 | This is a fairly typical chinchilla cage. This one was made by Jim Adams at Valley View Chinchilla Ranch. This type of cage is often referred to as a "condo cage," because it has both an upstairs and a downstairs. It measures approx. 30" tall, 24" wide and 15" deep (76 cm x 61 cm x 38 cm). There is a ramp for the chinchilla to use to move from one level to the other. This is by no means the only type of cage available. In fact, many people build their own cages. Some cages are larger and some are smaller. Our suggestion would be to get as large a cage as you have room for or can afford. We show this cage only because it is very typical of a good chinchilla cage. |
| The trays under each level are either filled with pine wood shavings or newspaper to catch the chin's droppings. Note that it is better to have a tray under each level rather than just one on the lower level. A tray on the upper level prevents the droppings from falling down to the lower level. |  |
 | An exercise wheel is almost a "must" to make sure the chin can get plenty of exercise when he or she wants. Better wheels have ball bearings and attach to the side of the cage so that one side of the wheel is open allowing the chin to easily hop in and out of the wheel. |
| A small piece of pine board serves two purposes: 1. It gives the chinchilla a place to get off of the wire cage bottom when he or she wants, and 2. It gives the chinchilla something to chew on (remember they are rodents and need to continually chew to keep their teeth worn down). The small dish above the board is where treats are served. It is important that treats not be served in the main food dish since the chin will quickly learn to throw its regular food out of the dish looking for treats. |  |
| Chins basically like to be "up high." So, a shelf is a nice addition that will be much used by a chinchilla. |  |
 | This is the "dust bath" which is located on the bottom floor. For convenience it is opened and closed by a handle which is accessible from the front of the cage. |
| Chinchillas love a little wooden house for sleeping. Besides providing a secure shelter, it gives the chin something to chew. Since it will be chewed on, it should be made of pine and should not contain any nails which might chip the chin's teeth. |  |
 | Water is supplied by a bottle. We like the glass ones. By having more than one bottle, one bottle can be in the dish washer while the other is being used. This makes it very easy to change bottles on a daily basis (although this is not absolutely necessary). |
| The main food dish is actually a small hopper that can be filled from the outside of the cage. It requires that the chin stand up to pull out food pellets. This keeps the food dish clean. Some people use a small heavy dish set on the bottom of the cage, but this has the disadvantage of getting dirty rather quickly. |  |
| Well, other than adding food and a chinchilla, that's about all there is to it. To prevent your chinchilla from becoming bored, give him or her an occassional chew toy like a block of wood, a branch from a safe type of tree, a hanging bird cage toy made of wood, or even an empty toilet paper tube. |
