How To Pick The Best Cage For A Chinchilla
When it comes to picking the best cage for a chinchilla, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. It’s not necessarily a difficult selection, but you’ll have to know the criteria so you can narrow down the set of cages to the one that is best for your home and your pets.
How Big Should A Chinchilla Cage Be?
Here are the big points to look for…
- Accepted wisdom is that a cage should be at least 600 square inches, putting the smallest cage at 24 inches by 24 inches.
- Multi-level cages are a must.
- Metal wire design
First, you need to make sure the cage is tall enough. Chinchillas are excellent jumpers and climbers, so a tall cage is a must. A good-sized cage might be over 60 inches tall, once fully constructed.
Chinchillas are very active, so they need a lot of space to run and play. A good rule of thumb is to choose a cage that’s at least 24″x24″x36″. If you have the room, go even bigger! Your chinchilla will thank you for it.
Cage Materials And Features To Look For
Second, you need to make sure the bar spacing is small enough. Chinchillas have very delicate bones and can easily get their heads stuck between bars that are too far apart. A typical cage for a smaller bird will be fine, but something for a larger bird, like a parrot, could have spacing that is too far apart. This will particularly be an issue if you are trying to move to a larger cage because you want your chinchilla(s) to have more space — the manufacturer might assume a larger animal, but that’s not the case this time.
Along these lines, avoid using any type of wire flooring in your chinchilla’s cage; wire floors can damage your chinchilla’s delicate feet. Instead, opt for a cage with a solid floor or a soft liner such as fleece or carpet. Make sure it’s cleanable and can easily be removed.
Third, you need to make sure the cage has plenty of places for your chinchilla to hide. Chinchillas are naturally shy animals and will not do well in a cage that does not provide them with adequate hiding places.
What To Put Inside
And then the cage needs to have stuff in it! Chinchillas are curious creatures, so it’s important to give them plenty of things to do in their cage. Include plenty of toys such as tunnels, chews, and balls, and consider adding some branches for climbing. And don’t forget that hiding spot where he can retreat when he wants some peace and quiet.
Some top picks based on user reviews include:
TheCritterNation Double Unit Chinchilla Cage
This huge cage is perfect for chinchillas who like to roam and explore. TheCritterNation Double Unit Chinchilla Cage is made of high-quality powder-coated steel and features two large platforms, two ramps, eight heavy-duty locking casters, and two removable pans for easy cleaning. The bar spacing on this cage is just ½”, so you can rest assured your chinchilla will be safe and secure. And with over 17 square feet of living space, your chinchilla will never be bored.
MidWest Homes For Pets Deluxe Multi-Level Chinchilla Cage
This cage is perfect for chinchillas who like to jump and climb. The MidWest Homes For Pets Deluxe Multi-Level Chinchilla Cage features 3 levels with ¾” bar spacing, 2 ladders, 2 platforms, 1 hay feeder, 1 water bottle, and 4 easy-rolling casters. The powder-coated steel construction ensures this cage will last for years to come. And the easy-to-clean design makes keeping your chinchilla’s home clean a breeze.
Conclusion
When it comes to picking the best cage for a chinchilla, there are a few things you need to take into consideration such as height, bar spacing, and hiding places. With these things in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best cages for chinchillas on the market today.