The 5 Best Cages For Chinchillas
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Chinchillas are quirky little animals with soft fur. They are similar in size to a guinea pig with the addition of a long tail. They are known for their big, round eyes and large ears as well as being nocturnal animals. The chinchilla is not a difficult pet to keep, but they do require some work to tame and they require a large cage that provides plenty of space to play.
In this article, we’ll talk about the basics of caring for pet chinchillas and provide some tips for choosing the best chinchilla cage. You’ll also see our top 5 picks for the best chinchilla cage.
At a Glance: Best Cages For Chinchillas To Buy
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Cages For Chinchillas
Materials
Wrought iron (powder-coated) |
Materials
Metal tube and wire |
Materials
Metal, wire |
Materials
Iron, wire |
Materials
Metal wire, plastic |
Size
31x20x54 inches |
Size
36x24x63 inches |
Size
25 x 17.125 x 34 inches |
Size
25x17x51.5 inches |
Size
30x19x43 inches |
Accessories
Platforms, ramps, hammock, grille |
Accessories
Pans, ramps, shelves, and covers |
Accessories
Ramps, shelves, platforms |
Accessories
Ramps, platforms, tray |
Accessories
Tray, two platforms, hammock, ramps |
What To Look For In Cages For Chinchillas?
The first thing you need to know is that chinchillas are social creatures, so it is best to keep them in pairs. This being the case, you’ll need a fairly large cage to comfortably house your chinchillas. Chinchillas do not do well in small cages, like the kind you’d find at the store for a guinea pig – you need to look for a cage specially designed for this type of pet.
Here are some important things to look for in chinchilla cages:
- Ample space. Chinchillas are active creatures and they can jump as high as 6 feet in a single leap. Make sure your cage provides a bare minimum of 12 cubic feet of space for two chinchillas and choose the largest multi-level cage you can afford and fit in your house.
- Heavy-duty materials. The chinchilla tends to chew on anything and everything, so you need a cage made from sturdy materials that won’t break. Metal is the best material for a cage.
- Escape-proof. Just because the chinchilla looks soft and cuddly doesn’t mean it isn’t clever – these animals can squeeze through remarkably small spaces, so make sure your chinchilla cage has bars with no more than 0.5” of spacing between them.
- Easy to access and clean. Your chinchilla cage should have large doors to make it easy for you to access your chinchilla and to clean it. A pull-out tray is also a good feature for easy cleaning.
Our Top Picks For The Best Cages For Chinchillas
Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a chinchilla cage, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 5 picks for the best chinchilla cages.
Prevue Pet Products Feisty Ferret Home, Black Hammertone
Product Info
- Materials: Wrought iron (powder-coated)
- Size: 31x20x54 inches
- Accessories: Platforms, ramps, hammock, grille
- Very large, spacious enough for two
- Large double doors for easy access/cleaning
- Easy-rolling casters for maneuverability
- Platforms and ramps are made of plastic, can be chewed
- Some assembly required, can be tricky
MidWest Critter Nation Deluxe Small Animal Cage
Product Info
- Materials: Metal tube and wire
- Size: 36x24x63 inches
- Accessories: Pans, ramps, shelves, and covers
- Spacious two-story design with double doors
- Comes with a variety of accessories
- Easy to clean and access
- Significantly more expensive than many models
- Very heavy, can be difficult to lift parts for assembly
Prevue Frisky Ferret Cage with Stand
Product Info
- Materials: Metal, wire
- Size: 25 x 17.125 x 34 inches
- Accessories: Ramps, shelves, platforms
- Durable materials with small wire spacing
- Large front door and roof opening for access
- Storage shelf on bottom for convenience
- Not as large as other models reviewed
- Rose color may eventually rust with age
YAHEETECH 52” 6 Level Metal Critter Cage
Product Info
- Materials: Iron, wire
- Size: 25x17x51.5 inches
- Accessories: Ramps, platforms, tray
- Very large and spacious for the price
- Comes with several ramps and platforms
- Made from durable iron materials
- Takes up a significant amount of space
- Assembly instructions could be better
Homey Pet - 3 Tiers 30" Cat Cage
Product Info
- Materials: Metal wire, plastic
- Size: 30x19x43 inches
- Accessories: Tray, two platforms, hammock, ramps
- More affordable than some models reviewed
- Slide-out tray for easy cleaning
- Multiple levels for ample space
- Many plastic materials, won’t withstand chewing
- Less spacious and durable than other models
Tips For Maintaining A Chinchilla Cage
Once you’ve chosen your chinchilla cage, the next steps are to set it up and then maintain it. Keeping your chinchilla’s cage clean is important for your chinchilla’s health, so take the time to learn how to do it properly – it’s really not very difficult.
Here are some simple tips for maintaining a chinchilla cage:
- Keep a hand broom and dustpan handy so you can sweep up small messes as they occur, not letting them grow into big messes.
- Consider keeping a hand vacuum near the cage to suck up debris like clumps of fur or dirty bedding that falls out of the cage.
- Do a quick sweep of the platforms and ramps in your chinchilla cage on a daily basis, wiping them down if they get dirty.
- Change out the bedding or any fleece covers you’re using once a week to keep things fresh and clean.
- Once a month, remove everything from your chinchilla cage then clean and disinfect it – be sure to use a safe, all-natural cleaner.
Maintaining a chinchilla cage doesn’t have to be a loathsome chore. If you do a little each day to keep things fresh and clean, you’ll avoid having to do a major overhaul of your chinchilla cage.
Final Remarks
Choosing the right chinchilla cage is all about the size and the materials. Your chinchilla will always be happier in a bigger cage and you’ll be happier with a cage that stands up to chewing. If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a chinchilla cage, try out one of the top 5 best chinchilla cages we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!