| 1. What's the best type of cage?
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They are housed much the same as a ferret would be, in a wire cage. Shelves are a must since they love to jump and climb. There are two basic floor choices: wire bottom and floor pan. If you choose a wire bottom then the spaces in the wire must be no larger than 1/2"x 1/2". I prefer to have the cage sit right on top of a floor pan full of pine shavings. The shavings make a nice floor for the chinchillas. They love to dig around in it and it is warmer for the babies.
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admin, answered by admin, last updated Jul 30, 2010 |
| 2. Can my chinchilla live in an aquarium?
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No. The glass walls do not alow for airflow. As your chinchilla becomes active the inside of the cage can become warmer and your chinchilla could overheat. Aquariums also do not allow for the much needed shelves for your chinchilla to play on.
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admin, answered by admin, last updated Jul 30, 2010 |
| 3. What should I use to line the cage bottom?
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Kiln dried pine is one of the cheapest ways to go. I prefer buying it in paper bags instead of plastic to avoid the strong small. Cedar should never be used in a chinchilla cage. Recycled paper shavings such as CareFresh are also a good choice. It tends to stay in the cage better than pine, however, it costs almost 4 times as much.
submitted by
admin, answered by admin, last updated Jul 30, 2010 |
| 4. What about food and water?
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Chinchillas require fresh water daily which is best given in a glass bottle attached to the side of the cage. Plastic bottles will most likely be chewed on and destroyed. They need chinchilla pellets and hay daily. Timothy or Alfalfa can be used and are available loose or in cubes from most pet stores. Food should only be changes slowly over a weeks time to avoid tummy upset. Be sure to get a bag of food with your new chinchilla to avoid a sudden food switch.
The Chinchilla food should not contain fruits or nuts. These are treats and should only be fed in strict moderation. We recommend Mazuri or Tradition feed. Mazuri is sold in some pet stores or can be ordered on line at www.LoneStarChinchilla.com. (You can receive discounts on online purchases as a member of The Chinchilla Club).
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admin, answered by admin, last updated Jul 30, 2010 |
| 5. How big would the cage have to be to make the chin comfortable and happy?
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The bigger the cage the better. Lots of shelves and toys are the key to a good cage. If you have a choice its better to get a taller cage than a wider one since chinchillas love to climb. A 24"x24" cage is about as small as I would recommend. Be sure to get a wire cage without a plastic bottom and accessories. Your chinchilla will only eat the plastic and it could be harmful.
submitted by
Abby, answered by admin, last updated Jul 30, 2010 |
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