Thursday, January 13, 2011

7 Things to Remember When Shopping For and Setting Up Your Chinchilla Cage


Chinchillas, as owners can attest, are hyperactive. Thus, when setting up your cage, don't just settle on the cheap or the good-looking ones. Here are 7 things to check first when buying/setting-up your cage.

1. Go large - the chinchillas are creature that loves to run around and jump and play. Therefore, a small cage won't do well if they can just eat and walk around a little bit. Plus, you won't have the enjoyment of seeing them in the loose.

2. Wood or metal - some prefer wood for their exterior and some prefer metals for the durability. Whatever the case, make sure it is non toxic and make sure it will last as a good value in exchange for your money. After all, it will be your chinchillas who will be the final judge.

3. Mesh - many people don't like the mesh with smaller holes due to they are hard to clean. However, bigger size mesh has been the cause of many foot and toe injuries among the chinchillas. They run around and jump so if it's not the correct size, they surely can get caught and be injured in the process.

4. Levels - will it only be a single level or two or three with ladders? Chinchillas easily get bored and may result to unwanted behavior if they can't run around and play. Just make sure that if they accidentally fall from higher level, the mesh can provide adequate cushion.

5. Play items- this includes a good Chinchilla wheel, balls, hammocks, climbing decks, etc. They are extremely playful and if you don't provide them something to play with, then you lost the purpose of keeping them...an idle chin, one that just sits and eats, is an unhappy chin!

6. Mobility- Do you have to carry the entire weight of the cage when moving it or does it have wheels for easily doing so? Are they constructed as a whole or were they assembled inside your house? Would they fit out the door for a dose of sunshine for your chinchillas or when you need to transfer?

7. Waste tray and feeders- The waste tray and the feeders should be easily removable for cleaning. The feeder should be easy to refill if you do it on a daily basis or should be functioning well if you have one of those bulk ones.

It is a fun way to spend the day when you're watching or even playing with your chinchilla.

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