What cage would be best for my chinchilla?

[MaisyChinchilla]

Hello,

I own a chinchilla named Maisy and I've had her for about 3 months now. She's the first chin I have ever owned [the only animals I've owned thus far have been dogs] so it's been quite the interesting experience. When I first got her, a co-worker of mine gave me her ferret cage that she no longer needed so Maisy has been calling that cage her home for the time being. While length wise it's enough to satisfy Maisy's need to run around, it lacks in height and I noticed she's been climbing on her cage a lot lately so I feel as though it's time to upgrade.

I'm thinking about getting her a new cage and I'm not quite sure which one I should be looking into. I'm hoping someone here can help suggest the best kind of cage to look into and perhaps point me in the right direction. I have been looking at tons and tons of cages that I could possibly narrow down and pick just one but with a lot of options out there, it's a little over whelming.

I have came across this one cage that I actually like and seems as though it is something I am looking for. It's a starter rat cage by all living things. Here's the link to the cage. Has anyone ever used this cage and/or is currently using this cage and can tell me from experience how it is? Maisy, like all other chins, is a huge chewer. Would that be a problem if I got this cage for her? Or is it sturdy enough for that? Do you think this is way to big for her or is this just the right size for a chin? I've been reading into it and so far, I've seen no bad reviews. I was also looking into getting a starter chinchilla cage, however, it just seems too small and I feel as though there just isn't enough space. Another cage I was also considering was this one; but then again, it is made out of wood and I feel like she would tear it apart in seconds and somehow end in disaster. haha.

I really appreciate all the comments and suggestions and hope to hear back from someone soon. Thanks!

 

[MaisyChinchilla]

I also realized after I posted this that I'm probably in the wrong forum section so I do apologize for that..

 

[ninjaturtletayy]

I think the wooden cage is better just to avoid and any all possible plastic chewing. As for size, my boy is in a huge cage for just him. I wanted to make sure he had enough room to run around and play, which he definitely does.

 

[obcsed]

After wasting lots of money on all kinds of cages, I found the best one is the Ferret Nation. http://www.ferret.com/item/ferret-nation-habitat-model-182-double-unit/650431/

Lots of room for a big wheel and other furniture. Very easy to clean and easy access to the chin. If the double is out of your price range, check out the single level which can easily be added onto later on.

 

[Amethyst]

Of the two you listed I'd go with the wood one, but it does still have a plastic bottom pan, but wood shelves are good it gives your chin something to chew on that is good to chew on, though you should also have plenty of chew toy anyway. You just remove and replace the shelving as it gets too chewed up or too dirty to get clean. It's a good size for one chinchilla, cages should be at least about 2 feet all around, more is always better. There is not really such thing as a cage being too big, unless you have a very skittish chin, height is more important then length and width but you do want to make sure whatever cage you get that the chin can't fall more then about a foot, over lap shelves or hammocks to prevent a far fall. I agree with the Ferret Nation and Critter Nation (same brand but thinner bars and bar spacing) being some of if not the best cages out there right now, however you do need to make sure you remove the ramps and the plastic shelves you need to either cover with fleece or remove and replace with wood shelves and/or buy bass pans, some people have even just tiled the cage . There is a whole thread here showing people's ferret nations cages set up.

 

[javachin]

Ferret Nations are very nice and they're on sale at PetSmart. You'd just have to change out the pans. http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752837&f=PAD/psNotAvailInUS/No

 

[Godofgods]

Ferret Nation Sale at Petsmart. A thread in Chin General Topics

Right now it seems petsmart is having a sale on there Double Unit Ferret Nation Cages. They are generally thought of as great cages for chins. I personally have two and just ordered 2 more.

They usually run around 220-250 around my location. But they are having an online only sale for it. They are listed at 105. Granted you have a 40 shipping charge but its still a good deal. And with a promo code 12FF60 you get an additional 20% off purchases 100+
I have no idea how long this sale will last. Quite honestly i was shocked at it all together.

Putting one cage in cart looked like this:

Merchandise Subtotal: $ 105.47
Save 20% off $100 -$21.09
Shipping and Handling: $39.99
Sales Tax: $0.00
Estimated Total: $124.37

Sales tax will get added later in the ordering process. I don't know if all of this would interest you, but for the item itself it is a good deal.

Petsmart Ferret Nation Cage link

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Also worth noteing on those cages, its a good idea to take the ramps out and replace them with wooden ledges. The ramps can cause problems if a chin gets there leg caught in it. Many vendors here sell them, and they are easy to make yourself as well.

Edit: After looking at the links in your OP, if your considering either of those for around 100, then this might look all the better' lol

 

[elbee]

In my opinion, Ferret Nation cages are worth every penny. So easy to clean too.

 

[EternallyCynical]

Ferret and Critter Nation cages are the best. My boy has a big double unit CN cage that he LOVES. Poor guy was in a cramped cage with a wire floor most of his life.... .~. From what I've seen, 'starter kits' at Petsmart are TEENY. MUCH too small for the animals they're intended for. Not to mention the plastic bottoms are less than ideal...... FN and CN cages are a bit pricey, but are very durable and provide infinitely better access to your animal and its environment, since the doors open all the way instead of being teeny things that are hard to work through. They also have the added bonus of doubling as their own storage space, since they have a 'shelf' underneath. The only downside is that the pans that come with it are plastic and have almost no lip on them, so scatter is... an issue. But the pans are replaceable with durable metal ones that are deeper, so that can be remedied. I wouldn't put my chin in anything else - when I knew I was getting him, I refused to keep him in the cage he was in and hunted down one of these cages despite the price (and I'm a currently unemployed high school student...). No compromise there. Worth every penny.

 

[PaulineW]

My husband built our Chin's mansion. It has 8 levels and 7ft tall. It's made of poplar wood with a roll out litter tray and actually cost us less than when we bought his first cage from the pet store. Chewy is totally spoiled! If only I knew how to post a pic on here.

 

[Godofgods]

My husband built our Chin's mansion. It has 8 levels and 7ft tall. It's made of poplar wood with a roll out litter tray and actually cost us less than when we bought his first cage from the pet store. Chewy is totally spoiled! If only I knew how to post a pic on here.

Howd you manage that? Poplar ive seen is fairly expensive in terms of the amount you would need to build a cage from it.