Cages For Chinchilla Pets - Choosing A Safe, Practical Cage That Permits Easy And Fast Cleaning

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_Arkell]Chris Arkell
When you're trying to decide which type of cage might be best for your new chinchilla, keep in mind that chinchillas love climbing and jumping onto things. They also love running and playing inside their cages. So, it's better to choose a cage that's taller than it is wide. You should also remember that because chinchillas are larger than hamsters or guinea pigs, they need bigger cages than those pets.
Cages for chinchilla pets should always be made of wire to prevent them from chewing their way out. Because your chinchilla might gnaw on the wire, make sure that it is not painted or coated with any substance. The wires should not be spaced more than one to two inches apart, but no more than one-half inch apart on the bottom of the cage. The smaller gaps on the bottom of the cage can help prevent leg injuries as your chinchilla walks or runs in its cage.
The best cages for chinchilla pets have a pullout tray to permit easy cleaning. If yours has a solid floor, you can put wood shavings or newspaper on the bottom. Pullout trays should be cleaned at least weekly, but solid floors will require it more frequently. Disinfect the entire cage thoroughly at least once a month. Fortunately, chinchillas typically pick a particular area of the cage for urinating. This habit lets you place extra bedding there to help absorb the urine. You could even sprinkle some baking soda there to help absorb the urine's odor.
Cages for chinchilla pets must be kept in the right location. For example, the temperature in the area should be kept between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. You'll need to monitor the temperature to make sure it stays within that range. Although you'll need to avoid placing the cage in a spot that's too drafty, the area should be well-ventilated, especially during the hot summer months. Your chinchilla can tolerate temperatures as high as 83 degrees Fahrenheit, but needs to stay out of direct sunlight. The temperature should never go higher than 86 degrees. Directing a fan in the direction of your chinchilla won't help it cool off because chinchillas don't sweat - the fan will only make the hot air go in circles. One strategy for cooling off an overheated chinchilla consists of using a covered pan containing ice cubes inside the cage. Your pet can then curl up against it to get cooler. You do, however, need to make sure that your pet will not be able to fall into the pan of ice cubes.
Every chinchilla requires exercise. A large cage will let it move around and climb. You should also put an exercise wheel inside. In addition, give your pet some time outside the cage to stretch its legs. An hour of supervised play in a room that�s chinchilla-proved will help keep your pet happy. Remove any chemicals and poisonous plants that could make your chinchilla ill, and make sure there aren't any exposed electrical wires it could gnaw, because chinchillas are rodents and they love chewing on things. You'll also want to keep an eye on your chinchilla while it's playing to make sure it doesn't chew on the corners of your furniture. This supervised playtime provides the perfect opportunity to play with your new chinchilla pet and have some fun watching its antics.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Cages-For-Chinchilla-Pets---Choosing-A-Safe,-Practical-Cage-That-Permits-Easy-And-Fast-Cleaning&id=6629137] Cages For Chinchilla Pets - Choosing A Safe, Practical Cage That Permits Easy And Fast Cleaning