When considering the size of a cage for a chinchilla, consider the minimum length and width of the enclosure. A cage that is wider than these dimensions is safer, but a cage that is wider is not necessarily more spacious. In addition, cages that are more than three feet wide allow chinchillas to separate and remain separate. You should also provide enrichment for your chinchilla, including toys, food, and bedding.
Chinchillas need cages that are at least three feet long and two feet wide. Chinchillas also prefer cages with multiple levels. While they can live in large cages, they should have at least two square feet of floor space per pet. If you decide to get a wire-bottomed cage, you should lay plywood on the floor. Wire-bottomed cages are uncomfortable for your chinchillas, and may cause pressure sores on their feet.
Chinchillas love to explore their surroundings and need large spaces to exercise. If you don’t have a large space to spare, consider buying an igloo or hide-box for your pet. A chinchilla’s bedding should be dye and scent-free. Wood chips and terry cloth towels are not suitable. Your chinchilla will also enjoy chewing on toys. A cardboard box or hay is a great chew toy for a chinchilla.
You should be aware that a chinchilla’s cage may be as tall as the ceiling, which can be dangerous if it is too high. Cage height should be between two and three feet. Chinchillas need space to jump, climb, and move around. Cages that are two feet high and three feet wide are ideal for this. But don’t let this prevent you from getting the most out of your new pet.
Remember that a chinchilla lives in a burrow or rock crevice, and they are used to small spaces. Their burrows are the places they come out of to play and forage. A chinchilla cage should replicate that burrow and allow plenty of space for it to frolic. Chinchillas will fight if they feel cramped.
While it is possible to keep a chinchilla outdoors, it is not recommended. Chinchillas can survive in cool temperatures, but they do not do well in cold conditions and can suffer from heatstroke if they are kept in very warm conditions. Make sure to ventilate the cage well, and choose a temperature that is not too hot or too cold. Chinchillas require a constant temperature between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius.
When it comes to cleaning, chinchillas need regular dust baths. Pet stores sell special dust for chinchillas. After dusting, be sure to empty the dust out of the enclosure so your pet will be safe. Dust baths should also be changed weekly, as the dust can accumulate and irritate the eyes. Chinchillas also enjoy chewing on wooden toys and other pet-safe items.
Can chinchillas roam the house?
Chinchillas. Chinchillas like jumping, and move around quickly. It can be dangerous to let them roam free in the house because they can fall and injure themselves. If your chinchilla has a quiet temperament, you can let it roam free in a safe place under strict supervision.M
Do chinchillas need a lot of space?
Chinchillas are quite large for a small pet and they are very active, so they need plenty of space. Chinchillas will need: a minimum cage size of 90cm (L) x 60cm (D) x 120cm (H) for a pair or trio of chinchillas (this is just the actual living space and these measurements shouldn’t include stands)J
Do chinchillas need a night light?
Chinchillas are not truly nocturnal animals, but they do have excellent vision that allows them to see well in the dark. This makes them successful at nocturnal life, although they prefer a crepuscular lifestyle.J
What do chinchillas do at night?
Chinchillas are awake and energetic during nighttime hours and sleep most of the day. They sleep on all four feet most of the time but sometimes sleep curled up inside a nest box or other small space in their enclosure.J
Can chinchillas sleep with lights on?
Allowing natural light into your chinchilla’s space will help them to keep a normal cycle. Otherwise, your chinchilla is most likely to appreciate a dark, quiet environment for sleeping.J
Should I leave a light on at night for my chinchilla?
Your chinchilla should have the option to rest in a dark environment during the brightest parts of the day, so providing a proper cave or den is necessary. A dark hide provides an environment that feels safe to your chinchi and protects its eyes from bright lighting.J
Can chinchillas free range?
Chinchillas. Chinchillas like jumping, and move around quickly. It can be dangerous to let them roam free in the house because they can fall and injure themselves. If your chinchilla has a quiet temperament, you can let it roam free in a safe place under strict supervision.M
How much room do chinchillas need?
The enclosure should be a minimum of 4′ x 4′ x 3′ for a single chinchilla. Like other rodents, chinchillas love to chew, and therefore wire-mesh cages are preferred to wooden cages.
How much floor space does a chinchilla need?
The larger the cage, the better. The minimum floor space is about 24 by 24 inches, and a tall cage is best; if possible, get a tall cage with shelves and ladders that allow the chinchilla to climb. Wire is the best cage material, and avoid plastic cages or accessories and chinchillas chew and destroy plastic readily.N
Do chinchillas need a hiding place?
In addition to a home habitat where chinchillas can be housed together for sleeping and exploring, each chinchilla you own needs its own hide house. Hide houses are safe spaces where your chinchilla can feel protected from other animals or people.
Do chinchillas scream at night?
One sound that chinchillas make can scare their owners. This sound is a loud scream. It sounds like the chinchilla is injured, but when checked, there is nothing wrong. Some chinchillas do this in the middle of the night and others never make the sound at all.
Can chinchillas be in direct sunlight?
Keep Your Chinchillas Away from Direct Sunlight: Chinchillas should not be exposed to direct sunlight without supervision, and should not experience direct sunlight for an extended period of time (I will allow my chinchillas to be photographed by the window for no more than 5-10 minutes on a partly cloudy day).
Can chinchillas sleep with light on?
Allowing natural light into your chinchilla’s space will help them to keep a normal cycle. Otherwise, your chinchilla is most likely to appreciate a dark, quiet environment for sleeping.J
Where do chinchillas like to hide?
They should be placed to avoid food and water contamination from defecation while the chinchilla is on the platform. Chinchillas also love to have small houses to hide in. Small wooden houses often not only provide shelter, but also give the chinchillas something to chew on. Paper-based bedding is recommended.
What should my chinchilla sleep in?
In the wild, chinchillas live in burrows or in rock crevices, places that offer safe havens for them to take cover so they can get some stress-free sleep. In your home, a pet chinchilla will appreciate an enclosed sleep area, such as a tunnel or hammock, which keeps way prying eyes!O
