Kinkajou Cage Ideas

Kinkajous are native to the rainforests of Central and South America. These arboreal, or tree-dwelling, little mammals possess a completely prehensile tail, with which they grasp onto branches. The kinkajou, which feeds mainly on fruit, is active during the hours of darkness. These are energetic and inquisitive animals that enjoy climbing and require a tall cage, which affords them the opportunity to exercise. Many kinkajou owners place the cages in a dedicated room and allow the animal out to play for varying lengths of time.

  1. Cage Size and Material

    • Kinkajous are active creatures who typically find food in the rainforest tree canopy. These tree-dwelling small mammals require a cage of at least 6 feet square. Cages should be made from galvanized wire mesh and must be adequately secured to the floor, if they do not come with a base plate. This is of particular importance if the cage is positioned outdoors, because kinkajous dig with ease. Ropes suspended from the cage top and ladders must be included, so that the arboreal kinkajou can make use of vertical space in the cage. Wooden ledges can be secured to the cage sides using L-shaped braces. These shelves, which should be positioned at various heights, afford the kinkajous an opportunity to sit and rest above the floor level, which they prefer.

    Additional Cage Furniture

    • Cage furniture incorporates all those items on which kinkajous climb and play and in which they can rest or sleep. These items prevent the kinkajou from becoming bored, which leads to strange behavior, such as running in circles. A tall tree stump or, better still, a living tree, should be placed in the cage. Living trees in large pots can be removed and replaced, if they become badly damaged. A hammock can be suspended near the top of the cage and large-diameter PVC pipes can be secured along the cage sides. These pipes provide a resting place for your kinkajou and make the animal's immediate surroundings more interesting. Hollow logs, if available, can be used in place of PVC pipes. A nest box must be secured to the inside of the cage. Plastic boxes are easier to clean.

    Food and Water Containers

    • Kinkajous are messy feeders and powerful enough to lift and tip food and water bowls that are not attached to the cage. Food hoppers, which can attach on the outside of the cage, work well and can be filled without have to open the kinkajou's cage. Heavy ceramic food bowls, which are placed on the cage floor, can also be used. Glass water bottles are preferred to bowls. These bottles prevent the kinkajou from tipping its water over or urinating in it. They can be attached near the top of the cage, where the kinkajou will prefer to spend most of its time. These bottles release water through a sipper tube. It is important to check that the kinkajou has discovered how to drink from the bottle before removing other sources of water.

    Cage Position

    • Kinkajou cages should not be placed in front of a window that receives full sun, as they are nocturnal animals, sleeping during the day. Don't place the cage in a permanent draft. The ambient temperature in the cage's room should not drop below 65 degrees.