If you’re thinking of getting a chinchilla, you might be wondering how to build a cage for it. This article will go over the basics. There are two types of chinchilla cages: those with a solid bottom and those with a sliding front tray that can hold the bedding. Chinchillas are extremely cute and require a small, sturdy enclosure.
Metal cages are easier to build than wooden ones. They are a good choice if you have experience with metalworking and a welding kit. Metal cages are also more durable than wooden ones. Regardless of which type of cage you choose, you’ll want to purchase several items that are specifically designed for chinchillas. Once you’ve gathered all of the items you’ll need, you can proceed to building your chinchilla’s cage.
Once you have the basic materials, you can begin to construct the frame of the cage. For best results, you can purchase Elfa shelving from a container store or a pet supply store. This shelving supports wooden shelves, which are fixed on the sides of the frame. If you’re building a cage from scratch, you’ll want to start with a sketch or drawing so you can modify it later if needed. Once the frame is complete, you’ll need to fit the wire mesh around the frame. Start with the corners and work your way towards the center, and then begin to remove some of the pieces.
Ensure that you have a clean place for the chinchillas to live. Chinchillas love hiding in the middle of the cage. So, make sure that you provide them with two or three hiding places on every level of the cage. Then, you’ll need a chinchilla house and a food dish for them. Chinchillas like to hide and are happiest in this warm environment.
If you decide to use pine wood for your chinchilla’s cage, you should make sure that you buy a special chinchilla-safe wood. If you plan on using pine, be aware that chinchillas are sensitive to it and may develop allergies. Mesh wire is the safest choice, but it can be dangerous for beginners. Use 1/2 inch-wide mesh wire instead.
Most chinchilla cages have a removable tray at the bottom. You can fill the tray with newspaper, wood shavings, or washable liners. Make sure to place these items where chinchillas can’t reach them. If the cage doesn’t come with a removable tray, place newspaper on the bottom. Alternatively, you can place an old bed sheet on the floor of the cage.
After putting the chinchilla’s cage together, you can attach the hanger bolts. Screw in the hanger bolt, making sure that the machine threaded side is showing. Make sure to use two wrenches to unlock the hex nuts. Turn the bottom nut clockwise while the upper nut should be turned counter-clockwise. Once you have the hanger bolts tightened, you can install the second hanger bolt. Then, just insert the second hanger bolt and make sure it’s in the opposite pilot hole.
Can two chinchillas stay in one cage?
Chinchillas can be kept as male/female pairs or in single sex groups. However, you shouldn’t keep chinchillas with the opposite sex unless you intend to breed from them and have plans in place for caring for both parents and babies. Alternatively, you can keep them together if one or both animals have been neutered.
What do you put on the floor of a chinchilla cage?
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How big should a chinchilla cage be for 2 chinchillas?
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
Where should a chinchilla cage be placed?
– Keep their enclosure at the right temperature. It should be between 10 – 15°C and out of the way of draughts or direct sunlight. … – Put their enclosure in an area of the house that is away from busy or noisy areas. … – Check their enclosure is secure so your chinchillas can’t escape.
What is the best bedding for a chinchilla?
– Cell-Sorb Plus, Sun Seed Fresh World, and Yesterday’s News. These kinds of bedding are other types of recycled paper beddings available to pet owners. … – Kaytee Total Comfort. … – Kaytee Soft Sorbent. … – Lifemate Hemp Bedding. … – Fabric. … – Corn Cob Bedding. … – Pine Shavings.
How much space does a 3 chinchilla need?
The Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics says the minimum cage size for an adult chinchilla should be at least 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet. If you keep more than one chinchilla in a cage — which chins prefer, as they as social creatures — make sure it has a minimum of 2 square feet of floor space per pet.
What is an ideal cage for a chinchilla?
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. DO NOT use galvanized wire, as it contains zinc, which can be toxic if ingested.
What do you put at the bottom of a chinchilla cage?
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What is an ideal chinchilla cage?
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. DO NOT use galvanized wire, as it contains zinc, which can be toxic if ingested.
What do you need to make a chinchilla cage?
– Wardrobe unit. – Mesh wire. – Wood or metal carpet trim. – Kiln-dried pine for platforms. – Light fixture. – Extension cords. – Staples. – Screws.
