How to House a Chinchilla

Your chinchilla's cage can be more than a place to sleep; with enough space and toys, it can be a play space as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chinchilla Cages
• Thermometers
• Old Newspapers
• Chinchilla Wheels
• Thermometers

1. Choose a metal wire cage, which your chinchilla will not be able to chew through. Avoid using glass or plastic enclosures.

2. Provide a cage with enough space for your chinchilla to exercise and play, preferably a cubical cage that is at least 3 by 3 feet wide.

3. Opt for a cage with a removable bottom tray to aid in cleaning. Line the bottom with newspaper and clean it once a week.

4. Add extras to the cage, such as shelves and a 15-inch wheel for extra play and exercise, and a wooden or cardboard box for hiding.

5. Place the cage in a cool spot, out of the sun and wind. The optimal temperature range is 60 to 70 degrees F, although chinchillas have been known to survive in temperatures below 55 degrees F.

[ChinxLover]

on 4/27/2008 I no way do I agree with this person's number 3 post. Chinchillas love to have shavings in their cage so they can roll in them, push them around, have something to lay in, etc. Newspaper is DEADLY to chinchillas. It has too much ink! Chinchillas will chew and eat ANYTHING! Always use shavings, the only kind I use is pine as long as it's free of chemicals and oils. Aspen is alright as well, some breeders even use CareFresh. DO NOT use newspaper. I can't believe someone would actually put that.

on 9/23/2006 Avoid wire bottoms. Imagine walking on poles all day. Toes and feet get stuck, and the delicate skin on the feet can become irritated and infected. If you do opt for a cage with a wire bottom, provide a straw mat or the like so your critter's feet are spared some of the time. Also, some of the best cages for chinchillas (along with rabbits and ferrets) are dog crates. They're roomy and usually have floors that slide out easily to clean.

on 11/22/2005 Your chinchilla's cage should never have plastic or rubber coating on the wires. This can be harmful to them if they chew on the bars.

on 11/22/2005 If the bottom of the cage does not have a wire floor then the chinchilla will need shavings. The kind of shavings that work best are white aspen or pine that are not chemically treated. Never use cedar.