The Best Chinchilla Cages

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: February 2, 2023
© Luniaka Maria/Shutterstock.com

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You’ve picked up your chinchilla, you’re already in love, and now you need the best chinchilla cage. Well, hopefully not in that order because having a cozy habitat set up for when your furry friend comes home is ideal to ensure he settles in nicely. Your chinchilla needs lots of space to roam and jump around and he also requires a few necessities like a food bowl and a water bottle. Some chinchilla cages come equipped with most of what you need, which makes it easy — especially if you’re a first-timer. However, even more, experienced chinchilla owners can make use of included accessories to simplify the shopping process.

If you’re looking for an upgrade from a chinchilla cage you already have, you have to check out some of the options below. It can be difficult to decide which chinchilla cage is the best for your needs, so we give you some tips on how to choose the best one, considering factors like size, features, toys, and materials. Like you, we only want the best for your chinchilla and in this article, you’ll find all the information you need (including answers to your most frequently asked questions!).

  1. MidWest Critter Nation Deluxe Small Animal Cage
    • Sleek and very sturdy
    • Made of square-tube frames and strong metal wires
    • Spacious
    • Features a durable leak-proof pan underneath the cage
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. MidWest Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home
    • Simple to assemble
    • Full-width side door for easy cleaning
    • The cage is very spacious
    • Compatible with other extensions
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Kaytee My First Home Multi-Level Ferret Cage
    • Multiple levels and ramps
    • Deep base for bedding
    • Food dish is included
    • Very easy to clean
    Check Chewy
  4. X-Zone Pet Cage for Small Animals
    • Five levels to explore
    • Features an anti-predator door lock
    • Front door is full width for easy cleaning
    • Includes some special gifts like a food bowl
    Check Amazon

A-Z Top Picks for Chinchilla Cages

#1 Best Overall: MidWest Critter Nation Deluxe Small Animal Cage

Our selection as the best overall cage for chinchillas is the MidWest Critter Nation Deluxe Small Animal Cage.

This chinchilla cage measures 25” W x 24.5” H x 36” L and the space between the bars is one inch. It’s made from durable metal, and you can easily move the stand around with four locking wheel casters. It comes equipped with an adjustable shelf, a leak-proof pan, and a plastic ramp with a happy feet ramp cover. There are two double doors on this spacious cage that make it super easy for you to keep clean. Plus, you can remove the shelves when needed to clear out any debris.

The ramp and shelf give your chinchilla the space to play and jump while also offering security to avoid dangerous falls. The bottom pan is leak-proof, so any messes stay contained for easy clean-up. The happy feet ramp covers protect your chinchilla’s feet and provide a non-slip passage between the different levels of the cage. Adjust the shelf to any height you desire for your chinchilla to have plenty of space to hop about, rest, and lounge. The four casters give you the freedom to move the cage to a different room or part of the house with ease — the locking mechanisms allow you to secure the cage in the location you select. One of the best features of this cage is that it has “critter-proof” latches on its full-width double doors to ensure that your beloved pet cannot escape.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that their cage arrived with a couple of bent parts, while others found it difficult to assemble.

Pros and Cons of the MidWest Critter Nation Deluxe Small Animal Cage

ProsCons
This cage has “critter-proof” latches on its full-width double doors to prevent pets from escaping.Some customers reported that some of the parts arrived bent.
This cage features a stand with locking wheels to make moving and transporting it easy.It can be difficult to assemble.
It features an adjustable shelf with a plastic ramp.
The ramp is padded for extra comfort and grip.
There is a leak-proof pan underneath the cage to prevent food, water, or bedding from ending up on the floor.
Best Overall
MidWest Critter Nation Deluxe Small Animal Cage
  • Sleek and very sturdy
  • Made of square-tube frames and strong metal wires
  • Spacious
  • Features a durable leak-proof pan underneath the cage
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Starter Cage: MidWest Wabbitat Deluxe Home

The MidWest Wabbitat Deluxe Home is our choice as the best starter cage as it includes a free hay feeder, feeding bowl, and water bottle.

The feeding area is elevated so your chinchilla can enjoy an upgraded dining experience. It offers ample space for the ultimate comfort and features a deep base to contain any litter. This model is also compatible with other extensions to create an even bigger environment for your chinchilla to bask in. It’s simple to assemble as you don’t need any tools. You don’t even need to purchase accessories because it comes equipped with everything you need, including a water bottle.

The wire top is powder coated and has a one-inch mesh space for optimal ventilation and visibility. The side door is full width and lifts easily so you can play with your little furball, clean the cage, and deliver food. Simply rest the side door on top of the cage while you interact with your chinchilla. There’s also a top door you can use for access!

However, customers have reported that the water bottle is quite flimsy. Also, the cage clasps are made from plastic rather than metal which would make them more durable.

Pros and Cons of the MidWest Wabbitat Deluxe Home

ProsCons
This cage comes complete with free hay feeder, water bottle, and a feeding bowl.The water bottle is quite flimsy.
It features a deep base to contain any litter.The cage clasps are made from plastic, rather than metal which would be more durable.
It is features one-inch mesh.
It has a full-width side door as well as a top door.
There are extensions available so you can make the cage bigger.
Best Starter Cage
MidWest Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home
  • Simple to assemble
  • Full-width side door for easy cleaning
  • The cage is very spacious
  • Compatible with other extensions
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Value: Kaytee My First Home Multi-Level Cage

Our selection as the best value option is the Kaytee My First Home Multi-Level Cage.

With this cage, your chinchilla gets multiple levels and ramps to encourage exercise and maximize enjoyment. It has a deep leak-proof base to ensure bedding and litter stay contained. It also has chew-proof metal wire with half-inch spacing. It features three shelves can be used as lounge and look-out areas — plus, you can place hideout toys on the shelves to give your chinchilla some privacy areas. The ramps are designed for safety to prevent falls and a food dish is included on the first shelf. With this model, your chinchilla has enough space for eating, sleeping, and playing.

Unfortunately, although the metal is chew-proof, the plastic base below it is not, and some customers have reported that their determined pets have chewed a hole in it.

Pros and Cons of the Kaytee My First Home Multi-Level Cage

ProsCons
This cage features chew-proof metal wire with half-inch spacing.The plastic base is not chew-proof.
It features a deep leak-proof pan to catch food and urine.It only has a single door which makes feeding more difficult.
This cage features multiple levels and ramps.
It has a feeding dish on the first shelf.
Best Value
Kaytee My First Home Multi-Level Ferret Cage
  • Multiple levels and ramps
  • Deep base for bedding
  • Food dish is included
  • Very easy to clean
Check Chewy

4. Best Multi-Level: X-Zone Pet Cage for Small Animals

Chinchillas thrive when they have got enough space to play and jump around. Therefore, the X-Zone Pet Cage for Small Animals is perfect as it features five different levels.

This cage is for chinchillas that must live in luxury. It has five levels for your energetic fur baby to jump around and explore. The cage has ½ inch wire spacing along with sturdy wood platforms and non-slip ladders. The ladders are designed to prevent your chinchilla’s little feet from getting caught — you won’t have to worry about accidents due to poor design. It’s also equipped with an anti-predator door lock that ensures your chinchillas are always safe when enclosed within the cage.

The front door is full width, and you can open the top window for playtime with your pets and for thorough cleaning. The leak-proof drawer is extra deep so that it never becomes moldy. Plus, your floors remain protected because all urine and water are well contained — the generous lip keeps spills from going over the edges. Just pull it out when you’re ready to clean it out and push it back in once you’re all done!

The only drawback to this cage that we can find is that some customers have reported that it is difficult to assemble.

Pros and Cons of the X-Zone Pet Cage for Small Animals

ProsCons
This cage features five different levels.It is difficult to assemble.
It has 1/2 inch wire mesh.
It features an anti-predator door lock.
It has a full width front door.
It has a deep leak-proof drawer to catch urine and litter.
Best Multi-Level
X-Zone Pet Cage for Small Animals
  • Five levels to explore
  • Features an anti-predator door lock
  • Front door is full width for easy cleaning
  • Includes some special gifts like a food bowl
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Size

Size is one of the most important features of a chinchilla cage. The more spacious the better because chinchillas love to jump — and they love to chew, so if they’re feeling confined, they may try to make a break for it. The bigger the cage, the more you can customize it inside, adding little hideouts, rest areas, a feeding area, and chew toys. The minimum floor space for a cage should be 24 by 24 inches. Go for taller cages, so your chinchilla can make use of the vertical space and get his energy out.

Climbing Features and Toys

Multi-level cages provide your pet with tons of enjoyment. Look for cages equipped with shelves and ramps (just be sure the ramps are safe for your chinchilla’s feet). Some cages may come with everything you need while others may require a few separate purchases for accessories. You can incorporate blocks of wood or pesticide-free tree branches to dress up the environment. You can also add a pumice block to aid with dental health. Just be sure to avoid plastic toys! Your chinchilla will chew right through them!

Materials

Look for a cage that allows you to line the floor with wood shavings (so long as they’re not cedar). You can even use ripped-up newspapers! The idea is to have a soft place for your chinchilla to land—some cages may have wire on the bottom, but this is too harsh on your chinchilla’s feet. Cover them up with wood, shelves, shavings, and other cozy, chinchilla-safe materials to ensure ultimate comfort.

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About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

The Best Chinchilla Cages FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the best type of cage for a chinchilla?

Well, chinchillas really enjoy chewing. So, when deciding on the best type of cage for a chinchilla, you really need to consider materials. Wire-mesh cages are ultimately the best because they prevent your chinchilla from chewing and making a grand escape. Wooden cages can be beautiful, but a super chewy chinchilla can get through them. Wire is the best choice but be careful not to use galvanized wire—this type of wire contains zinc and can be toxic to your chinchilla!

Do chinchillas need multi-level cages?

Chinchillas love to jump. Expanding a small cage with optional extensions and adding levels can maximize enjoyment for your chinchilla. The only caveat is you must ensure all levels are ultra-secure. Chinchillas can jump up to six feet, so every level of their cage must be sturdy to keep them safe.

How big should a cage be for two chinchillas?

The minimum size for a chinchilla pair is 3 x 2 x 2 feet. However, you should always go larger than the minimum to ensure your chinchillas don’t feel cramped. They should have plenty of space to play, exercise, enjoy meals, and nap times. Chinchillas love to hop around, so be sure that you’re selecting a cage with multiple levels so your chinchilla can do what she does best!

What toys can chinchillas have?

Chinchillas love their playtime. Add some entertainment to their environment with platforms of different heights so they can jump around and enjoy the space. Add some ladders or large wood blocks to create additional platforms. You can also spruce their environment with branches and give them a little lounge area with a fabric hammock. Be sure all platforms and levels are secure so your chinchilla can enjoy the toys without getting hurt.

How much does a chinchilla cage cost?

That depends on the type of cage. As you can see, some cages are more expansive than others, with multiple levels that reach close to the ceiling of your home while others are shorter, with only two or three levels. A good starter cage may cost around $80-$100, but as you upgrade the cage, you can expect to spend closer to $200 to $300. There are always options that may exist outside this range, particularly if you’re looking for a unique luxury model but these prices give you an idea of average costs.

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