Chinchilla Housing
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Chinchillas are very active and love to move around and play. Therefore, the bigger the cage, the better. The minimum size cage is 16″ x 18″ x 16″, but if you have space for a bigger cage, your chinchilla will definitely benefit. When choosing your new chinchilla’s home, remember that they love to jump and climb. The more ledges there are to sit on, the happier your new pet will be. If space isn't a limitation, Exotic Nutrition’s 4-Level Mansion Cage is a great choice. The 2-Level Mansion Cage is also a good option for smaller spaces.
There are many wire cages with solid floors that make excellent homes. If it is tall, it is a good idea to place ledges and hammocks strategically so they won’t fall. Avoid cages with wire floors since they can hurt a chinchilla’s feet. The best kind of cage has a removable pan that allows for easy cleaning.
Chinchillas are sensitive to heat, humidity, and drafts. Extreme heat can even cause heatstroke, which can be life threatening. They do best between the temperatures of 60ºF - 70ºF. Position the cage away from direct sunlight or other heat sources so your chinchilla stays cool and dry. Keep the cage away from direct sunlight, because chinchillas sleep a lot during the day. For more information on chinchilla cages and cage accessories, visit our article about Chinchilla Housing.
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 should not exceed 80°F in the summer or drop below 50°F 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.
Exotic Nutrition™ supports legitimate scientific research projects with financial donations to help advance the health and well-being of Sugar Gliders and other exotic mammals. A percentage of the profits from sales goes toward funding of these scientific projects. We hope you will join us in our quest to advance research in the exotic mammal health care fields.
The Exotic Nutrition Pet Company specializes in the manufacture and distribution of exotic mammal feeds, supplements, and accessories. Our facility is located in Southeastern Virginia.
We have always prided ourselves in meeting the needs of our exotic mammal friends when they are kept in captivity, and have always strived to bring the finest quality animal diets and accessories to conscience pet owners worldwide. Ensuring the health and well-being of your captive exotic is our main concern.
We are, and will continue to be, a company whose objective is to deliver the best possible products and services at an affordable price. Our company stands behind the products that we manufacture, and continuously monitors quality and freshness to offer you, and your pets, the highest quality foods, supplements, and accessories for exotics available.
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Please Note: Exotic Nutrition is not in a position to provide specific health and care guidelines on an individual basis. Please visit our animal info tabs or consider purchasing a care guide book for additional information. If you have a health or pet emergency issue, please notify your veterinarian or a specialized technician.