How to Set Up a Chinchilla Cage: I remember when I become a chinchilla owner, It was a wet rainy day, and I was stuck in traffic for hours before I made it to the breeder’s house. After I’d collected my two Chinchilla pets(they were even cuter in person!), I was worried about the amount of time they’d be in the car, especially as the congestion on the journey there still hadn’t shifted.
This is a rather important article for owners looking to purchase a chinchilla cage, so make sure to read this thoroughly before shopping. Remember, this is your chinchilla pet’s new home, where they will be spending most of their time. Correctly setting up your chinchilla cages will ensure a happy chinchilla, which ultimately leads to a healthy and long-living life. Check here How to Set Up a Chinchilla Cage and Inside Essentials.
How to Set Up a Chinchilla Cage?
On this page, We cover everything from chinchilla cage size to tips for making your chinchilla’s enclosure fun. Chinchilla’s aren’t the highest of maintenance compared to other pets, but it is still crucial to provide them with enough space, fun toys, and high-quality environmental items.
| Type of Cage | Standard Cage/ DIY Cage |
| Min Cage Size | 6’ x6’ x 4’ mesh cage |
| Average Adult Size | 12 inches long |
| Minimum Habitat Size | 24″ L x 24″ W with as much height as possible for climbing; multiple levels recommended; space between bars no bigger than 1in |
| Chinchilla Cages for Two or More | 2×3 C&C cage |
Finding the Perfect Cage Size
A common mistake that many owners make in this early step of raising their chinchillas is finding a proper sized cage. A lot of people do not realize that a baby chinchillas can potentially grow much larger because of their proneness to becoming overweight. Always keep in mind that even though your pig may be small at the moment, you need to purchase the best chinchilla cage that will fit them comfortably throughout their adulthood.
Most cages sold at commercialized pet stores, including PetSmart and Petco, are not the recommend size for chinchilla. Often, cages are simply marketed as “small animal enclosures” in an effort to reach a wider consumer base. But a cage for a hamster will certainly not do for a full-grown chinchilla. Those cages will do for a baby, but certainly not an adult. Simply ask what they would recommend for an adult chinchilla instead. Usually, the bigger the better, as long as you have the budget and space at home. Remember, chinchillas love exploring, so they will always appreciate extra space to call their own.
I like to keep a chinchilla in no smaller than a 6’ x6’ x 4’ mesh cage with a galvanized droppings pan.
Chinchilla Cage Preparation
If you’re thinking of owning a chinchilla, it’s important to set up their cage correctly, ideally before you bring them home to avoid giving them unnecessary panic. Transportation is pretty scary for a chinchilla, so you’ll want to have things as comfortable as possible for them. To ensure you give your new chinchilla the best environment they need to thrive, I’ll be going over everything you need to know regarding cages for chinchilla.
Can Chinchillas Be Caged Together?
Chinchillas can be caged together – they much prefer to be kept in pairs or small groups as they are very social animals. If you’re planning on owning a Chinchilla, consider getting at least two to prevent loneliness and boredom. Males can be paired with other males, and females can be paired with other females. Males and females can also be housed together, but you’ll have to make sure the males are neutered unless you’re prepared for lots of pups. I have a pair of male Chinchillas who do everything together, whether it’s eating, playing, or sleeping – They won’t even come out of their cage during free range time unless the other one is with them!
Ideal Location for Chinchilla Habitat
If you’re keeping your chinchillas inside, then make sure you position their habitat away from strong heat sources like direct sun, heating vents, radiators, wood stoves, and fireplaces. The chinchilla cage should be placed in a quiet room that is within the recommended temperature (more on that below), and should be out of reach of other pets like cats. It’s a good idea to use a lid on your chinchilla cage even if other pets can’t get to it just to be on the safe side.
Ideal Temperature Inside Chinchilla Cage
Chinchillas should be kept at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, both inside and outside. If you keep your Chinchilla hutch outside, then keep an eye on the temperature daily to ensure your pet doesn’t become too hot or cold. Consider bringing your Chinchilla inside if the weather takes a turn for the worse, especially during colder months.
How to Clean Chinchilla Cage?
Cages need to be cleaned every two days. You can sprinkle baking soda in the corner the Chinchilla uses to eliminate. Locate your cage out of drafts and strong direct sunlight.
What Is the Best Thing to Line a Chinchilla Cage With?
A good-quality substrate will help absorb urine and spilled water, as well as give your Chinchilla somewhere cozy to nestle down and sleep. Personally, I use Chinchilla fleece blankets in my cage as they’re soft, comfortable, and a lot cheaper (in the long run) than commercial bedding. Once the Chinchilla fleece blankets start to smell or grow dirty, simply throw them in the washing machine to clean it before putting it back into the Chinchilla cage.
Chinchilla Cages for Two or More
A 2×3 C&C cage is the bare minimum size of enclosure that you should get for housing a pair of chinchilla. A 2×3 pen is around 7.5 sq feet, which is a standard size for a chinchilla cage.
Keep Reading:
