How to Use a Dog Cage for Chinchillas

Chinchillas need room to run. These furry little animals enjoy hopping around, getting dust baths and observing the world outside their cages. Dog cages make ideal housing for chinchillas. A wire dog cage provides ample running and playing room, while also ensuring that the chinchilla has a safe and secure home.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinegar
  • Wooden bird perches
  • Pine shavings
  • Cardboard box
  • Water bottle
  • Food bowl
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hose down the dog cage and plastic cage flooring with water. Dry the cage and flooring, then wash thoroughly with vinegar. Washing the cage and flooring before you place your chinchilla in it ensures that any chemicals or toxins used to make the cage are completely eliminated. Let the cage dry in a warm, sunny area for 24 hours.

    • 2

      Install a couple flat wooden perches in the cage. Use bird perches or make your own. However, if you make your own, thoroughly sand down the wood, then wash and dry it before putting in the cage. You can use flat plastic bird perches as well. Install one perch toward the bottom of the cage and one toward the middle. This gives your chinchilla plenty of places to perch and play.

    • 3

      Put down an inch of pine shavings on the bottom of the cage. Place baking soda in all four corners of the cage as well. The pine shavings are comfortable for your chinchilla̵7;s feet while the baking soda helps soak up waste. If you notice your chinchilla using the bathroom elsewhere in the cage, simply sprinkle baking soda in that area.

    • 4

      Provide a cardboard box big enough for your chinchilla to play or sleep in. Remove any tape or debris from the box. Place the box on its side so your chinchilla can walk inside the box. Another option is to cut one of the sides off the box so your chinchilla can lay or sleep in the shavings.

    • 5

      Install a water bottle in the cage. Put down a bowl for food.

    • 6

      Place towels around the outer bottom of the cage. The towels provide shelter from floor drafts and also keep any shavings from getting all over your floor.