How to Select a Cage That Your Chinchilla Can Relax In

Here we can see, “How to Select a Cage That Your Chinchilla Can Relax In”

Chinchillas are little rodents endemic to South America that can be found in rocky, arid mountainous environments. Their fur is known for being extremely soft, thick, and luscious. This fur protects them from the elements in the wild, but also makes them prone to overheating in captivity. When determining where to keep your chinchilla in the house, keep this in mind. A chinchilla cage should be kept in a cooler, quieter section of your home.

The Cage

It is preferable to have a larger cage. A tall cage with shelves and ladders that allow the chinchilla to climb is optimal; if feasible, obtain a tall cage with shelves and ladders that allow the chinchilla to climb. Cages made of wire are the best, while plastic cages and accessories should be avoided since chinchillas may easily eat and damage plastic.

Wood shavings (avoid cedar shavings; and hardwood shavings such as aspen are preferable over pine shavings) or newspapers can be used to line the tray. A wire floor is common in chinchilla cages, which is good for cleanliness but can be rough on chinchilla feet, so it’s better to avoid it. To give the chinchilla’s feet a rest, cover the wire floors or shelves with wood. A wooden nest box should also be available.

Where to Put the Cage

During the day, the cage should be kept in a peaceful area of the house where human activities will not distract (and stress) them. The cage should also be kept cold (no draughts) and away from direct sunlight, which might lead to overheating. Summer temperatures must be closely monitored to ensure that the ambient temperature does not exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). If you don’t have air conditioning, a shallow pan of ice cubes in the cage or a damp towel draped over part of the cage may assist.

Place the cage on a table or stand to make the chinchilla feel safe. If you have to lean over the cage to talk to the chinchilla, it might be scared.

Water Bottles

The chinchilla can’t gnaw through glass water bottles, so they’re great. Encasing or building a barrier with wire mesh should reduce the chance of harm if you use plastic (you can also get commercial chew guards). Feeders that attach to the outside of the cage, such as hopper-style feeders, are ideal because they can’t be tipped and the chinchilla won’t be able to urinate in their food. If a meal bowl is used, it should be a strong ceramic bowl that is cleaned daily to avoid tipping.

Toys

Toys can also be provided—wooden blocks and pesticide-free tree branches make excellent chew toys. Some of the wooden parrot toys, as well as the willow balls and rings available for rabbits, make good toys. It’s critical to give toys without small or plastic parts that could be swallowed. A “chinchilla block” or pumice block can also be offered for chewing, which will help to keep the teeth in good shape.

Wheels

Although wheels can provide wonderful exercise, you may find that unless the chinchilla is introduced to the concept at a young age, it will not take to running on one. Look for a 15-inch wheel with a solid running surface and an open side with no cross supports (anything smaller will be too small for most adult chinchillas).

According to some people, running discs, such as the Flying Saucer, are also a fantastic option for chinchillas. Plastic runabout balls are unsuitable due to the dangers of overheating. Your chinchilla would want to run around in a safe, chinchilla-proof environment.

User Questions

Do chinchillas need a quiet place?

The cage should be kept in a peaceful location of the house where the chinchilla will not be disturbed or stressed during the day. The cage should also be kept in a comfortable, draft-free environment where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight, which could cause it to overheat.

What is an ideal chinchilla cage?

For a single chinchilla, the enclosure should be at least 4′ x 4′ x 3′. Chinchillas, like other rodents, enjoy chewing; hence, wire-mesh cages are preferred over timber cages. Galvanized wire shouldn’t be used because it has zinc in it, which is bad for you if you eat it.

Do chinchillas prefer the dark?

Chinchillas aren’t true nocturnal creatures, although they do have exceptional vision and can see in the dark. Although they favour a crepuscular lifestyle, this makes them successful at nocturnal existence.

Can chinchillas live in glass tanks?

Because of their inadequate ventilation, glass tanks and plastic containers are not suggested. Wooden cages are also unsuitable since your chinchilla will eventually nibble its way out. The cage’s floor can be either solid or made of wire mesh.

Can you use a bird cage for a chinchilla?

Chinchillas can bite through any type of wood quickly. They eat plastic almost as quickly as they eat food, which can make them sick if swallowed. This leaves metal as the only viable option. Don’t mistake chinchilla cages for bird cages merely because they’re usually constructed of metal.

Conclusion

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