The 5 BEST Chinchilla Cages (In-Depth Reviews 2022)
By Are you looking for the best cage to house your chinchilla? We have purchased and tested the top 5 cages after researching over 50 over options in the market today. Finding a great house for your pet can be challenging with so many to choose from, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
Our extensive tests look for suitability for chinchillas, ease of cleaning, safety, materials, value for money and more to bring you all the details you need to find the right cage for your little pet.
With our test results and hand-picked winners, there is something for everyone in our list of best cages for chinchillas. No matter what your budget or specific requirements, you’ll find everything you need to know in our detailed review.
Compiled below is a list of 5 of the best chinchilla cages.
1. Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation Cage
(Read in-depth review of Critter Nation chinchilla cage here)
The single-story Critter Nation’s dimensions are 36″L x 25″W x 38.5″H
The double-story Critter Nation’s dimensions are 36”L x 25”W x 62.5”H
The Critter Nation by Midwest is one of the best chinchilla cages we have reviewed. You have the option to buy it as a single story or as a double unit, though it is recommended to go with the double if you have the space. This cage features full-width double doors, which allows for easier cleaning as well as better accessibility overall. There is also a built-in stand which features a shelf that’s perfect for storing food, chinchilla dust, extra toys, etc.
With the double unit, there are four levels for your chinchillas to hangout between. The bottom level features a floor pan, which helps contain waste better and makes cleaning a cinch. As a metal chinchilla cage, the Critter Nation is also chew-proof to your chinchilla’s sharp teeth.
The additional shelves which create the second and fourth levels, are adjustable in height. The ramps come with covers, though your chinchillas may chew them so whether you include them in the final habitat is up to you.
The wires are 1/2” apart, which ensures your animals will be able to climb and play and they will not be able to escape. In addition, the Critter Nation is compatible with a wide variety of other toys and accessories. There are attachment points for things such as hammocks, hideouts, and kabob toys.
Both the single and double-story cages have a stand built-in. The stand is complete with a storage shelf. This is a great place to store all of your chinchillas’ foods, toys, hay, etc.
Expansion option
Midwest also sells an additional story unit that is compatible with both the single and double-story units. So for example, if you originally buy the single-story unit but later decide you would prefer the double, you can buy the additional unit separately. You can also add it to the double-story unit.
Midwest recommends against going any higher than three stories with your critter nation. Any higher than this and the structural integrity of the chinchilla enclosure will be compromised.
Verbatim by other chinchilla owners:
This cage is fantastic for our chinchillas. It is not cheap due to being an import from the US, but it’s well worth it to ensure your animals are safe and happy.
Overall it is strong and sturdy, and comes with the ramps and platforms which you can choose to use or not (we chose not so the chinchillas can jump around). The doors make up the entire front sides, and being able to fully open them is a great advantage when cleaning. It allows you to interact with your pets without them having to come out of their home which is good if they are a bit nervous.
2. Chinchilla Mansion by Quality Cage Crafters
(Read in-depth review of Chinchilla Mansion here)
The Chinchilla Mansion is 30″w x 24″d x 48″h.
If you have been a chinchilla owner for a few years, you’d definitely know that Quality Cage Crafters are best known for the quality of their products. Positioning themselves as makers instead of manufacturers also means you can be assured that every cage made by them is of tip-top quality and craftmanship.
Made with all chinchillas’ needs in mind, the Mansion is not like other ordinary chinchilla cages. This is the only chinchilla cage we come across that has absolutely no plastic material, giving them another step above the rest in terms of quality.
The most basic option comes with four replaceable, movable solid pine shelves that are 100% safe and well-liked by chinchillas. This will be the entry-level to a quality lifestyle for your beloved chinchillas.
However, we do recommend that you top up a little for the starter bundle that includes a nest box, coop cup, Lixit glass water bottle, hay rack, and of course the famous Chin Spin exercise wheel. The starter bundle also comes with a 2-inch stand on wheels so that you can move the entire cage around. You’re gonna need these accessories anyway, so might as well get them from a quality maker at one go.
Verbatim by other chinchilla owners:
Most other cages that can be used for chinchillas, are not actually made with chinchillas in mind and include plastic. Most rodents chew on everything they can, so it is a cost-savings thing that makes these companies use plastics, to the detriment of the animals they are designed to house. I’m so delighted to have a high-quality cage that will give my chinchilla the space she needs while also being extremely safe for her.
This cage is definitely designed with chinchillas in mind. Chinchillas don’t climb, they jump and this company knows that!
3. Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage
(Read in-depth review of Prevue Hendryx black feisty ferret cage here)
Feisty Ferret’s dimensions are 31”L x 20”W x 54”H
Even though the Feisty Ferret by Prevue Hendryx is initially marketed as a ferret cage, it makes a great chinchilla habitat as well. This is another wire multilevel large chinchilla cage, with four levels available to your animals with the shelves included. There is a floor pan included to assist with easy cleaning and containment of waste. There are three ramps included making travel between the levels as easy as possible.
The Feisty Ferret has two large doors that are advertised as completely escape-proof. Make sure you always latch the doors completely no matter what cage you decide on as chinchillas are notorious for being little escape artists. The wires are 7/8” inch apart which will ensure your animals have plenty of fresh air and are able to climb around, without the risk of escape.
Also like the Critter Nation, there is a built-in stand with a storage shelf. This helps to keep all of your chinchilla needs and supplies in one easily accessible location. There is also a comfy hammock included to add another level of comfort for your new furry friends.
Verbatim by other chinchilla owners:
I thought the overall build quality was excellent. As I was assembling it I actually thought that it almost seemed like it wasn’t right that I paid so little for it. I don’t know how they can weld and powder coat this whole thing for the money they’re selling it for. It’s a bargain.
4. Dreamhome Heavy Duty Chinchilla Cage
(Read in-depth review of Dreamhome Heavy Duty Chinchilla Cage here)
The Dreamhome Heavy Duty Chinchilla Cage’s dimensions are 24”L x 17”W x 38”H
The Dreamhome Heavy Duty Chinchilla Cage is another slightly smaller yet adequate cage. One great thing about this cage is the base features wheels. This makes transportation and relocation of the chinchilla enclosure incredibly easy. The wheels are also lockable to prevent any unwanted sliding and moving of the cage. The wires are 4/5” apart.
All of the materials have a non-toxic lead-free powder coat that helps to prevent corrosion and rust. This prolongs the longevity of the product.
The bottom part of the cage is plastic but there is a wire insert so that the animals are kept separate from their waste. The plastic encompasses the bottom of the cage but the chinchillas have minimal access to the material. The plastic is advertised as being chew-resistant so even if your chinchillas are able to access the plastic component, they will likely not chew on it. The bottom waste tray is removable as well, so that makes cleaning much easier.
Verbatim by other chinchilla owners:
Not the most concise instructions on putting it together, but once I did it is a very cute cage! I needed something a little smaller than what I had for the space, and this fit the bill quite well and my chinchilla seems to be pretty happy with it. Having the levels to jump around is a huge deal.
I also noticed that the urine guard helps keep a lot of the mess inside the cage, enough that I don’t need to vacuum every day around it. All in all, I am pretty happy with the purchase as of right now.
5. Prevue Hendryx 495 Earthtone Chinchilla Cage
(Read in-depth review of Prevue Hendryx earthtone dusted rose rat & chinchilla cage)
The Earthtone Chinchilla Cage’s dimensions are 31”L x 20.5”W x 40”H
The Earthtone Chinchilla Cage is another great product from Prevue Hendryx. This model is slightly smaller than the Feisty Ferret, though is made very similar in fashion. The ramps and platforms are solid metal which makes them extra durable. In addition, this eliminates the need for replacing the units as your chinchillas will be unable to chew them. This feature really sets this cage apart from other leading competitors as even the best chinchilla cages tend to have plastic inserts.
Similar to other cages, this cage comes with a stand. The stand also includes a storage shelf. Store your toys, treats, supplies, and more here. The doors are large and feature a wind-bell lock. There is one door located on the front of the cage as well as one on the rooftop. This helps to add an extra layer of protection against sneaky and mischievous pets, as chinchillas are often known to be.
The wire spacing is a mere 3/8” so that makes this cage ideal for chinchillas of all ages. If you’re planning on having baby chinchillas at any point, this cage would be a good choice to ensure the babies will not be able to escape.
The Earthtone Chinchilla Cage is also very easy to clean as it features a removable plastic tray. There is a wire insert to go over the tray to separate the animals from their waste but the cage functions without it as well. The tray has a wind-bell lock as well to prevent it from being pushed out should you decide to omit the wire insert in your chinchilla cage setup.
Verbatim by other chinchilla owners:
Quality is good. This cage is a bit over $100. Go to Petco and see what $100 gets you. I assure you, this is a really nice cage for the cost. I agree it might be a bit noisy if your pets are jumping around inside of it, it is metal on metal so might not be the best choice if it is going in your bedroom.
Quick Guide on what to consider when selecting the perfect Cage
Chinchillas are fantastic pets. They are incredibly agile as well as extremely intelligent. In addition, they have the softest fur in the world and are very cute little creatures. When it comes to selecting a cage for your new furry friends, you need to take a few factors into consideration.
Material
The first thing to think about is the material that your new cage is constructed with. Chinchillas have open-rooted teeth so they tend to chew on everything they can get their little paws on. This is why it’s very important to buy a chew-proof chinchilla cage that is made of metal. This ensures the animals are contained and that they won’t ingest anything that could potentially harm their delicate bodies.
Some cages have plastic bottoms or platforms which are generally ok, as long as the bars and wires are made of metal. This is to prevent the chinchillas from eating the materials as well as to keep them contained. For cages with plastic bottoms, as long as there is some sort of wire insert separating the animals from the plastic material then you will be good to go.
Size
In the wild, chinchillas are jumping and moving nearly all of the time. In fact, they can jump upwards of six feet in a single leap. So, look for a large chinchilla cage that your housing space can accommodate. You should also look for a cage that has multiple levels if possible. This helps the chinchillas be able to mimic their natural instinctual behaviors better.
Multistory cages are a good option for those short on space. They provide the chinchillas with ample room but are generally smaller in width and length so they take up less overall space. Some companies even have stackable units so you can add additional stories at a later time if you prefer.
Accessories
Because chinchillas are so smart, they need high levels of mental and physical stimulation. You should incorporate chinchilla accessories like toys, chews, hideouts, etc. in your habitat to make sure your chinchillas are as happy as possible. Make sure there is also room for necessary accessories like food dishes, a water bottle, and perhaps your dust bath container if you plan on doing them in the cage.
Many cages also include a stand and/or storage shelf. This is a helpful feature so that you don’t have to store your supplies in an additional space. These shelves are often big enough to house food, treats, hay, toys, etc. with no problem.
Frequently Asked Questions when Choosing a Chinchilla Cage
1.Why do Chinchillas Need Cages?
Due to the risk of injury or escape, chinchillas should not be kept freely in your house. It is important to have a cage for your chinchilla that allows them to mimic the active lifestyle they would have in the wild. Chinchillas are native to the Andes Mountains and by nature are clean, active, playful creatures with a need to chew. By providing appropriate habitat for your chinchilla you are helping keep him happy and healthy.
2. How Big Should the Chinchilla Enclosure Be?
When choosing a cage for your chinchilla, bigger is better! Housing for one chinchilla needs to be a minimum of 3 ft x 2 ft x 2ft, or 12 cubic feet. If you are keeping two chinchillas together, they will need a large chinchilla cage.
Chinchilla cages should be tall and need to have multiple levels so they can climb and jump around. Most chinchilla cages have three levels. Having at least 4 square feet of floor space is important to live comfortably. Measure the space in your home where you will be keeping your chinchilla to figure out whether you can accommodate a large chinchilla cage.
3. What Material Should the Cage be Made Of?
Most chinchilla cages are made of wire. Wooden cages and wires with paint or toxic chemicals are discouraged because they will likely chew on their cages. You don’t want your chinchilla falling ill from chemicals or chewing their way out of their cage!
Glass tanks and other types of aquariums intended for reptiles are also inappropriate for chinchillas due to the lack of ventilation and the potential for creating a habitat that is too humid.
If your cage is made of wire, make sure you provide a small wooden area on the floor for them to stand on. If your chinchilla stands on wire all day they may get sores on their feet.
4. What Kind of Feeders Should the Cage Have?
Most people prefer food bowls that hang on the walls of the cage. They are easy to remove to clean and refill. Water bottles that hang on the outside of the cage are the best way to supply water to chinchillas. Bowls that sit on the ground get dirty quickly and take up too much floor space to be practical. Food bowls and water bottles should be kept clean and disinfected on a weekly basis.
5. Where do Chinchillas Sleep?
Chinchillas will often sleep on the floor of their cages. A small hutch that either sits on the floor or hangs off the side of the cage is a nice addition to the cage so they have some privacy. If you have multiple chinchillas, they will need to have hutches so they can have some alone time. Hammocks that hang from the top of the cage can be a comfortable place for your chinchilla to nap.
6. What Accessories Should the Cage Have?
Your chinchilla cage should have platforms and ramps for them to climb and play on. Chinchilla’s teeth continuously grow so they have a need to gnaw and file their teeth.
You should provide safe toys for them to chew such as untreated wooden blocks or pumice stones. Make sure the toys you provide are specifically designed for small animals and that you check them regularly for hazards.
If you are having a hard time finding toys specifically for chinchillas try looking in the bird and rabbit sections of your local pet store for wooden chew toys. You should not give your chinchilla plastic toys meant for other small animals since they will chew through them and potentially ingest the plastic.
7. What is Chinchilla Dust?
Chinchillas take dust baths to self-clean and eliminate moisture from their coats. You will need to provide a daily dust bath to help them keep up with their hygiene. The bowl should be big enough for them to roll around in and should be placed in the cage for about 10 minutes each day.
Do not leave the dust bath in their cage or they will get the dust dirty with urine, fecal matter, and food crumbs. The dust can be reused as long as it is clean. You can purchase chinchilla dust at most pet stores or online.
8. Where do the Droppings Go?
Most cages have a tray at the bottom to catch droppings. You can line the tray with newspapers or wood shavings, or buy washable liners for an eco-friendlier approach. If you are using a washable liner make sure your chinchilla cannot reach it to chew on.
Some less popular cages do not have a removable tray and the mess drops right onto the floor. In this case, you can put down newspapers, a towel, or an old bed sheet to keep your floors clean.
9. How do You Clean the Cage?
Chinchillas are relatively clean animals, but they should have their poop and big messes removed daily. The entire cage should be given a thorough cleaning once per week with diluted white vinegar or liquid dish soap and water.
You should also clean any toys and accessories weekly, checking them for hazards in the process. Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals to clean the cage. Make sure the cage is completely dry before relining it and putting your chinchilla back inside.
10. Does the Cage Door Need a Special Latch?
Chinchillas are not as good escape artists as some other animals so the standard latch that comes with your cage should be sufficient to keep your chinchilla contained.
If you are worried about your chinchilla opening the cage door you can get a wire door or spring latch from a pet store. If you have small children in your home you should child-proof the door to the cage so they cannot open the door without your supervision.
11. Where Should the Cage be Kept?
Chinchillas cannot withstand extreme temperatures, and the potential for predators getting into the cage or opening the cage door means that chinchillas should be kept inside. The part of your home where you put the chinchilla cage is important.
Chinchillas do best in a dry, quiet, well-ventilated area with natural light. Chinchillas are prone to overheating and should be kept in temperatures between 60-75°. Offices, dens, living rooms, and bedrooms are good areas to keep chinchillas.
They should not be kept in bathrooms, closets, small kitchens, or areas where their cage is likely to get jostled around. Chinchillas are social animals. Keeping them in an area where they see you frequently will keep them from feeling isolated and help them acclimate to your presence. They should, however, be kept away from playrooms or areas with excessive noise and activity.
12. Do I need to Cover the Cage or Have a Heat Lamp?
Unlike some other caged animals, chinchilla cages should not be covered or have heat lamps. Chinchillas require a well-ventilated area and the room you keep them in should be kept at a temperature between 60-75° Fahrenheit. By covering the cage or keeping them under a heat lamp you make the chinchilla susceptible to overheating and it can mess with their sleep cycle.
13. Where Can You Get the Best Chinchilla Cage?
Big pet stores will have cages specifically designed for chinchillas. If you have a local pet shop near you give them a call and see if they carry chinchilla cages. You can also buy cages online from websites like QualityCage, Amazon, and ExoticNutrition.
Some cages might not be labeled for specific animals, or might be labeled for similar animals such as ferrets. These cages could still work for your chinchillas, but be sure to check for reviews from other chinchilla owners.
If you are a skilled craftsman you may enjoy building a cage yourself. If you have an extra-large space or a particular design in mind it might be fun to hire someone to custom build your dream cage!
14. How Much do Chinchilla Cages Cost?
The cost of a chinchilla cage varies from $140 – $700 and up. As the cage gets bigger and comes with more levels and accessories the cost rises. The average cost of a three-level cage with no accessories is $150 – $250.
If you are looking to save on cost you can find used cages on places like Facebook Marketplace or amazon.com. If buying a used cage be sure to check it for any hazards and sanitize it before putting your chinchilla in his new home. Custom build cages will be the costliest.
