In this section we look at the different types of Chinchilla cage and we explore what makes a good cage and what to avoid when buying or purchasing a Chinchilla cage as well as answering your most common frequently asked questions about which Chinchilla cage is best to buy and why.
Chinchillas out of cage
In another section of this Chinchilla cage website we cover the best size of Chinchilla cage, in this page we investigate the different types of Chinchilla cage.
Many people like to buy a flat pack housing wheras other people like to buy a ready-made aviary-style type.
Whichever type of cage you prefer always put in the forefront of your mind the basic fact that Chinchillas will chew anything! Many cages have plastic protective covering of cage bars and your Chinchilla will chew right through these! This is actually dangerous to his health as he will swallow the plastic.
Chinchilla
READY-MADE CHINCHILLA CAGES
If you buy the ready-made aviary type cage ask yourself these questions:
Is this cage made specifically for a Chinchilla or is it designed with another animal in mind?
Will my Chinchilla fit through the door?
Does the cage have any plastic that the Chinchilla could chew on?
How solid is the cage because Chinchillas really run, jump and climb, they are lively little creatures and any cage needs to be strong and robust? Chinchillas need plenty of exercise to be happy. With a large cage they are able to move about and climb but they should also be provided with an exercise wheel.
Is the cage large enough? – see page on Chinchilla cage size.
What substance is the cage made out of?
Does the cage have a solid floor? This is best so that there is no chance of the Chinchillas feet falling through the bottom and getting trapped. Some people buy cages with mesh floors because they are easier to clean.
Is the cage easy to clean? – see page on Chinchilla cage cleaning.
FLAT-PACK CHINCHILLA CAGES
If you buy the flat-pack type of Chinchilla cage which needs assembling ask yourself these questions:
How easy (or difficult) is it to assemble? Fortunately most Chinchilla cages clasp together with relative ease – thank goodness!
Does the cage have a solid floor or wire mesh floor? Chinchillas should be kept in a wire cage so that they can not chew their way out. The wire should not be painted or coated because the chinchilla will eat this coating which will most likely be plastic coating.
Make sure the mesh spaces are no larger then 1 to 2 inches apart and the mesh spaces on the bottom floor of the cage should not be any larger then ½ inch apart because your pet will be walking on this and they can easily get their little legs caught in gaps.
Chinchilla Cages and Shelf Placement Video
Below is a really useful and educational video about cages and the best way to set up the Chinchilla cage shelves inside the cage:
