Are you the proud owner of a chinchilla or do you want to become one? Choosing a cage for your chinchilla should not be done at random. The character and lifestyle of this silky-haired rodent require special attention when choosing a cage.
The characteristics of a cage for my chinchilla
Chinchillas are rodents that measure about 20 cm when they reach adulthood. It has a particularly long life expectancy, up to 20 years. Because of this longevity, this little ball of fur will spend a lot of time in its cage. Its habitat must therefore be spacious and comfortable. In addition to being a nocturnal animal, this rodent is an excellent climber. Its favorite activities are jumping and climbing. The size of its cage must therefore allow it to run around freely. Thus, its ideal home must meet a number of important characteristics.
The cage must have several floors to allow him to come and go as he pleases. At the very least, its dimensions should be 1 meter high, 70 cm wide and 50 cm deep. Also, it is preferable to choose vertical metal bars with a spacing of less than 2 cm to prevent your pet from injuring itself or running away. Finally, the locking system must be reliable enough to prevent your mischievous rodent from trying to escape. Some cages are even equipped with an anti-escape system.
How should I arrange my chinchilla’s cage?
For the well-being and development of your chinchilla, the design of its environment is very important.
- Chinchillas are herbivores. You can choose to feed your chinchilla in a ceramic bowl or a bowl that can be attached to the bars. For owners who want a more playful setup, there are food dispensers that can be attached to the bars with a carabiner.
- The hydration of your rodent is essential. To do this, you’ll need to attach a bottle drinker to the grates and make sure you fill it regularly.
- Chinchillas, like most rodents, need to exercise. There’s a wide range of accessories for creating a fun path between the different floors of the cage: a tunnel to hide in, a hammock to swing in, a suspension bridge, stairs and a slide to keep your pet entertained.
- After letting off steam, your rodent will need to relax. You must provide him with a toilet space with a bathtub specially designed for him, as well as a shelter such as a cabin or a tunnel where he can rest.
In short, for your chinchilla to be happy, his cage should be spacious, comfortable, preferably multi-level, and set up to allow him to play freely. For your peace of mind, it should be equipped with a locking system that is reliable enough to prevent your pet from escaping.
