Cage Size

Candycane · 10-16-2003, 03:48 PM

I am building the boys a new cage and I am wavering on what size I would like it. I am hoping to model another cage (for the girls) after it once I'm done so I have been thinking a lot about how to put it together.

Now, my boys do have a saucer wheel which they both use and fight over.

I have always had the philosophy that the bigger the cage, the better. Now, I'm not trying to neglect my boys but I am trying to be reasonable. Half of their time is spent on the wheel (it's always spinning) and the other half is sleeping. So...that being said, what is a logical sized cage for the two of them...what about 3 chins? Right now the girls are in a cage that is 4'X3'X2.5' and they don't really use the whole thing, even at night. I am buying them a wheel of their own for their new cage so input on a 3 chin cage would help too.

Denise · 10-16-2003, 04:00 PM

Candice, I always used to be under the impression that the bigger cage the better but I am not so sure anymore. Like you said, they don't even use the entire cage and are more or less in one area of the cage most of the time. I have four cages at home, all different sizes, and I think they would all be fine for three chins. I would have to take measurements when I get home to see how big they are.

One other disadvantage about big cages that I don't like is that it is hard to take the animal out of the cage because there is more room for them to get away.

Candycane · 10-16-2003, 04:04 PM

Denise, that is true for the girls...they don't like being held much and usually run off before I can get them.

The boys aren't a problem. I bought the materials already for the cage but I am wondering if maybe I should make two out of the material, not one.

Denise · 10-16-2003, 04:09 PM

I would use the material for two instead of one but that is just my opinion.

Candycane · 10-16-2003, 04:16 PM

Hmmm, I think I can make 2 cages that are 3'X2'X2' with the material I have...I am interested in hearing what your dimensions are though.

Cinnamon · 10-16-2003, 07:41 PM

I think that as long as the cage is big enough to be comfortable and has lots of toys, shelves, etc. the chinchillas are happy. People can be just as happy living in a bachelor's suite as they are in a mansion

Megan · 10-16-2003, 08:25 PM

I have several different sizes.

I keep two boys in a cage that is I think 3ft x 2ft(or 2.5ft) x4ft. They have 2 full shelves, and 1 quarter shelf, plus the bottom of the cage. The boys use every bit of the cage- and are always hoping from level to level.

I have one female in the cage that is exactly the same as the above, she also uses every bit of the cage- and is always on the move.

I have 2 chins in a cage that is 3ftx30inches x3ft, has 1 full floor, 2 shelves, and the bottom. They too use most/all of the cage.

I have another cage that has one wheel in it, that is I belive 3ft x 30 inches x 4ft- They use most of the cage, but tend to stick to the top levels and not the floor, there are also 2 chins in this cage.

Lastly, I have 1 chin in a cage that is 24inchesx18inchesx3ft. I feel it is on the small side, but he hardly ever goes down to the bottom level, and usually stays on the middle/top floors.

That is my experience with my "small" herd of 8 =)

Candycane · 10-20-2003, 12:42 PM

Anyone else?

fearless · 10-20-2003, 05:59 PM

I prefer wide cages instead of tall ones. That said, the cages I have and got before I had my cage preferences, are 2'x2'x3' and 18"x30"x36". I would rather have 2'x3'x2' (LxWxH). I think the chinchillas would be easier to get out of the cage, and there'd be more room for a wheel, house, toys, etc. because they're be more floor space vs. overhead space. I only have 2 chinchillas, 1 in each cage.

Candycane · 10-21-2003, 12:33 AM

I think I might go with 3' high, 3' wide and 2' deep. My girls' cage is 2.5' deep and really hard to clean. Does that sound reasonable for 2-3 chins with a wheel?