Absolute best cage for the money..

[corley]

I know this sounds like such a newbie question, but I got a chinchilla a few weeks ago. His cage now came from petsmart, its their 'All Living Things Deluxe Chinchilla' cage http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752703 .. It is a very crappy cage and I honestly would not recommend to anyone, it just looked good in the store.. When I finally did enough research to buy a chinchilla, stupid me totally forgot to do enough research to figure out a good cage to buy him. I am honestly wondering what is the BEST option for a cage? I've been looking into the Ferret Nation cages and can get a 1 story with shipping for about $135 + the tray for I guess about $30.. Or I can get a 2 story with shipping for about $205 + the tray. I just want to know you guys opinion on what I should do, as I am unsure if I am really willing to spend that much on a 2 level when I know that a 1 level would suffice. I want a permanent cage that will eventually go with me when I move out of my parents house when I finish college in a year and a half, and the one that he currently has is unacceptable.

In you guys opinion, is a one story FN enough space for the metal flying saucer, hidey house, etc.? Or do you think I should really just break down and buy the two story cage for him?

Also, what is the cheapest place to get the FN (The PetSmarts around here do not carry them), and I found a place with a 2 1/2 inch tall drop pan, but since I use bedding, are there any pans out there that are a little taller? Or would 2 1/2 be enough?

 

[tunes]

Get a 1 level and add to it later if you want to. Most people end up wanting a bigger cage so they get two to start with, but a one level is completely acceptable by itself. It's got plenty of room in it.

 

[Ash]

If you go for the FN, you can order a custom pan through Bass Equipment Company. Just tell them you want a pan for the ferret nation and tell them the depth. 3 or 4" should be fine. So many people order them from here, they already have the measurements for length and width haha.

As far as the "best price" for them. Shop around online. Ferret.com and other venues often run sales. Another option to go with is Quality Cage company. They have decent cages, but the pans aren't as deep.

 

[Ziora]

Here is one for $126 and free shipping.
http://www.allpetfurniture.com/Midwest-Pets-141-MDW1106.html
I got a cage from them and have no complaints.

 

[alpayton]

If you've got a PetSmart around there, they may have one in stock...so save the shipping. They've got them listed on their site, but they're backordered right now. $179.99 for the double unit (142).

 

[corley]

Does anyone know much about this cage from the QCG : http://qualitycage.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=129_142_153&products_id=612 ... Does that door at the bottom allow for a slide out tray? And does anyone know if that cage is even any good, or should I stick with the one story FN?

 

[schweppes]

I've heard very good things about quality cage, but the selling point for me for the ferret nation was that you can open the entire wall as opposed to a door that only takes up part of the wall. That and the ferret nation 142 is a little bigger.

 

[corley]

Ahhh well I think I'm going to settle for the 142.. Ive found a place to get it with shipping and all for $201.. Not too cheap but I'm okay with that, since I know it will last forever. Just gotta custom order a 4 inch pan from Bass... wonder how much that will cost. Also, if I make enough wooden shelves, ramps, etc, I dont even need to have the 2nd floor with a pan, can't it just be removed altogether for an extra tall cage?

Also, I'm concerned. The space I have to put the cage in is I mean, EXACTLY 36 inches.. Which is exactly how wide they say the FN cage is. So with the wheels on there its probably not going to fit is it? =/

 

[Mt. Zion Chins]

you could also go with the 'fiesty ferret cage' - Petsmart has that also. you could google it to find a better price. Some people prefer it than the FN - It is a very nice cage. I like both the FN and the Fiesty Ferret

 

[shubbles]

On the website of petsmart it says ships in 2-4 weeks does that mean thats how long its going to take for the FN to get to petsmart. I'm not trying to steal this thread, but he's already found his solution. Also the All living things is not awful, at least i don't think it is. For one chin is actually a pretty good cage, but i do want a fn.

 

[corley]

Yeah, and when it says it ships that means thats how long its gonna be before they send it, or even before the store gets it, you could be lucky and your PetSmart could have some still though. But yeah I ordered mine from www.kennelvet.com for $201 for ground shipping