place the box on its side so your chinchilla can walk inside the box. Another option is to cut one of the sides off the box so your chinchilla can lay or sleep in the shavings.
-
5
Install a water bottle in the cage. Put down a bowl for food.
-
6
Place towels around the outer bottom of the cage. The towels provide shelter from floor drafts and also keep any shavings from getting all over your floor.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use a cage designed for a medium or large dog. Small dog cages are not large enough for a chinchilla. Use an extra-large dog cage for more than one chinchilla.
Keep the cage in quiet area with minimal drafts.
Change the cage once a week or as frequently as needed. Always take out the plastic flooring of the cage and wash it thoroughly.
Always latch the door of the cage when you close it. If you fear your chinchilla escaping, put the door of the cage against the wall.
Do not let your chinchilla live in wet shavings. If you see a spill, clean it up as soon as possible.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
