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Welded steel wiremesh is the best material for cages, preferably with
a galvanised finish, and most cages intended for chinchillas will be made
from this material. Beware of painted wire, the paint will be chewed off
very quickly, and may contain lead.
The
minimum cage size for a single chinchilla is 60cm x 45cm x 50cm high.
A pair will need at least 90cm x 45cm x 50cm.
Do not use cages taller than 56cm to minimise the risk of injury from
falling.
The ideal size for the mesh is 19 mm (3/4 inch) square, anything larger than this will allow babies to escape.
Cages can have a mesh or solid floor depending on the design. Some people prefer a solid bottom with litter to remove any risk of serious foot injury caused by the chin accidentally pushing a foot through the wire mesh. This approach requires cage cleaning at least every three days, to avoid the animal getting to damp and dirty from moving around in the soiled litter. There is also an increased chance of infection for the same reason. Alternatively the cage can have a fine wiremesh (13 mm square) floor. This size is small enough to minimise any risk of foot injury for adult animals, but not babies, and allows all waste to pass through to the bottom tray, and the animals stay clean. The choice of which design to use is yours.
Do not use cat litter for your chinchilla cage, try pine shavings. (see below)
Do
not use wooden cages, your pet will simply eat its way out of the 'cage'.
Many types of wood are harmful to chinchillas, it is best to only use
Pine for shelves etc. We have found one or two animals are sensitive to
the Phenol oil* found in kiln dried Pine. This problem appears when using
pine shavings (sawdust) to line solid bottom cages. The symptoms are usually
runny eyes, and reduction in food intake. If you remove the cause they
symptoms clear up very quickly.
You will need a large china dish for pellets, small ones get knocked over too easily. Also a plastic drinking bottle, with metal spout. The cage should include a bottle protector, and a built in hay rack.
Drinking bottles must be rinsed out, and filled with fresh water every day.
A chewing block is also important to help keep the front teeth short.
* Phenol oil is part of the sap that is left in the timber after the quick drying process used.
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Clean the cage at least weekly, remove fur and remains of
hay. Long term build up on the wire should be removed by soaking in water
with soap and a disinfectant then scrub the wire with a stiff brush. Rinse
with plenty of clean water and dry thoroughly.
Check the wire and accessories at this time, for damage.
