Plastic

Furrby · Sep 16, 2014

Hey!
I just bought a cage, it's pretty big and good for chinchillas, BUT! it has alot of plastic shelves. Is there some way I can save them or do I have to get wood shelves instead? Can I put some kind of fabric on them or will they pee and or bite on it?
It's just that I'm a little lazy, but I'll do what I must.

Thankful for every answer!

Godofgods · Sep 17, 2014

Pic of the cage would hlep us be more specific.

Sometimes you can cover the plastic with fleece. But if a chin chews it then it would need to come out. Also it will get soiled over time and would need to be cleaned. So you would need to make it removable. Bit of a hassel imo.

Safe wooden shelves is a better idea over all. Not only is it safe unlike plastic, but it is chewable. More chewable things for them is always good. There teeth all grow constantly and they need to hew to grind them down over time. If a chin doesn't grind them down you will probably be making routine visits to a vet to get it done manually.

BooBoo*TheKiddo* · Sep 17, 2014

I think wood shelves would probably be easier than covering the shelves with fleece. As stated above, you'd have to remove the fleece covers to wash as they'd get dirty, so you'd probably want a 2nd set of shelf covers to change out as you would the liners.

Personally, I'd just remove them and put wood shelves in.

Furrby · Sep 18, 2014

Here's a photo of it: http://www.zooplus.com/shop/rodents/cages/chinchilla_cages/233625

Godofgods · Sep 18, 2014

i would go with wood. All the reasons i mentioned above, and you can make a better layout. Chins like to hop about, its natural for them. Ramps don't do them much good in a cage like that.

Its also a lot of plastic, i would fully expect them to chew on it which is not good. The wholes in the shelve arnt the greatest size either. - I have those plastic shelves for my ferrets, and believe me when i say they are a PITA to take out and clean. Especally if you have liquid on them...