Chinchillas: Housing

What type of cage does my pet chinchilla require?

Your chinchilla’s cage should allow for ample room to move around, as they are very active, agile, and acrobatic animals. Multilevel cages work well, like the Ferret Nation® cages designed for ferrets, if there are no areas where a chinchilla can get its limbs or feet caught.

The enclosure should have multiple levels and should be a minimum of 3' x 2' x 3' for a single chinchilla and 3’ x 2’ x 5’ for a pair of chinchillas. 

Like other rodents, chinchillas love to chew, and therefore wire-mesh cages are preferred to wooden cages. Do not use galvanized wire, as it contains zinc, which is toxic if ingested. 

To decrease the likelihood of foot trauma (which can cause a condition called pododermatitis or “sore hocks”), many veterinarians recommend covering at least a part of a wire cage floor with Plexiglass, non-treated wood, or other easily-cleaned solid flooring. Solid flooring takes some of the pressure off the chinchilla’s toes and feet. 

"Solid flooring takes some of the pressure off the chinchilla’s toes and feet."

Let your pet out of the cage, with supervision, as often as possible. Keep the cage in a quiet area to minimize exposure to sudden movements and noise.

Note: A chinchilla-specific exercise wheel, called a Chin-spin, is essential for exercise and preventing boredom. Wheels should have solid flooring and should be 15" in diameter.

What temperature should my chinchilla be housed at?

A chinchilla’s native environment is in the Andes mountains. Their optimal environmental temperature is 55ºC– 68ºF (10ºC–20ºC) and below 80ºF (27ºC). It is recommended to keep humidity levels below 40%–50%. Chinchillas are very susceptible to heat stroke, so it is important to house them in rooms that will not get above their recommended comfort zones.

My pet seems lonely. Can I house more than one chinchilla in each cage?

Most owners house one or two chinchillas in a cage. Often, the two pets are mates. While chinchillas are social pets that usually get along with others, injury and death can occur from fighting, so be sure to monitor any chinchillas meeting each other for the first time. Consider a gradual introduction at first, perhaps in adjacent cages for several days to weeks.

Be careful when introducing a new pet chinchilla into your resident chinchilla's cage. Supervise all new introductions. If you plan to house chinchillas together, it is generally best to get them together as youngsters, when they are more trainable and adaptable.

What can I place in my chinchilla's cage?

Pet-safe wood blocks or non-toxic, commercially available branches such as pet-safe applewood sticks, can be placed in the cage to allow the chinchilla to chew and to help wear down its continuously growing teeth. A wooden or cardboard box can be offered for the pet to sleep in, hide in, and play on. A “Chin Spin” is essential to provide exercise and prevent boredom.

What is dust bathing?

Chinchillas have a unique grooming habit: they require a dust bath for regular grooming. Dust baths keep down the oil in their coats and help keep them clean. A dust box for bathing should be at least 6" x 6" x 9" and have 1”– 2” of dust in the bottom. Make sure the dust bath you purchase is made specifically for chinchillas.

Dust baths should be provided for 10–15 minutes daily and removed after use. The “dust” should be purchased commercially, either online or at a local pet store. Since the dust can become soiled with urine and feces, it is necessary to change the dust every week.

Can I give my chinchilla toys?

You can provide your chinchilla with pet-safe, wooden chew toys. The smallest piece of the toy should be too big for the chinchilla to swallow. Chinchillas are shy and love to hide. Providing them with 4"-5" diameter PVC tubing or similar sized cardboard tubing will give your pet hours of entertaining exploration.

Does my pet chinchilla need bedding material in the cage?

Soft, commercially available, paper-based bedding or fleece liners are proper bedding materials for chinchillas, as they are gentle on the soles of their feet and absorb moisture from droppings. This bedding should be spot-cleaned daily and completely replaced weekly. 

Cage lining material can be placed under the wire-mesh bottom of the cage. Newspaper is inexpensive and works well as a cage lining material. Do not use cedar or pine shavings in the cage, because they may be a source of irritation to the respiratory tract. Wood shavings can also obstruct the chinchilla’s gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

Is there anything else I need to know?

• Cages should be emptied and cleaned at least weekly with soap and water (rinse well to ensure no soap residue is left).
• Food bowls and water bottles should be cleaned daily with soap and water. 
• Toys should also be cleaned regularly to ensure that they are free of food debris and droppings.
• Yearly veterinary health examinations are recommended for all chinchillas, as they are prone to hereditary dental problems.