How big should chinchilla cages be?

It's simple: "The bigger, the better," Whimsy says. The Spruce Pets recommends any chinchilla cage should have at least 576 square inches of space. But even more important than horizontal space is providing as much height as you can accommodate. Chinchillas love high spaces and multiple platforms to jump between.

Do chinchilla cages need bedding?

"Yes, chinchillas need bedding," Whimsy says. "Considering their cage should be tall, a thick layer of natural, kiln-dried pine bedding acts as a shock absorber in case of a fall. Plus, pine naturally absorbs urine smells and can be used as compost after cage cleaning. And, pine bedding is safe for chinchillas to chew (unlike recycled 'fluff' beddings)."

What type of toys do chinchillas like?

"When shopping for toys and cage accessories, it's imperative that one knows exactly which materials are chinchilla safe," Whimsy told The Spruce Pets. "Kiln-dried pine is excellent for ledges as they are safe for the chinchilla to chew, are relatively inexpensive, and are easy to clean or sand to refresh. When selecting toys, it's ideal to have a wide variety of natural materials. We always recommend having soft (like a loofah, palm, seagrass, vine, wicker, herbal hays), medium (natural, bark-on wood), and hard (pumice) toys available so that your chinchilla can utilize whatever texture they want/need. The toys a chinchilla destroys fastest are the ones they need the most. If a toy is not salient, it will serve no useful purpose. And the purpose of having chew toys is to help keep teeth trim and to provide environmental stimulation."

The 5 Best Chinchilla Cages of 2024

A chinchilla cage we recommend on a yellow background — The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

The right cage for a chinchilla is resistant to chewing, provides ample space and levels for climbing and playing, and has bars spaced close enough—less than an inch for adult chinchillas—so they can’t squeeze through but air can flow freely.

"The most important considerations when shopping for a chinchilla habitat are size, height, and environmental enrichment," Whimsy Menagerie, owner of a chinchilla rescue based in Virginia, shared with The Spruce Pets. To start your search, Menagerie recommends focusing on space over any other feature. "Basically, the bigger, the better.

Our favorite is the MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit. This chinchilla cage provides multiple levels of play with a solid construction, full-width doors, and a storage shelf. But we’ve also found other fantastic cages that may better fit your circumstances.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit at Amazon ($310)

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Quality Cage Chinchilla Mansion at Qualitycage.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Yaheetech Pet Cage at Amazon ($99)

Jump to Review

Best for Multiple Chins:

PawHut Small Animal Cage at Amazon ($190)

Jump to Review

Best Small Cage:

Prevue Pet Products Rat, Chinchilla, Baby Ferret Cage at Amazon ($139)

Jump to Review

Best Overall

MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit

PHOTO:

Amazon

$310 At Amazon $260 At Chewy $320 At Walmart

What We Like

Durable construction
Multiple levels and platforms
Plenty of space to play
Padded covers for ramps included

What We Don't Like

No toys or feeding accessories included, but easy to add

Our favorite chinchilla cage is the MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit. This is a fantastically constructed unit that is one of the most durable and aesthetically pleasing cages on the market. The key factors for a chinchilla’s happiness are size and multiple areas to explore, and this cage has both. It’s also relatively easy to assemble.

The MidWest Homes double unit critter cage has two different levels, with full-width pans that provide maximum surface area for your chinchilla, in addition to two adjustable shelves that act as extra half-floors for them to explore. The included levels have a lip around them, so they won’t leak if your chinchilla makes a mess. Grippy ramps with “Happy Feet” ramp covers provide pathways between the different levels and won’t be rough on your chinchilla’s feet.

It’s also easy to get your chinchilla in and out of the Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit since both levels have doors that span the full width of the cage, with latches that are critter-proof but still easy enough to open with one hand. Plus, the habitat has four locking wheel casters, making it easy to move around when necessary. There’s even a wire shelf beneath the enclosure, so you can keep your chinchilla’s bedding, food, and toys handy.

The MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit also comes in a single-story version, so you can start small and opt for the add-on level if you decide to adopt another chinchilla.

_{Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 63 inches︱Materials: Metal wire, plastic ramps with cloth covers︱Color Options: Black | Accessories: Adjustable shelves, ramps}

Best Splurge

Quality Cage Chinchilla Mansion

PHOTO:

Quality Cage

View On Qualitycage.com

What We Like

Well built and durable
Customizable
Top opens for easy cleaning
Large

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Made to order, so availability can be limited

The made-to-order Chinchilla Mansion from Quality Cage Crafters lives up to its name. Made of a sturdy 1 x 1-inch wire mesh grid, the Chinchilla Mansion includes four movable pine shelves, which are made of solid wood rather than a particle board that your chinchilla will chew to pieces. The Mansion has doors on both levels, with a larger, 12 x 18-inch door on the lower level.

The Mansion also has several features that make it a cinch to clean, including a top that can be fully opened and a slide-out tray on the bottom, which can be easily removed, washed, and replaced.

But one of the main advantages of the Chinchilla Mansion is its customizability. Available in eight colors, the Chinchilla Mansion has several bundle offers, including a deluxe version that comes with hop spots, a water bottle, a hay rack, shelf guards, a 15-inch “Chin Spin” wheel, and more.

Since each Quality Cage is made to order, it can take more than a month to receive your Chinchilla Mansion. Quality Cage Crafters also offers smaller versions in “Townhome” and “Condo” sizes.

_{Dimensions: 30 x 24 x 48 inches (Mansion), 30 x 24 x 36 (Townhome), 30 x 24 x 24 (Condo)︱Materials: Metal, pine wood︱Color Options: Galvanized, silver vein, black, stardust, quality blue, teal, pink, purple︱Accessories: Depends on bundle options}

The 17 Best Interactive Cat Toys of 2024

Best Budget

Yaheetech Pet Cage

PHOTO:

Amazon

$99 At Amazon $100 At Chewy View On Yaheetech.shop

What We Like

Metal frame on wheels with three doors
Easy to assemble
Six tiers connected with ramps for climbing
Bowl, water bottle, and removable tray included
Suitable for guinea pigs, squirrels, chinchillas, ferrets, rabbits, rats, and hedgehog

What We Don't Like

Corrugated ramps and platforms may irritate sensitive feet

The Yaheetech Pet Cage 52 Inch offer six levels connected with ramps for a chinchilla to safely explore. The metal framed cage is made in two colors, black or white, and comes together easily with all the necessary parts, hardware, and tools included along with illustrated instructions. Plus. the large cage sits upon four rubber wheels making the cage easy to move.

The Pet Cage 52 Inch from Yaheetech comes with a water bottle, a food dish, and and removable tray to streamline clean up. The bars are spaced 0.9 inches apart so it's unlikely your chinchilla will be able to slip through, and there are three doors covering the height of the cage with critter-proof latches. The corrugated ramps and platforms may need extra padding for sensitive feet, but they also provide a quiet surface for an active chinchilla.

Yaheetech's Pet Cage 52 Inch also comes in a 37 Inch model with four levels and two access doors. These cages are suitable for a variety of small pets in addition to chinchillas, including ferrets, rabbits, and hedgehogs, but each species should have their own cage.

_{Dimensions: 25 x 17 x 52 inches︱Materials: Iron, plastic base︱Color Options: Black | Accessories: Water bottle, food dish, corrugated ramps, trays}

Best for Multiple Chins

PawHut Small Animal Cage

PHOTO:

Amazon

$190 At Amazon $180 At Target View On Aosom.com

What We Like

Six levels for an active chinchilla to roam
Lots of spots for hanging toys
Easy to clean with slide out tray
Four omnidirectional wheels and two with brakes
Two color options, black or pink/white

What We Don't Like

Platforms are not chew proof, but they are soft on paws

The PawHut 6-Level Small Animal Cage is perfect for anyone who wants to provide as much vertical space for their chins as possible. The cage is the same height as our Best Overall pick (MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit), but offers more interior space for multiple chinchillas to socialize and play.

The durable cage is built from powder-coated metal and iron wire, and has 0.95-inch bar spacing throughout, so your adult chin is unlikely to escape. Inside your chichillas will enjoy six levels with ramps connecting each, all designed for sensitive paws. No toys are included, but there lots of places to hang a variety of enrichment pieces. The cage also has three doors spaced vertically and with critter-proof latches, so you can access your chinchillas at any level within the cage.

For easy clean up, there is a removable tray that slides out and can be cleaned with soap and water. There are also four omnidirectional wheels so you can smoothly move the large habitat with ease.

_{Dimensions: 32 x 20.75 x 62.75 inches︱Materials: Metal, plastic︱Color Options: Black, white/pink | Accessories: Ramps, trays}

The 7 Best Hamster Cages of 2024

Best Small Cage

Prevue Pet Products Rat, Chinchilla, Baby Ferret Cage

PHOTO:

Amazon

$139 At Amazon $139 At PETCO

What We Like

Aesthetically pleasing
Durable
Ramps and platforms designed for chinchilla feet

What We Don't Like

Too small for multiple chins
Wheels at base do not lock

The Prevue Pet Products Critter Animal Cage is near the minimum footprint for a cage that could happily accommodate a single chinchilla. While you’ll need bedding or a platform cover for the wire-frame bottom of the cage, the ramps and shelves are solid, making them suitable for chinchilla feet. You can also opt to remove the bottom grille and use the slide-out debris tray as the cage bottom.

Other than the plastic debris tray on the bottom of the habitat, the Critter Animal Cage features a chew-proof, all-metal construction with ¾-inch wire spacing. The cage features a single, large front gate. Plus, just like our Best Overall pick, the Prevue Pet Products cage has a wire shelf beneath the habitat, so you can store food and other chinchilla gear.

_{Dimensions: 31 x 20.5 x 40 inches︱Materials: Metal, plastic, acyrillic | Color Options: Earth dusted rose | Accessories: Ramps, trays}

The 6 Best Hermit Crab Habitats of 2024

Final Verdict

The MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit is our overall favorite, with a thoughtful design and durable materials. If you’re looking for the ultimate all-in-one chinchilla habitat, then check out the Chinchilla Cage Mansion from Quality Cage Crafters.

What to Look for in a Chinchilla Cage

Construction

Metal wire is the preferred material for chinchilla cages. Their thick fur makes them susceptible to overheating, so you want to select a habitat that provides them with plenty of airflow. Metal is also preferable because chinchillas chew whatever they can get their jaws around. Providing chew toys and a pumice block can give them the chewing surfaces they need, but you’ll still want to keep a close eye on any plastic or wooden surfaces. For the most part, our recommendations use wire mesh construction, though there are some plastic parts here and there.

It’s also important that your chinchilla cage has solid platforms and ramps. While other small pets may be able to tolerate running and climbing on wire surfaces, chinchillas have sensitive feet that are prone to injury. Make sure that platforms and other spaces are either constructed from solid metal or are covered with cozy cloth or metal trays.

Size

Chinchillas need space to play and love multi-level environments. Make sure to select a cage with a width and depth that offers at least 576 square inches of space (24 x 24 inches), but larger is always better.

"Chinchillas like heights and prefer to perch up high to survey their surroundings," Whimsy of Whimsy's Menagerie, a chinchilla rescue organization based in Virginia, told The Spruce Pets. "Ledges and cage accessories arranged as landing points from one to another are ideal."

Whimsy's chinchilla rescue organization offers numerous photos of how chinchilla owners have kitted out their cages to maximize vertical space and provide multiple ledges for its inhabitants.

Accessories

Chinchillas love toys, so you should select a cage that anticipates their needs. For example, platforms with raised lips will do a better job of holding in the dye-free paper or dried pine bedding chinchillas prefer. You’ll also want to have a place in the cage where you can install a large-diameter running wheel. Just like with other surfaces, chinchilla running wheels are specially designed to have solid, rather than wire, surfaces. You’ll also need space for water and food trays, chew toys, and a “nest” where your chinchilla can cozy up and hide.

Bumblefoot Condition

Chinchillas have sensitive foot pads that are prone to developing a condition called bumblefoot, medically known as ulcerative pododermatitis. If you notice any signs of irritation and/or your chinchilla is resistant to walking and climbing, you should seek guidance from your veterinarian as soon as possible.

This bacterial infection leads to inflammation, discomfort, and redness, and is often caused by repeated walking on harsh and/or abrasive surfaces, such as wire floored cages, shelves, and ramps. You can add padding to your chinchillas habitat to give their paws a respite. Keeping their home clean will also help avoid bumblefoot.

Chinchillas, along with birds, rodents, and rabbits, are all prone to bumblefoot.

FAQ

How big should chinchilla cages be?

It's simple: "The bigger, the better," Whimsy says.
The Spruce Pets recommends any chinchilla cage should have at least 576 square inches of space. But even more important than horizontal space is providing as much height as you can accommodate. Chinchillas love high spaces and multiple platforms to jump between.
Do chinchilla cages need bedding?

"Yes, chinchillas need bedding," Whimsy says. "Considering their cage should be tall, a thick layer of natural, kiln-dried pine bedding acts as a shock absorber in case of a fall. Plus, pine naturally absorbs urine smells and can be used as compost after cage cleaning. And, pine bedding is safe for chinchillas to chew (unlike recycled 'fluff' beddings)."
What type of toys do chinchillas like?

"When shopping for toys and cage accessories, it's imperative that one knows exactly which materials are chinchilla safe," Whimsy told The Spruce Pets. "Kiln-dried pine is excellent for ledges as they are safe for the chinchilla to chew, are relatively inexpensive, and are easy to clean or sand to refresh. When selecting toys, it's ideal to have a wide variety of natural materials. We always recommend having soft (like a loofah, palm, seagrass, vine, wicker, herbal hays), medium (natural, bark-on wood), and hard (pumice) toys available so that your chinchilla can utilize whatever texture they want/need. The toys a chinchilla destroys fastest are the ones they need the most. If a toy is not salient, it will serve no useful purpose. And the purpose of having chew toys is to help keep teeth trim and to provide environmental stimulation."

Why Trust The Spruce Pets

This article was written by Ellie Welles, who has raised dogs, cats, rabbits, and even a green-cheeked conure. She’s passionate about finding the best products for your littlest family members. For this article, she consulted veterinary recommendations, product reviews, and chinchilla owner feedback to find products that are specifically designed for chinchillas rather than other common pet rodents.

Additional expertise was provided by Whimsy of Whimsy's Menagerie Chinchilla Rescue, who has been providing temporary shelter environments for chinchillas since 1998, after learning that most animal control facilities either do not accept or are inadequately equipped to handle exotic pets like chinchillas. Her site has become a repository of useful information for chinchilla owners. She also conducts training in chinchilla care for veterinary clinics and pet stores in the Richmond, Virginia, area.

How to Care for a Pet Chinchilla