What do I need for my chinchilla?
So you want to adopt a chinchilla? That's great news! Here's a helpful list of suggestions regarding what you may want to consider purchasing for your chin. All of the items mentioned here are items that we use here at Monty's Place.
Your chin's cage and what should be found inside.
1. The Cage - http://www.qualitycage.com
These cages are construced of 1/2" x 1" galvanized-after wire. Balconies and middle floors are construced out of untreated pine which keeps little chinny feet and legs from getting caught and broken. Make sure that there are multiple levels in the cage you choose for your chinchilla; they like to leap.
2. Ceramic Food Bowls - Small round bowls are best, one for plain chinchilla pellets and one for fresh vegetables if you choose. No plastic bowls; your chin will chew them and ingest the plastic.
3. Ceramic Half-Covered Dome Dishes - These dishes are made by Super Pet and are exactly what they sound like. They are perfect containers for stuffing hay and a safe substitute for the wire hay rack on which a chinchilla can get seriously hurt.
4. Wooden Chin House or Chin Box - Chinchillas naturally like to hide when they sleep; this is one of the most important things to keep in your chin's cage. Try not to buy a house that is constructed using nails or bolts. http://chinworld.com - this site sells wooden "chin boxes" which are construced using FDA approved non-toxic glue and wooden biscuits.
5. CareFresh or Total Comfort Bedding - These two brands are the safest for your chinchilla's respiratory system. Kiln dried pine is okay too but we suggest that you stick with these two products.
6. Leapin' Ledges - As mentioned before, chins like to leap and jump. These ledges are construced out of untreated wood and can be screwed onto the side of your chin's cage. Sleepin' Ledges can also be found at http://www.chinworld.com or your local pet shop - these ledges are a larger version of the Leapin' Ledges so that your chin can spread out and sleep.
7. Wooden Chewing Toys - Chins have incisors which are constantly growing; therefore, it's important for them to always have something to chew on. Most wooden chew toys found in pet stores are suitable for chins. "Lava Bites", "Chew Stuff", and "Bunny Bites" are all examples of suitable chewing toys for your chin.
8. Water Bottle - 28 oz. is the best size. Make sure to change the water every day so it does not get stagnant.
9. Running Wheel - It is important for your chin to get exercise and a wheel also prevents boredom when you're not around to play. DO NOT buy a wheel with spokes! Little chinny feet and legs can get caught and breakage can occur. Again, http://www.chinworld.com is the best place to buy a wheel. Their 14" Ed Exercise Wheel is a safe wheel for your chin; it's a bit pricey, but worth it.
We at Monty's Place recommend that you let your chin out twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night. This is difficult for most working chinchilla parents and we understand this. Optimal running time is in the evening around 9:00 PM.
Most of us do not have chin-proofed rooms in our homes and that's why we recommend a play gate.
Normally these are gates that you can find for dogs and cats and now I've even seen them for ferrets. Whatever type of gate you can get so that it forms an inclosed area is fine. Make sure that the openings in the gate are not large enough for your chin to slip through. Remember, it's likely that if the head can squeeze through, so can the rest of the body.
Ferret gates are probably the best choice. Set it up and fill it with toys. Old cardboard boxes, a home made wooden jungle gym and don't forget to add yourself. We here at Monty's Place have found that the best jungle gym is the human body! :o)
Play Time!
This is an example of a play gate that we set up here at Monty's Place for when our chins need a quick romp. (For longer romps, we like to provide them with a larger area.) Inside the gate is just a plain ceramic jar, a cardboard play house and a straw basket. Where did I find that neat basket you may ask? Ikea my friends. Yes, you can find toys for your chinchilla almost anywhere!
Dust Bath and the Bath House - Chinchilla bath houses can be found in most pet stores. They are made out of plastic or ceramic and are self-contained little units with a round hole in the front so that your chin can come and go as he/she pleases. DO NOT leave the dust bath and the bath house in your chinchilla's cage! Excessive bathing can cause dry skin. In some instances, cracking and bleeding can occur on little chinny feet. Bathing for ten minutes every other day is fine.
Here you can see some examples of proper chinchilla bathing tools. From left to right - you can see the typical plastic bath house on the left, bath sand in the middle and a nice little ceramic bathouse at the right.
