Best Chinchilla Cages (Reviews, Comparison & 19 Buying Tips)

Price is important.

But other factors are far more important.

The good thing is that some of the best chinchilla cages actually sell for a great price, too.

In other words, it is very possible to get great value for your money.

But you need to know which cages give you that value. Most just aren’t very good.

And you need to know which features are most important in a cage for chinchillas.

Keep reading for the top chinchilla cages we recommend, plus a buying guide full of tips to help you figure out exactly which features you need.

 

Best Chinchilla Cage: Comparison Table

09/28/2023 09:44 am GMT

I know many of you are in a hurry and you just want to get the top recommended cage. There is nothing wrong with that at all.

But if you have a bit of time, I highly recommend reading my reviews of each individual cage below and the 19 tips on choosing the best chinchilla cage after that.

Both will give you some insight into why the recommended cages are the best and which features are the most important for a chinchilla owner.

 

Best Chinchilla Cages Reviewed

Below you will find more information on why I recommend each of these cages. These brief reviews all have a few sentences about the main features of each model and a list of pros and cons.

 

Best Overall Chinchilla Cage: Critter Nation 2 Dual Level

The Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation 2 cage is the best overall chinchilla cage I have tried thus far into my chinchilla parenting experience. I have a full review dedicated to the Critter Nation Chinchilla Cage here.

The above link will break down the pros and cons of this cage even deeper for you.

It is the perfect size at 36 inches across by 24 inches wide. It stands 63 inches tall. It has other great features to boast as well.

This is technically a 4-level cage if you buy the “dual-level” cage. This not only is a dream come true for one chinchilla but also large enough to support two chinchillas if need be.

It’s also straightforward and easy to put together. It took me about 30 minutes total and comes with easy instructions.

I love the fact that it has a total of 4 sturdy door openings. It also has a lot of customizations available such as the pre-cut fleece liners that I mentioned previously in this post.

The Critter Nation 2 cage also comes with under cage storage. This is ideal for your extra hay, chinchilla pellets but also helps to keep your room organized where you house your chinchilla.

Lastly, this cage, is extremely affordable for what you get in return.

It also comes equipped with wheels for easy transportation and is physically appealing if you ask me.

The easy movement allows you to sweep, vacuum, and clean with ease around the cage, which I personally love.

According to all the tips I lay out for you further down in this post, it checks every box needed for a happy, healthy, and comfortable chinchilla.

In fact, it has done a great job and been my favorite chinchilla cage for more than 2 years now so it definitely has my vote of confidence.

My chinchilla loves this cage. She uses every level often and has a blast in this cage.

I have a video I made breaking down why I recommend this cage above the other 6 cages listed below. It will also give you a better inside look at my chinchilla’s cage so that you know what to expect.

You can read my full Critter Nation chinchilla cage review for more information.

 

Best Budget Cage: Prevue Hendryx

This model is very similar to the Critter Nation 2 Dual Level Cage and offers a ton of the same benefits, which is why I ranked it so high on this list.

In my opinion, it’s not nearly as good as the Critter Nation 2 cage, but it’s still an excellent option.

This cage comes in at 31 inches across, 20 inches wide and 54 inches tall.

Clearly, it’s not as large as the Critter Nation, but it’s as close as it gets in terms of size (though there are some taller options–see below).

I do love the fact that you still get four levels, and it costs less than the Critter Nation 2 cage. But there are a few reasons why it costs less.

I have tested these cages myself and found this one to be inferior in terms of construction.

While the Feisty ferret/chinchilla cage is a great option, it’s clear to see and feel that the bars and the doors on the cage are not built nearly as well as those on the Critter Nation cage.

This honestly is not the end of the world, but I would just prefer to pay slightly more for the best of the best when it comes to my chinchilla’s cage. But this is still an awesome cage to choose.

I mean, the Feisty ferret/chinchilla cage still made it on this list as the best budget chinchilla cage, after all.

You are still getting the wheels attached, under storage, and the space required for your chinchilla to be happy (though more space is definitely better, especially if you have two chins).

Overall, I still highly recommend this cage. I know for sure you won’t be disappointed, especially for the price.

 

Best New Release: Homey Stackable Heavy Duty Cage

The Homey Stackable is the newest addition to my top chinchilla cages rankings. And it is another great one.

It is one of the more costly options but it is also arguably the most durable cage on the list and I absolutely love the basic setup of this cage and its physical appearance.

It has the correct and advised small wire spacing for the bars and has a total of 2 levels for your chinchilla to jump and climb around.

The cage does not have the best set-up for adding all of the best chinchilla accessories due to how basic it is but you could still easily add plenty of additional wooden shelves or other hanging toys.

However, this cage does come with wheels to quickly move it around but does not offer under-cage storage.

Overall, depending on which cage you like more, I think this chinchilla cage fully deserves its spot in the top 3 for the time being.

 

Best Tall Cage: Yaheetech 3 Level Chinchilla Cage

The Yaheetech features a fairly durable construction that is surprising for the size and cost. This is easily the best cage available for those looking for vertical height.

But if you don’t need your cage this tall, our top choice above goes for around the same price and is much better constructed.

I do like that this cage has dual front door entries. This gives me the same level of excitement as the Critter Nation Dual Level Cage having multiple entry points.

When you have multiple entry points, cleaning the cage is much easier and even getting your chinchilla in and out of the cage becomes easier.

It also meets my requirements for having wheels making it easy to move when you are ready to clean the cage or to clean around the cage.

Lastly, it is great when it comes to having multiple platforms and plenty of vertical space. Vertical space is one of the things you should never sacrifice, if possible.

But the number one choice above is plenty tall for my tastes. I don’t need the extra height this model offers and prefer the better construction of the Critter Nation cage.

But if you do want the additional height and the 3rd level, this is the model to get.

 

Best Lightweight Cage: Kaytee My First Home Deluxe

The Kaytee Deluxe is the best small chinchilla cage, but it is far too small for my tastes. It would need to be slightly taller for me to consider it for myself.

But if you’re looking for a smaller cage, this is the top pick. Kaytee is a great brand that makes a lot of excellent products.

I really like the size of the platforms in this cage and that it has multiple platforms for your chinchilla to enjoy, despite the limited height.

This is another cage that comes with wheels, making it easy to maneuver around when cleaning or when a change of scenery is needed.

This is also more of a budget purchase, as you might expect given the smaller size. But the quality is still there. If small is what you need, get this model.

 

Best Small Cage: PawHut 4-Tier Steel Chinchilla Cage

The PawHut cage comes with multiple front door entries. I also like the large platforms and flat construction of the platforms.

This greatly reduces the chance of injury to your chinchilla’s small feet over other designs, like wire bottom platforms.

This cage also sits on wheels, which is always a recommendation I will make when it comes to finding the best chinchilla cage.

The 4 tiers of vertical platforms give your chinchilla plenty of opportunity to climb vertically or enjoy other toys on.

Overall, this chinchilla cage certainly meets my requirements for vertical space, having wheels, and having nice entry points and good cage construction.

For the price point, I don’t think you can go wrong choosing this cage. That said, it does not come close to the top choices above. But those obviously cost more.

If you are on a bit of a budget, you can always start with a lower-priced chinchilla cage like this one and upgrade later to something better like the Critter Nation Dual Level cage.

 

Chinchilla Cage Buying Guide

To kick things off, I find it imperative to briefly chat about why the chinchilla cage you select is so essential.

Chinchillas are not only social creatures that love interactions with us as the owners.

They need more than that.

Chinchillas can grow bored rather quickly.

Without the ability to climb multiple levels and play with various toys, hut hideouts and show their agility, they won’t be as happy as they potentially could be.

It’s only ethical to ensure your chinchilla has plenty of space.

Especially if you have a pair of chinchillas currently being housed together.

Chinchillas have even been known to be somewhat restless or even destructive in certain situations. And that can be avoided.

It’s usually due to cage size and because they don’t have their favorite items to play with or even adequate items that they enjoy playing with the inside of the cage.

Clearly, this becomes difficult to accommodate if we are using an undersized chinchilla cage.

If you need further information about these cages that will help you through the process, feel free to do your own independent research on the cages themselves.

I try and ensure that no chinchilla owners are ever stuck looking for the best chinchilla cage.

At the end of the day, outside of purchasing your actual chinchilla, this is the most important purchase you can make for your chinchilla to help keep it comfortable, happy, and expressing itself naturally.

That is why this post is also going to dive into my top 19 tips you need to implement when purchasing the best chinchilla cage for your pet.

 

19 Tips For Buying The Best Chinchilla Cage

 

Tip #1: A Large Chinchilla Cage Is Crucial

I think it has been somewhat clear thus far into the post that this is always going to be the #1 tip to keep in mind.

In fact, it’s so essential, I specifically have post that discusses the sizing of a chinchilla cage.

Space is an absolute must. No doubt about it. Chinchillas love to climb, and they love to jump.

Additionally, chinchillas are incredibly agile and get relatively crazy a few times per day when they are not sleeping.

Ensuring that chinchillas have enough space to use their natural abilities and spring around the cage is an absolute must.

It is one of the most significant considerations factored into the best chinchilla cages I recommended above.

 

Tip #2: Don’t Go Too Cheap, Durability Matters A Lot

Tip #2 is straightforward and can apply to many of the purchases we make in life. Especially when it comes to caring for our pets in the best possible way.

Outside of purchasing the chinchilla, the cage is the second most expensive thing you will ever need to purchase.

This is one of the reasons you will hear chinchilla owners state that chinchillas are expensive. But this is only true during the initial purchasing phase.

After the first week or so, the cost becomes minimal.

Now is the time to ensure you get your chinchilla the correct habitat.

The good news?

A well-constructed and durable cage with the proper size and levels for your chinchilla to enjoy is likely going to last you as long as you need it.

I’ve purchased several chinchilla cages but only for reviewing them and making sure I could provide valuable information to the readers.

I don’t find it necessary to ever spend more than about $300.00 on a chinchilla cage. You can get by with less, but that is the level where you get the best value for your money.

I certainly recommend ensuring that it’s made from a solid material, and is tall enough, deep enough, and wide enough to accomplish what your chinchilla truly desires.

Always remember, your chinchilla is usually only out of the cage once per day for about an hour. When you do the math, that’s a lot of time for a chinchilla to spend in one enclosed space.

How would you feel if you were in the same situation? You are used to roaming free in the mountains, but now you’re cooped up in a cage?

I think you see the point.

I understand it’s expensive in the beginning, but this is one purchase you should not be afraid to spend a little extra on.

 

Tip #3: Always Put Safety First

Safety is crucial when it comes to chinchillas. They are very small, and they have very fragile bones.

While a cheap cage may be fine and never cause any harm, that doesn’t mean you should take the risk.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

✅Wire bottoms are not the best idea
✅Wide openings on the cage bars are a no-no
✅The ability to add fleece liners is a huge benefit
✅Ensure the cage is breathable and would never trap heat
✅Space encourages mental health and stimulation for a chinchilla

 

Tip #4: Your Cage Needs To Be Escape Proof

This is probably self-explanatory. But if you’re a newer chinchilla owner, you may not have thought about this.

I originally was given an older steel bar cage that had doors that easily bent after too much use.

After only a few short weeks, I noticed the doors began showing gaps where it should close flush.

This may not seem like a huge deal to the naked eye but always remember, chinchillas are rodents.

They can squeeze into small spaces.

This is when it becomes crucial to have bars on the cage that are either thicker or closer together.

 

Tip #5: The Side Bar Construction Matters A Lot

We know that making sure that your chinchilla can’t squeeze out or escape is a big deal. None of us feel like dealing with a chinchilla that found a way to run away.

However, what isn’t usually discussed is the sidebar construction and the durability and the strength of the bars.

Water bottles for chinchillas attach to the outside of the cage and often, you need to fit or squeeze the nozzle or tip between the bars of the cage.

This makes it essential that you are not working with a flimsy cage that is poorly constructed.

If you go with a weaker cage, the water bottle could bend, or potentially even break, the bars where you place it.

Look for a cage that’s well-constructed. A good amount of positive reviews will tell you about this.

You won’t regret this decision in the grand scheme of the purchase and it makes a big difference.

 

Tip #6: Make Sure The Cage Can Be Assembled With Ease

Raise your hand if you feel like taking hours to put a chinchilla cage together?

Although I can’t see your hands, I’m guessing the number of people who raised their hands to this question would equal a grand total of zero.

Me neither and I don’t blame you.

While it may be tough to know how hard it will be to assemble a chinchilla cage, it doesn’t need to be.

That’s one of the primary reasons blogs like this exist. I have done the groundwork and assembled the cages I’m recommending here.

Some cages go together quickly, and some can be a complete pain in the butt.

Reading reviews and blogs are the best way to find the answers to questions like this. At the end of the day, we all live busy lives and it’s not worth purchasing a chinchilla cage that’s going to tie up a full day to assemble.

 

Tip #7: Don’t Forget About Under Cage Storage Options

Some would argue that this isn’t absolutely needed, but I disagree.

Under cage storage is a huge benefit. You have hay, treats, dust bath containers, and even the dust itself.

This is especially important if you live in a small square footage building home or apartment.

Space always matters, and I always recommend trying to find a chinchilla cage with storage provided beneath the cage.

All of my top recommendations above have this storage space, including the Critter Nation, which is the chinchilla cage that I currently use today.

 

Tip #8: Consider That You May Want A Second Chinchilla In The Future

This is what I like to call planning, and saving yourself some dollars in the long run.

I initially thought that 1 chinchilla would always be enough for me. However, once you realize how friendly and awesome these pets are to raise, your mind may shift quickly.

In fact, I’m in that boat now. My experience with my chinchilla has been nothing short of amazing and now I’m considering a second one.

While some cages may be great for 1 chinchilla, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will support a pair of them.

Luckily, the cage I use today for just one chinchilla is large enough for a pair of chins.

This is something to keep in mind. Although you are new to being a chinchilla parent, you may decide to adopt a second one soon.

Get a cage now that supports this decision, so you don’t have to spend the additional money in the future.

The worst-case scenario is that you don’t get a second one and your single chinchilla has tons of space to jump and play. It’s a win-win situation.

 

Tip #9: Can You Add Wooden Shelves Inside The Cage With Ease?

Let me make one thing clear. Nearly all chinchilla cages will have this ability.

However, if you backtrack a few tips, you will notice how I discussed that closely spaced bars are critical.

This plays directly into attaching wooden shelves.

Some owners make their own wooden shelves to spice up the cage, and others purchase them.

Either way, with the correct cage, it takes no more than 30 seconds to attach the shelf to the outer parts of the cage to make the environment much more jump and climb friendly for your chin.

I won’t waste your time anymore in this post emphasizing why this is important, but I think you get the point.

When you look at the images online, or even in person, of the cage you are considering purchasing, make sure you can picture easily adding more shelves and items throughout the cage.

In the long run, this is the best way to keep your chinchilla mentally stimulated and engaged in its cage.

Let alone, it keeps them happy and provides them with something to do during the 23 hours a day where you can’t have them out the cage to cuddle and interact with you.

 

Tip #10: Leave Space For Toys And Accessories

Are you seeing a common theme yet?

It keeps coming back to purchasing a chinchilla cage that’s large enough. That’s not on purpose either. It’s simply what’s important when you own a chinchilla.

You need to satisfy the jumping nature of chinchillas, but you also need plenty of space for items such as food bowls, chew sticks, pumice stones or other chew toys, hammocks, and huts and bridges inside of the cage.

 

Tip #11: A Chinchilla Cage On Wheels Makes Life Easier

Wheels all day long.

I don’t even know if it’s worth explaining this in-depth, because I’m assuming you get the point, but I do often forget that I may have readers who haven’t purchased a chinchilla yet.

If you want to keep things simple, start by reading my post about how to keep chinchilla poop inside the cage.

You can see it by clicking the link in blue above. It will redirect you to my blog post about that topic specifically.

Here’s why it’s crucial.

Cages on wheels allow you to quickly pivot the cage out of the spot where it is currently sitting. Chinchillas poop nearly 250 times a day.

If you follow my recommendations and have plenty of levels and additional wooden shelves in the cage, you will soon realize something.

It is not easy to keep the small poop nuggets from exiting the cage. I dealt with this for months before I found a trick that’s detailed in the post I referenced above.

If you have a cage on wheels, the task of shop vacuuming these poop nuggets, or even cleaning the cage in general, becomes much easier.

If you weren’t aware, a chinchilla’s cage needs to be cleaned frequently.

In fact, I have another post discussing how often to clean a chinchilla cage.

Wheels may seem like a small consideration but trust me, they’re not. You will want wheels on the cage to make your life that much easier.

Again, don’t worry, I don’t recommend cages that don’t meet the recommendations of the tips I’m laying out for you here today. No matter which of my recommended cages you like, they all come with wheels.

 

Tip #12: Find A Cage With Popular Upgrades And Accessories

This is another topic that is often overlooked. Hopefully, I can change that with this tip.

You want a cage that has plenty of options for future upgrades. If you are confused, give me 2 seconds to explain.

I purchased the Critter Nation 2 dual level cage, which is the number 1 recommendation on my list.

This cage is so popular through online vendors that other chinchilla lovers have begun offering items designed explicitly for this cage.

In comes the fleece liners.

Fleece liners literally changed my routine and schedule with my chinchilla.

It’s so much easier to keep clean, it looks better, and currently, vendors precisely cut and design the fleece to fit the trays on the critter nation 2 cages.

Never purchase chinchilla bedding again if you use this approach.

If I forgot to tell you, these also eliminate the need to ever purchase chinchilla bedding again as well.

That’s right.

Never purchase bedding again. And we all know how annoying the bedding can be. It’s messy, it can stink, and it’s not attractive to the friends and family who stop by to visit.

On the flip side, the fleece liners are safe, stylish, absorb urine and keep your chinchilla’s fragile foot bones more comfortable,

They also make the chinchilla cage that much more of a permanent home and hang out for your chin, where it can feel comfortable and feel safe.

Excuse me if it seems like I got overly excited about the fleece liners I’m discussing.

It was game-changing for me, and I purchase multiple pairs to avoid having to wash them in cold water multiple times per week.

I use this set of fleece liners.

While you can likely craft your own or maybe find them elsewhere, I figured that I was already subscribed to Amazon Prime and didn’t see much of a reason to continue my search.

Not to mention they were on my front porch the following day.

 

Tip #13: Does The Cage Fit Into Your Budget?

Clearly, we all know and understand that the budget is important, and I 100% agree. It’s essential that we keep things affordable when trying to find the best chinchilla cage.

This is one of the biggest factors I considered when making the recommendations above.

Even the highest-end cage is still affordable compared to other options out there.

In fact, I’ve seen some vendors online that charge north of $500.00 dollars for chinchilla cages. And that doesn’t include shipping.

I personally don’t find this to be necessary and think you can do better. You can pay much less and get far more value for your money.

But that still doesn’t mean the cage will be cheap. It will be the biggest expense.

Never forget that chinchillas are the most expensive in the first week (mainly due to the cage and all the accessories) and then the cost and money out of pocket drop significantly.

But you don’t need to break the bank on a chinchilla cage, and I don’t see a reason to ever spend more than $300.00 for a high quality model, unless you are a breeder and need several cages.

 

Tip #14: Cleaning Is Essential, So Make Sure The Cage Is Accessible

We somewhat touched on this briefly already, when I recommended that a chinchilla cage that also has wheels is a saving grace.

It truly is.

Also, you need a chinchilla cage that offers wide opening doors so that you can easily place new toys, hiding boxes and shelves inside.

Trust me, I’ve had the other end of the deal with a chinchilla cage.

The old school wire or steel cage always has a very small front door that makes cleaning the cage and adding accessories a complete pain in the butt.

Either take my word for it or don’t, but I assure you, the larger the doors and openings to get inside of the cage, the better.

Learn how to clean a chinchilla cage the right way here.

 

Tip #15: How Do Others Feel About The Cage You’re Considering?

When have you purchased something without reading reviews?

I mean, in all reality, I know we do it more frequently as consumers than we likely want to admit, but I highly recommend sticking to trusted products.

Especially when we are discussing the best and safest cages for our pets.

Stick to products that not only have positive reviews but also have plenty of reviews. This goes to show the product is worth the purchase and that many others agree that it’s worth your money.

 

Tip #16: Width, Height And Depth All Matter

And we are back on this topic again. I can’t help it. The size of the chinchilla cage is just too important to not touch on entirely.

Many think that a large measurement in just one dimension is enough to keep a chinchilla happy.

This is not true. All the dimensions are important.

Chinchillas need the ability to climb upward and need space to jump from shelf to shelf and to have plenty of accessories inside the cage.

The only way to make this happen is to ensure you have a wide enough, deep enough, and tall enough chinchilla cage.

 

Tip #17: Can The Cage Be Upgraded In The Future?

I love this tip. It’s often overlooked and not many cages currently offer this ability.

News flash.

The chinchilla cage I currently use does allow for this and is one of the reasons I fell in love with my specific cage so quickly.

Some chinchilla cages allow you to easily place additions onto the original cage, opening an entirely new level.

This can be great if you end up adding a second chinchilla.

This can even be great if you upgrade the space of your home or apartment in the future and you are ready to reward your chinchilla with more space to jump and climb.

Your chinchilla will love the addition, and they are also very affordable and easy to install.

 

Tip #18: Don’t Choose An Ugly Cage

This is one of the tips on my list that doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the safety and well-being of your chinchilla.

However, it’s a practical tip to keep in mind, if you ask me.

Chinchillas live 15-20 years if you care for them for ethically. Why choose a cage that may be in your home for nearly 2 decades that is not physically appealing?

Eventually, if you are anything like me and you choose to try to save money now and go for a less appealing cage, I can see you upgrading in the future and spending more money than necessary.

Get it right the first time, and you won’t have to deal with this. I wish I had.

Choose a chinchilla cage that you can picture keeping in your home for the next 20 years, and that won’t drive you crazy with the physical looks of the cage.

You won’t regret taking my word on this tip.

 

Tip #19: Don’t Settle For Flimsy Front Door Openings

This is the last tip I have for you.

We already touched on how it’s essential to have large door openings on your chinchilla cage.

However, it’s also important that the doors aren’t cheap, the springs are durable, and they close and open with ease.

Again, I’ve had the other end of this deal and was very frustrated.

This is something consumers often place in reviews and something that will cause issues early on with your chinchilla cage.

When caring for a chinchilla, the cage doors will be opening and closing frequently, so stick with a reputable and durable brand for your chin cage.

Replacing the entire cage because of a few door issues is going to cost you more in the long run. Again, get the correct cage the first time, and this won’t be a concern for you in the future.

 

Best Chinchilla Cages: Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, I’m only one chinchilla owner. And I’m not smartest chinchilla owner out there, I’m sure.

I’m always open to hearing from the readers about which chinchilla cages you believe are the best option for our pets.

My goal is to simply educate you on the chinchilla cages that I have tried and make sure I only point you in the best direction possible to keep your chinchilla happy and healthy.

Nonetheless, I firmly believe 100% that the cages referenced in this post are the best ones you can currently purchase.

I’d love to hear from all of you. Let me know what chinchilla cage you believe is the best.

Share your thoughts on which cages you believe to be the best for chinchillas.

Do you have any cages that you would consider the best option for your chinchilla?

Any chinchilla cages that you have used that you believe deserve to be ranked at the top of the chinchilla cage list in this post?

Be sure to share those thoughts, stories, and concerns by dropping a comment below.

As always, thanks again for stopping by. Chili and I wish you the best of luck with your new chinchilla and the journey you have ahead of you.

Updated Aug 7, 2021: I added a the Homey Pet cage after checking it out on the recommendation of a reader.