How to Buy Chinchilla Cages

Chinchillas are extremely bright, adorable critters that can live up to 23 years.

Chinchillas are small, furry desert animals that are highly social and extremely cute. Their social tendencies and high degree of trainability make the type of cage that you select for your chinchillas of vital importance to their lives and the way that they will contribute to you and your family's lives. In this article, we will discuss how to buy a chinchilla cage that is right for you and your pets.

Things You'll Need

• Dry environment to place your chinchilla cage

Instructions

How to Buy Chinchilla Cages

1. 

   Go to a pet store. Even though they are hardy desert animals, chinchillas are somewhat delicate. Their cages must meet their health requirements or they will be visibly unhappy for the duration of their lives with you. Most pet stores carry traditional rodent cages--wire sides and top with a detachable plastic bottom--but a larger pet store is more likely to have a wider variety of options that will suit your pet's specific needs.

2. 

   Decide on a number of "rooms." Chinchillas enjoy frequent dust baths, so you will need a cage large enough for a "bathroom," a detachable, enclosed plastic area where your pet can go to bathe. If the cage does not have enough room for this bath area to remain inside the cage at all times, your chinchilla will likely resort to rolling around in dirty bedding to try to get clean. Furthermore, chinchillas are very active and observant. A larger cage with more levels will keep your pet entertained when you are not playing with him.

3. 

   Pick an entrance.If you plan to let your chinchilla roam the house at will, you will need a cage that is easy to get in and out of. Many come with detachable ramps to insure that your pet can return when "nature calls." If you do not plan to let your chinchilla explore your house without supervision, then any simple hatch that latches shut will suffice.

4. 

   Select accessories. Most pet stores have toys, hiding places and exotic snack options available to hang or install in your chinchilla cage. For example, if you know that you are going to get a small cage, you may wish to also purchase a "riser" that hooks to the side of the cage and can hold the weight of your pet. This gives it a new perspective without necessitating the purchase of a larger cage.

5. Make your purchase. Once you have selected your chinchilla cage, ask an associate to find unopened packages containing your items. Purchase these items, then head home to move in your chinchilla!