How to Use Bird Cages for Chinchillas

Chinchillas are small rodents related to squirrels, rabbits and guinea pigs. Like rabbits and guinea pigs, chinchillas make great pets as they are small and easy to feed; however, they are very particular about their living space. Cages should meet specific height and length measurements, as chinchillas are active animals that require a lot of room to move around. Once you make sure your bird cage is large enough to accommodate a chinchilla, the rest is quite simple.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird cage
  • Untreated lumber
  • Wooden bedding box
  • Chinchilla bedding
  • Chinchillas toys
  • 12-inch square of fleece cloth
  • Food bowl/dispenser
  • Water dispenser
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Instructions

  1. Cage Selection

    • 1

      Measure the size of the cage. Even baby chinchillas require a lot of space to exercise and play. Ideally, the cage should be at least 3 feet tall.

    • 2

      Measure the openings between the bars of the cage. The space between the bars of the cage should be no larger than 1 to 2 inches for adult chinchillas and 1/2 to 1 inch for baby chinchillas.

    • 3

      Ensure the cage has a litter bottom. Bird cages are usually designed to handle waste so this shouldn't be a problem. However, if your bird cage has a solid bottom, consider installing a make-shift litter bottom. Cloth bottoms or mesh bottoms can be used as an alternative; however, be prepared to change the cloths more frequently than litter.

    Cage Preparation

    • 4

      Cut several pieces of untreated lumber to make levels for the cage. The lumber should be cut so that it fits snugly against the sides of the cage. One level per foot of cage height is optimal, and the levels should overlap to ensure your chinchilla can't fall directly from the top to the bottom of the cage.

    • 5

      Fasten the levels in place using metal fasteners or 1/2 inch wood screws that rest on the bars of the cage. Lay out the shelves in a pattern that you think will suit your chinchilla. Popular patterns include circular "stairwells" or alternating levels. Securely attach the shelves to the cage to prevent collapse.

    • 6

      Place a wooden box with an entrance hole on the side for privacy and bedding. Next place a few exercise toys in the cage such as rodent wheels, wooden cubes or hanging ropes.

    • 7

      Fold a 12-inch square of fleece cloth in half diagonally, and then tie the ends to the top of the cage to create a simple hammock. Ensure there is a shelf directly underneath the hammock so your chinchilla can safely enter and exit without danger of falling.

    • 8

      Place a food bowl or automatic food dispenser in the cage on the ground floor. This will make for easy cleanup in case of spills. For a water source, tie a rodent water bottle to the outside of the cage, ensuring the water-bottle nipple is accessible to the chinchilla.