How to Build a Wire Cage for Chinchillas

A chinchilla cage can be made at home from wire mesh and wood.

Chinchillas are small mammals that measure approximately 17 to 19 inches in length. The females are typically larger than the males. These animals have become popular as pets and for their soft, dense fur which can be used to make a variety of clothing. You can build a chinchilla cage of the recommended size, 6 feet long, 6 feet deep and 3 feet high, out of wood and wire mesh.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 3/4-inch square 16 gauge galvanized welded mesh
• Wire cutter
• 1/2-inch thick untreated pine or plywood
• Pencil
• Saw
• 1 1/2-inch screws
• Screwdriver
• Staple gun
• 14 mm staples
• 2 hinges
• Hook and eye closure

Instructions

1. Measure two pieces of .5-inch untreated pine or plywood which are 6 feet long and 6 feet wide. Cut out the pieces with a saw.

2. Measure out nine pieces of the .5-inch untreated pine or plywood which are 36 inches long and 1 inch in width. Cut out all of the pieces with the saw.

3. Measure and cut out six pieces of .5-inch untreated pine or plywood which are 6 feet long and 1 inch wide.

4. Measure out six pieces of .5-inch untreated pine or plywood which are 1 foot long and 1 inch wide. Cut out all of the pieces with the saw.

5. Cut four pieces of wire mesh which measure 6 feet in length and 3 feet in height with the wire cutters.

6. Position four of the pieces of wood cut in Step 3 so that they are vertical and aligned with the corners of one of the bases cut in Step 1. Secure each piece by inserting a screw through the bottom of the base and through the middle of the wood pieces. Position three more pieces of the wood cut in Step 3 in the center of the back and sides of the cage in a vertical position. Secure the pieces. Position the last two pieces of wood from Step 3 in a vertical position on the front of the cage. The first piece should be mounted at the 2.5 foot mark. The second piece should be mounted at the 3.5 foot mark. Secure both pieces.

7. Position two of the pieces of wood cut in Step 4 in a horizontal position on each of the sides and back of the enclosure. The wood pieces should be secured at the 1-foot-high and 2-foot-high points.

8. Staple the edges of the side mesh pieces along the edges of the frame and along the interior supports with the staple gun. Staple the edges of the back mesh piece along the edges of the frame and along the interior supports.

9. Connect four of the wood pieces cut in Step 5 together to form a square which will be the door to the enclosure. Position the door on the front of the cage between the two vertical supports. Position the remaining two pieces of wood created in Step 5 on the top and bottom of the door and connect these pieces to the vertical supports.

10. Attach two hinges to either the left or right vertical support on the front of the cage. Attach the other end of the hinge to the edge of the door. Attach the hook to the opposite edge of the door and screw the end into the adjoining vertical support.

11. Staple the edges of the last piece of wire mesh to the sides, support beams and door. Use the wire cutter to cut the mesh around the door so that it can freely swing open.

12. Place the second piece of wood created in Step 1 on top of the cage and secure the top with screws which run through the top of the cage into each of the nine vertical support pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have extra wood, you can make shelves for the cage. Cut out pieces that are equal to the depth or width of the cage and attach the pieces with screws to the support beam on the sides and back of each shelf for stabilization. Make sure to leave enough room for the chinchillas to move freely between shelves. A tray can be placed in the bottom of the cage for litter collection.

References

• Chinchillacy MRU: Cage Building
• Octodon Degus: How to Build a Degu Cage
• Chinchilla Chronicles: Chinchilla Cage
• Animal Diversity Web: Chinchilla Chinchilla by Holly Kopack
• Chinchilla Planet: Chinchilla Cages