The 10 Best Chinchilla Cages in 2024
An increasingly popular pet, chinchillas are one exotic furry animal that is easy to love. If you are considering adopting your first chinchilla or are looking to add another small friend to your family, you will need a safe, secure, and comfortable cage in order to properly care for your pet.
Chinchilla cages come in at a wide range of prices and often have a diverse set of pros and cons. You can purchase cages with built-in platforms, rolling wheels, removable trays, and even cages that are collapsible for when they are not in use. The key to selecting a chinchilla cage is to understand each of the features it offers and compare it to your needs.
Looking for a perfect chinchilla cage is not the easiest task in the world; it can be very overwhelming trying to sift through options. To help you out, we’ve created a list of the top 10 best chinchilla cages and narrowed down what makes them so great. Read on to find out all you need to know!
- What You Need to Know About Chinchilla Cages
- Top 10 Best Chinchilla Cages 2024
- 1. Best Overall Cage: Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage
- 2. Best Premium Cage: Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation
- 3. Best Budget Cage: YAHEETECH 37’’ Metal Chinchilla Cage
- 4. Best Compact Cage: Living World Deluxe Habitat
- 5. Best Cage for Multiple Chinchillas: Amazon Basics Large 3-Tier Cage Playpen
- 6. Best Buildable Cage: Midwest Homes for Pets Deluxe Ferret Nation
- 7. Best Rolling Cage: SUPER DEAL PRO Large Cage With Rolling Stand
- 8. Best Collapsible Cage: YAHEETECH Collapsible 3-Tier Metal Wire Cage
- 9. Best Cage for Single Chinchillas: Prevue Rat and Chinchilla Cage
- 10. Best Tiered Cage: PawHut 4-Level Indoor Small Animal Cage
- Your Full Guide to Chinchilla Cages
- Why Do Chinchillas Need Cages?
- Accessories for Your Chinchilla Cage
- How to Clean Chinchilla Cages
- Where Should You Keep a Chinchilla Cage?
- Do Chinchilla Cages Need to Be Covered?
- How Long Do Chinchillas Live?
- Should You Adopt Chinchillas in Pairs?
- Will a Chinchilla Bond With Its Owner?
- Where to Adopt a Chinchilla?
- Veterinary Considerations
- Providing the Best Life for Your Pet
What You Need to Know About Chinchilla Cages
Before we get to our list, we need to discuss some important selection factors that you should know about when selecting a chinchilla cage.
Size
Chinchillas in the wild are used to having wide open spaces they can climb around and be active in. You should be looking to get as large a cage (in height) as you can accommodate inside your house, preferably one with built-in levels or platforms so your chinchilla can climb. From our list, our best overall pick has both extra space and multiple levels for your pet to play in.
Keep in mind that if you decided to adopt more than one chinchilla, you will have to increase the size of the cage to give them both ample living space.
Material
The material your chinchilla’s cage should be made of needs to be non-toxic, escape-proof, and reasonably sturdy. Safe metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and nickel make for great cages, while plastic or plastic-lined bars are a poor choice – your chinchilla would likely chew off the plastic and may experience health issues as a result.
The bars of the cage should be fairly close together to prevent any sort of chinchilla escape; even though your pet looks quite round, that is mostly fur and they can often squeeze themselves into places you wouldn’t expect. Try to get bars that are not much larger than an inch apart.
The base of your cage should be sturdy and unlikely to tip or be pushed out of place to ensure the utmost safety of your pet.
Cleaning Ease
One of the less glamorous aspects of chinchilla ownership is cleaning up after your pet. You should be sure to select a cage that is easy to wipe down and remove any waste from, and one that won’t absorb any type of smell.
Cages with removable trays, solid metal bars, and wheels may be preferred as these can be much easier to move around and efficiently clean. For more tips on how to clean your chinchilla cage, check out our full guide.
Price
Chinchilla cages are not the cheapest item to purchase, but there are some options that are a little more budget-friendly than others. Keep in mind that it is not always necessary to spend a lot of money to get something that is quality. Most cages will be in the mid-range pricing of about 100 to 200 dollars, while budget cages will come in under 100 dollars, and premium cages with be more than 200 dollars.
Now that we’ve discussed the most important aspects of chinchilla cages, let’s head straight into our list of the top 10 picks!
Top 10 Best Chinchilla Cages 2024
1. Best Overall Cage: Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Easy to assemble and complete with escape-proof locks, this cage earns its place right at the top of our list.
At a Glance:
- Size: Large
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Material: Steel
- Cleaning Ease: Good
Despite the “ferret” in its name, this cage makes a great choice for chinchilla owners. It is easy to assemble and falls right in the mid-range price, making it a great choice for first-time chinchilla owners who want something reasonable, both in terms of quality and price.
This cage has escape-proof locks, perfect for making sure your furry friends don’t escape their cage. The top half can be fully separated from the bottom half if you add in another platform, which makes a great option if you want to keep your chinchillas separate, or need a place to keep them while you clean different areas of the cage.
Unfortunately, the plastic platforms on this cage can be chewed and do need to be covered up with fabric or replaced before you can let your chinchilla run free in the cage. If you would prefer an item that comes with platform covers included, check out Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation instead.
Pros
- Escape-proof locks
- Can be separated into two cages
- Great for first-time chinchilla owners
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Plastic platforms can be chewed
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The secure bars and easy cleaning of the Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation are well worth the more premium price.
At a Glance:
- Size: Large
- Price Range: Premium
- Material: Steel
- Cleaning Ease: Great
The Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation is designed specially to stop small animals from escaping. The bars are spaced very close together to prevent any breakouts, and the material is super secure and sturdy. It makes a good choice if you want to be sure you are purchasing a product created with quality, safe materials.
There are included ramp covers with this cage; these covers help protect your chinchilla’s feet from being injured and can stop them from slipping off of the plastic or wired ramps. There are double doors on this cage, which make for simple cleaning. This cage is perfect for someone who wants to make safety and ease of cleaning a priority.
Because this is a premium product, it does come in at a slightly higher price point. This is not the best cage if you’re trying not to splurge on an item. It is also a little bit difficult to assemble, and the assembly instructions can be confusing at times.
Pros
- Included ramp covers for protection
- Super secure bars
- Double doors for easy cleaning
- Quality materials
Cons
- More premium price
- Difficult to assemble
3. Best Budget Cage: YAHEETECH 37’’ Metal Chinchilla Cage
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This budget cage provides a great value and is perfect for more economically minded owners.
At a Glance:
- Size: Medium
- Price Range: Budget
- Material: Steel
- Cleaning Ease: Good
This cage comes in at a fairly budget-friendly price range, making it a good choice for someone who is looking to be more economical with their money or someone who wants to nab a first-time cage for not too much money. It makes a good value as it comes with an attachable water bottle and a food bowl included.
This cage is medium-sized and will fit in most homes and apartments. It is good if you are limited on space and want to give your chinchilla the most secure cage possible. The bars are sturdy, secure, and chew-proof, so you won’t be witness to any injury or chinchilla escapes. The double doors are great for providing access to your pet.
The bottom wire of this cage does need to be covered. Chinchillas should not be walking on wire bottoms as it could injure their feet; a covering with fleece or wood needs to be put in place. Additionally, there is not a lot of space for hanging toys, so if you want more vertical cage room, a product like PawHut’s 4-Level Indoor Small Animal Cage may be a better choice.
Pros
- Comes with a water bottle and food bowl
- Good value cage
- Fits in most homes or apartments
Cons
- Wire bottom needs to be covered
- Not a lot of space for hanging toys
4. Best Compact Cage: Living World Deluxe Habitat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This compact cage makes a great temporary home and includes a hideout with a built-in platform.
At a Glance:
- Size: Small
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Material: Steel Bars, Plastic Bottom
- Cleaning Ease: Poor
This cage is smaller than its competitors and extends out lengthwise rather than vertically. It is a great choice if you need a cage to keep your critters in temporarily while you are cleaning their main cage, or if you want to keep them safe while giving them some supervised outdoors time.
A sturdy hideout with built-in platform is included with this cage. It is a great item for giving your chinchilla a place to retreat and rest when they feel overwhelmed. There is a very deep bottom in this cage, which is great for packing in bedding, such as fleece, and giving your pet a comfortable area to move around in.
Because this cage does not really extend vertically, it is not the best choice for a long-term living cage. Chinchillas need levels to climb in order to be truly healthy and happy. If you are looking for a more long-term cage, try looking at the Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage.
Pros
- Great temporary cage
- Compact size
- Included hideout and platform
- Deep bottom good for packing in bedding
Cons
- Not the best for long-term living
5. Best Cage for Multiple Chinchillas: Amazon Basics Large 3-Tier Cage Playpen
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This 3-tiered cage from Amazon Basics provides a lot of space and is great for homes with multiple chinchillas.
At a Glance:
- Size: Large
- Price Range: Budget
- Material: Steel
- Cleaning Ease: Good
If you have more than one chinchilla and need a cage large enough to accommodate your pets, this cage is a great choice. It has lots of vertical and horizontal space, which gives ample room for playing and climbing for several chinchillas. There is also enough room to put in multiple hideouts and feeding bowls.
There is a leak-proof pan included in this cage. This makes cleaning a little bit easier because there will be no trace of waste outside of the cage. The pan is easily washable with soap and water. Additionally, the doors are wide enough to access your pet at all times.
On the downside, there are no included ramps in this cage; you will have to install some yourself. The build quality of the cage itself is not as sturdy and will likely need to be fastened to a wall to prevent it from tipping. Also, if you have a smaller chinchilla, they may be able to squeeze between the bar spaces.
Pros
- Great for multiple chinchilla homes
- Leak-proof pan included
- Lots of space for play and climbing
Cons
- No included ramps
- Build quality is not as sturdy
- Bar spacing may be a little wide
6. Best Buildable Cage: Midwest Homes for Pets Deluxe Ferret Nation
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: You are able to add more space to this cage, making it a perfect buildable option for growing chinchilla families.
At a Glance:
- Size: Medium
- Price Range: Large
- Material: Steel
- Cleaning Ease: Great
This cage is a great choice if you have one chinchilla now and think you might get more in the future. You can purchase separate buildable attachments to add to it, expanding the space vertically as your chinchilla family grows. It is also great for introducing chinchillas to each other since you can limit their initial exposure through the add on.
There is a large storage area underneath this cage. It fits a good-sized amount of food and bedding products, as well as any extra bedding or accessories you may need. It makes a good choice if you are trying to keep all your chinchilla products together in one space. Additionally, the shelves have adjustable height, which makes this cage very customizable.
The ramps on this cage are a little bit steep and may pose a hazard if your chinchilla is super active and bolts up and down them at every chance. The cage itself may take a little while to assemble, and the directions can be confusing. For a more easily assembled cage with a storage area, we recommend the Prevue Rat and Chinchilla Cage instead.
Pros
- Can add on cages for more space
- Good for introducing chinchillas
- Large storage area underneath the cage
- Adjustable height shelves
Cons
- Ramps are a little steep
- Takes a long time to assemble
7. Best Rolling Cage: SUPER DEAL PRO Large Cage With Rolling Stand
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This rolling cage is perfect for owners who need a secure, yet still easily movable cage.
At a Glance:
- Size: Medium
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Material: Steel
- Cleaning Ease: Great
The lock on this cage is very secure. It is strong and heavy-duty, and there is a very low risk of it falling open or accidentally being opened by one of your pets. The cage build itself is also quite sturdy, and the wheels attached to the bottom make it easy to move this cage around in your home or move it somewhere for cleaning.
There is a built-in scatter guard at the bottom of this cage. This helps keep any pet waste or cage dirt from being flung out over your floors. There is also an attached cleaning pan below the cage that catches any soilage or dirt. This pan is easily removable and simple to clean.
The assembly instructions on this cage are somewhat vague and it can be hard to put the cage together because of this. You also need to purchase platforms and ramps and install them separately as there are none included with this cage. If you want ramps and platforms included, we suggest taking a look at the Midwest Homes for Pets Deluxe Ferret Nation instead.
Pros
- Very secure lock
- Easily to move
- Built in scatter guard at bottom
- Sturdy wheels and rolling
Cons
- Assembly instructions are vague
- Need to purchase platforms and ramps separately
8. Best Collapsible Cage: YAHEETECH Collapsible 3-Tier Metal Wire Cage
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The YAHEETECH Collapsible cage is completely collapsible for easy storage and makes moving with your chinchillas a breeze.
At a Glance:
- Size: Large
- Price Range: Budget
- Material: Steel
- Cleaning Ease: Good
This cage is sturdy while built and features a mechanism that allows you to collapse it completely. This is a great option if you are using this cage as a temporary chinchilla home or if you need to move places with your pets. It is very easy to store because of the collapsible function.
This cage is great for active chinchillas, as it features a lot of vertical space and fairly large platforms and ramps. A fabric hammock and a platform cover are included to help make the cage even more comfortable for your beloved pet. It is a good choice if you want a versatile cage for your chinchillas.
The removable tray on the bottom of this cage can be pushed out easily if your chinchilla moves around a lot on the bottom of the cage. Additionally, the ramps can be a little flimsy and need covers and extra securing to ensure they are safe enough for your chinchillas to use them regularly.
Pros
- Collapsible cage
- Easy to store
- Great for active chinchillas
- Includes fabric hammock and platform cover
Cons
- Removable tray can be pushed out
- Ramps need extra securing
9. Best Cage for Single Chinchillas: Prevue Rat and Chinchilla Cage
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This stylish cage is wonderfully sturdy and a great choice for single chinchilla homes.
At a Glance:
- Size: Medium
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Material: Steel
- Cleaning Ease: Great
This medium-sized cage makes a great choice for owners who only have one chinchilla. The bars are closely spaced and completely escape-proof, ensuring the safety of your pet. There is enough space for one chinchilla to be completely happy and active while not having a cage that takes up an entire room.
This cage has a stylish rose-dusted color, great for owners who like to showcase a little personality in a cage. The included platforms and ramps are perfectly designed for tiny chinchilla feet and do not need any type of preparation or covering before use, making this great for owners who love simplicity.
Some of the bars on this cage can be a little flimsy and may be broken easily if your chinchilla chews on them. Additionally, the wheels on this cage do not lock, so you need to be very careful about bumping into it or moving the cage and disturbing your pet.
Pros
- Good size for solo chinchillas
- Closely spaced, escape-proof bars
- Stylish color
- Platforms and ramps designed for chinchilla feet
Cons
- Bars can be broken easily
- Wheels do not lock
10. Best Tiered Cage: PawHut 4-Level Indoor Small Animal Cage
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This tiered cage is perfect for chinchillas who love to climb and explore their vertical space.
At a Glance:
- Size: Medium
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Material: Steel
- Cleaning Ease: Great
This 4-level tiered cage has an abundance of vertical space for your pet to play in. It is great for housing one or two chinchillas that love to climb and be active while exploring all of the vertical space available to them. Plus, the cage has ample space in which to hang any toys and hammocks that your chinchilla may prefer.
This cage is available in 3 different colors, so you are able to select the one that matches your home best. It features anti-slip ramps for the safety of your pet, and the wheels are lockable, so you won’t need to worry about the cage being jostled throughout the day. It is a good choice if you are looking for a spacious, no-frills chinchilla cage.
There can be some loud noises when your pets use the ramps due to the shape and size of the plastic used. The ramps are also not chew-proof because of this plastic and will probably need to be covered up for safety. Additionally, this cage is not as large as it can look in pictures and does tend to be smaller in person; it is a firmly medium-sized cage.
Pros
- Perfect for chinchillas who love to climb
- 3 colors available
- Anti-slip ramps
- Lockable wheels
Cons
- Loud noise when using ramps
- Ramps are not chew-proof
- Not as true to size
Your Full Guide to Chinchilla Cages
If you want to know more about chinchilla cages so you can get your pet the best of the best, read our full guide for the most important information.
Why Do Chinchillas Need Cages?
Chinchillas are masters of escape and hiding; a sturdy, escape-proof cage is necessary to keep your pet safe, happy, and healthy. Chinchillas should not be kept in open enclosures or be kept anywhere they will not have access to ample areas to run, climb, play and chew.
How Much Space Does a Chinchilla Need?
Bigger is always better when it comes to chinchilla cages. For one chinchilla alone, you will need at least 12 cubic feet of space. This minimum space increases when you are housing a pair of chinchillas.
Your cage should have enough space for your chinchilla to be active, sleep, hold food and water, and store enrichment items like toys and dust baths. Additionally, it is very beneficial for your cage to have multiple levels or at least platforms your chinchilla can climb on.
Accessories for Your Chinchilla Cage
There are several items that should be placed in your chinchilla cage to give your pet their best life possible. Make sure you purchase a cage that is large enough to hold all of these items and still leaves room for playing and sleeping.
Feeders
Your chinchilla will need a food bowl placed on a flat level surface; do not place this bowl on any type of shelf or platform as it may be pushed or fall off and injure your pet. You will also need a water bottle that you can attach to the cage.
Toys
Every animal needs enrichment, and chinchillas are no different! Your cage should have ample room for toys and playtime activities. Chewing toys are a favorite among chinchillas, but they also enjoy hammocks, wheels, and hanging toys.
If there are platforms, levels, and ladders included in your selected cage, take note of the material. Flimsy plastic can be hard on a chinchilla’s feet and may be a chewing hazard; it is a good idea to cover any dubious climbing areas with a coating of fleece to prevent chewing or injury.
Hiding and Sleeping Areas
There should be ample space in whichever cage you select to give your chinchilla multiple hiding and sleeping areas. Chinchillas do not create their own burrows or hiding places, so cages with built in ledges, like the Living World Deluxe Habitat are a good choice.
You can also purchase hideouts or huts to place into cages that do not have built in ledges in order to give your pet ample hiding space.
Chinchilla Dust Bath
In addition to toys, hideouts, and food bowls, your chinchilla will need a separate large bowl or house filled with a high-quality chinchilla dust or bath sand. Chinchillas will roll around in this substance several times a week in order to self-clean their coats; it is important to note that you should never bathe or get your chinchilla wet, as this can have serious health consequences for them.
How to Clean Chinchilla Cages
Properly cleaning your pet’s cage is a very important part of chinchilla ownership. You should be cleaning the cage regularly, at least once or twice a week, to prevent smells from building up and to give your chinchilla a clean, fresh home to live in.
When cleaning the cage, it is best to take out your chinchilla and leave them in a safe place for the duration of cleaning. If possible, remove the tray from the cage so you can better rinse off any waste and change the bedding. Wash everything with white vinegar and water or dish soap and water. Do not use bleach or anything other type of harsh chemical. Be sure to wipe down the bars of the cage to remove any dirt that could have collected there.
Once the cage is clean, you should replace the bedding. It is important not to use paper or hay bedding in your chinchilla cage, as paper can cause intestinal blockages (your chinchilla will try to eat it) and hay can cause them to overheat. Use large pieces of fleece to cover cage bottoms, or a mix of fleece and kiln fired pine needles for safe, comfortable bedding.
From our list, we recommend the Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation as an extremely easy to clean cage.
Where Should You Keep a Chinchilla Cage?
Your chinchilla cage should be kept away from extreme temperatures and placed indoors to keep any potential outdoor predators from breaking into the cage. The cage should be kept somewhere with natural light that is well-ventilated; chinchillas need to live at temperatures between 60- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit in order to stay healthy.
The cage should be placed somewhere quiet where it is not likely to be bumped into or accidentally pushed around. Your chinchillas will also benefit from having their cage placed in an area where they can see and engage with you to keep them from feeling too lonely or isolated.
Do Chinchilla Cages Need to Be Covered?
Chinchillas are nocturnal creatures and need a well-ventilated cage in order to thrive. You should not cover their cage or use any type of heat lamp on their cage as this may lead to overheating and contribute to interruptions in their sleep cycle.
How Long Do Chinchillas Live?
Chinchillas are a fairly long-lived pet, and can live anywhere between 10 and 20 years when kept as a pet. Occasionally, chinchillas may even live to be older than 20 years.
The best thing you can do for your pet’s lifespan is to make sure they are living a happy, comfortable life, with plenty of space to move around, a suitable amount of enrichment activities, and lots of love from their owner.
Should You Adopt Chinchillas in Pairs?
While you don’t necessarily need to adopt chinchillas in pairs, it can be beneficial for both you and your pet to add another furry friend to your family. Most chinchillas love attention and cuddles; in cases like these, another chinchilla would be perfect to help keep them happy.
A second chinchilla is also a good idea if an owner does not have a lot of time to spend handling and loving on their pet. In these cases, the chinchillas can keep each other happy between interactions with their owner.
It takes time and caution when introducing a second chinchilla into your family. Don’t rush the process and try to only pair same-sex chinchillas with each other, unless you want an accidental litter of baby chinchillas in the future.
If you are interested in adopting a pair of chinchillas, this cage is large enough to hold multiple pets.
Will a Chinchilla Bond With Its Owner?
Chinchillas are affectionate animals, and as such do bond with their owners. They enjoy being held and cuddled, and over their lifetime will learn to identify their owner’s smell and voice. They can recognize their owners and will greet their favorite person more enthusiastically than others.
Where to Adopt a Chinchilla?
You can adopt a chinchilla from many different places. Pet stores, especially exotic pet stores, will often sell chinchillas. You can also look up rescues that are near you that are dedicated to saving and rehoming chinchillas into more suitable environments.
It is not recommended that you contact a breeder to purchase a chinchilla, as more often than not, breeders do not use the best practices and care for their animals. You may also find yourself paying more for a chinchilla coming directly from a breeder than you would from a rescue or a reputable pet shop.
If you do choose to use a breeder, ask to tour where the chinchillas are kept and see the living quarters in person to judge if they are being bred and raised ethically.
Veterinary Considerations
When adopting a chinchilla, you should be aware that not all veterinary offices will agree to see or treat your pet. Research the closest location to you that is equipped to handle chinchillas and make sure you have a soft, fabric travel carrier for when you need to take your pet in for any exams.
Providing the Best Life for Your Pet
Like many pet owners, those of us who own chinchillas want nothing more than for our furry friend to be happy and healthy. For chinchillas, one of the best ways to do this is to provide them with a sturdy, safe, spacious cage in which they can live comfortably.
When selecting a cage, keep in mind the specific price point, size, and materials you prefer and narrow down your options. Doing this will help you select the perfect chinchilla cage for your pet in no time at all!
