Chinchilla Cages - What Cage Size Should You Get?

Criteria for Choosing a Great Chinchilla Cage

• Height
  
  Chinchillas love to jump and climb. Therefore height is a very significant factor in selecting a chinchilla cage. Think parrot cage, not hamster cage. Just like birds prefer to be high up, so does a chinchilla. So it is an absolute must to get it a cage with a good height. Don't forget to buy some extra perches, shelves and ladders to keep your chinchilla well exercised, entertained and happy.
• Width and Depth
  
  While height is very important, of course the cage should allow ample horizontal movement too. It's just that the height should be the largest dimsension. Aim for a ballpark minimum floor area of 24" width and 24" depth if you can. If you can afford a large chinchilla cage on every dimension, go for it. Your chinchilla will greatly enjoy having a large home to play and roam in.
• Essential - Metal Construction
  
  Chinchilla cages come in both metal and plastic frame varieties. Metal frames are better as they are easier to clean and can't be gnawed away. Chinchillas love to gnaw away at things, so you can expect a plastic cage to be destroyed pretty quickly. It may even be dangerous to the chinchilla if it swallows any of the pieces, or if it gnaws away plastic such that sharp edges are formed.
  
  Plastic cages are also less hygienic as it's harder to clean them out ones, notoriously at the edges and corners. This allows bacteria to breed in the cage, which is a potential threat to your chinchilla's health and maybe even your own.
  
  So do try to go for a metal cage, metal cages are the better choice.
• Desireable - Pull Out Tray
  
  For easy cleaning of the cage, you'll want to see if it's possible to get a cage with a pull out tray. This will save you a lot of time and effort. Obviously, pull out tray or not, the floor should be lined with suitable material. Soft wood shavings are great. NOTE: Do not get wood shavings sourced from undried pine or cedar - these contain aromatic oils that are harmful to chinchillas.
• Chinchilla Toys and Accessories
  
  Make sure the cage is completed by ensuring there are a few perches, shelves, ladders, a box to rest in and a few chinchilla toys to complete a great cage for your chinchilla.