Chinchilla Housing

Chinchillas can best be kept in cages. They can be very active so a large can is essential. They enjoy climbing and jumping so the cage should have multiple levels.If the cage has a wire bottom there should be a solid floor in part of the cage so that the animal isn't constantly standing on wire.

When looking for a location to place your animals, follow these guidelines:

Away from dampness

Not too close to a heat source

Not near drafty areas

Protected from outside intruders

Out of direct sunlight

Plenty of air circulation without blowing directly on them

In a cage that is open for plenty of air circulation

Temperatures not exceeding 80 degrees in the summer and not dropping below 50 degrees in the winter. They may need to be kept warmer than the minimum in the winter if you are on wire bottomed cages and babies are expected, and colder in the summer if the humidity is high.

Animals like a nice, clean cage and good breathable air. Although many owners prefer a very large cage, it is not necessary. Chinchillas don’t require a lot of exercise.

Guidelines have been established for minimum cage size:

2200 cu. in. for breeders

1500 cu. in. for a single animal

one square foot of floor space or eight cubic feet of room space per animal

3000 animals in a 38’ x 80’ room with an 8’ ceiling (38’ x 30’ x 8’)





A layer of bedding material should cover the bottom of the cage. A hiding space is essential.