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Post by ceelq001 on Apr 25, 2018 7:23:44 GMT
Hey all, So I got a new fur baby named Fluffy, he is such a sweetheart (at times when he is not being his grumpy self) I have only had him now for 6 days and he is already mommy's little boy. I am getting his new cage tomorrow and have so many ideas (yes already bought all the beddings and stuff for the inside for the cage) I just want to find out from you guys on some advise regarding the cage I am getting.  The cage is 76cmx46cmx103cm as per the photo and I am thinking of adding three levels, I just want some input from you guys on what else you think would be sufficient to make him the happiest little critter as I only have him and the lady said to me that he is 4 months old and was handled only up until the age of 2 months as she then got other babies and gave them the attention (hence the reason for him being a little grumper) Thank you guys!! |
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Post by deguconvert on Apr 25, 2018 13:50:59 GMT
Do you have a large, 20 inch wheel for him to grow into? Or is that a future hope? Just thinking of what you need to ensure space for in the cage. Chins need a very large wheel to prevent any spinal damage from the cramped quarters of a wheel that is too small. For a wheel large enough, you need to have a space in your cage that can accomodate it. Definitely putting in three complete levels would be great for increased surface area. I really find it hard from your photo to determine if there are levels included in this cage?
I'll probably leave off answering at this point, and hope for answers from our more experienced chin people. Congratulations on your new little love! He sounds absolutely adorable!
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Post by ceelq001 on Apr 25, 2018 15:17:24 GMT
Hi deguconvert, there not yet any levels in as I am collecting all of that tomorrow - super excited!! I will look for a wheel yes but at this stage that is a future hope. I will post a picture of my completed cage after setup  |
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Post by moletteuk on Apr 25, 2018 17:08:19 GMT
I'm hoping some of our chin keepers will chip in too, but in the meantime:
Current space recommendations in the UK are for about 3 or 4 times the size of your cage, so you might like to think about adding more space in one way or another. It seems that the only practical way to get a big enough cage is to make one yourself or even go for more of an aviary type setup by partitioning off part of a room.
Have you managed to make a room chinchilla safe so that you can let Fluffy stretch his legs and have a proper run around?
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Post by randomname on Apr 26, 2018 0:31:18 GMT
Hi. I'd say that cage is too small for one chinchilla, but you need to be keeping chinchillas in pairs anyway, so it's way too small for 2. The wheel is something you need asap, so I'd advise rethinking unfortunately. I know that's not what you want to hear, but I have to be honest.
Also, have you got air conditioning? Chins need very careful temperature & humidity monitoring - depending on your climate you might need a humidifier or a dehumidifier as well as A/C.
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Post by darthchinchi on Apr 28, 2018 9:10:35 GMT
Hammocks. Mine love hammocks. You can buy or make them yourself Something for him to cool down in. None of mine are into wheels, and personally I think that's an okay size cage |
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Post by Emziedee on Apr 28, 2018 10:33:10 GMT
Hi welcome to the forum!
I think If any animal is caged, the biggest most interactive space you can provide for them is the best thing to do. They had the run of the land when they were in the wild and we have caged them. The least we can do is provide them with as much space and stimuli as possible 💕
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Post by ntg on Apr 29, 2018 18:22:49 GMT
Hi ceelq, thought I'd see how it was all going with your little grumper? I'm also new to chins (just adopted a pair of young adults last Sunday) and I'm not sure whether mine are just large or if they're an average size but they make their 90x60x120 cm (lxwxh) cage look tiny to the point where I can see why some rescues will only rehome a pair if you have two of these cages joined together. The german forums go one further; they recommend an enclosure should be a minimum of 150x100x120 cm or 200x80x120 with 3 solid sides for a pair so that they can exhibit normal behaviours. Wheels can be difficult as well, I've got the materials ordered for making my own 16"/40 cm metal wheel which is often the size recommended on UK and US forums but I have the feeling that I won't be happy with that size when I see them in action on it and will want to go for an even bigger wheel (german forums are recommending a whopping 24"/60 cm diameter) or a more manageably-sized 18-20"/45-50 cm running plate. I can see them getting plenty of use out of it, but if it's not the right size then they are better off not having one at all for the sake of their spine. I'm finding this to be a great resource for beginners reading material, google translate seems to be handling it well so don't worry if you don't speak german: chinchilla-scientia.de/index.php?id=chinchillainfoseite |
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Post by ceelq001 on May 2, 2018 11:36:31 GMT
Hello everyone, So the cage arrived and the setup has been done:  He absolutely loves the cage and in compared to his size this is an oversized mansion for him. On another note, I know they need to be kept in pairs and I could see that he was a bit lonely in the cage with only our attention at nights for 5 hours until sleeptime. So when the breeder I bought my Fluffy boy from asked me if I am willing to take another chinnie at no cost to me I jumped to the opportunity and then we were two. These two are immediately inseparable and love each other too bits even though it has only been two days now but he is over protective off her and they enjoy the playtime so much together. |
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Post by ceelq001 on May 2, 2018 11:37:08 GMT
So this is the introduction of the babies. Fluffy:  |
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Post by ceelq001 on May 2, 2018 11:37:30 GMT
Bella:  |
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Post by ceelq001 on May 2, 2018 11:38:06 GMT
These two enjoying playtime in their box:  |
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Post by ntg on May 2, 2018 12:17:20 GMT
Are you planning on getting your boy neutered ceelq? I would really recommend looking into vets nearby that can do it for you otherwise you may have kits on your hands fairly soon, quite possibly inbred to some degree as well if they're from the same breeder.
Oh and for the cage, if those coloured chain things are plastic then I'd remove them as they can be big chewers; ingesting plastic isn't good for them.
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2018 15:08:02 GMT
They look beautiful.
I’d also like to add, although the decorations look lovely in the cage - there’s barely anything if at all wooden accessories for them to chew. Chewing wood is great to keep their teeth healthy and trimmed.
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Post by deguconvert on May 2, 2018 16:30:30 GMT
Chewing is a necessity for them, so wood is crucial. Here is a link for you . . . deguworld.proboards.com/thread/15617/safe-tree-wood-list As well, wooden parrot toys are totally safe and good for them. They are so totally adorable!! She is so TINY!! If he is four months of age, what is she? |
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Post by ceelq001 on May 2, 2018 18:22:53 GMT
According to the breeder she is 3 months old. There is wooden toys in the back on the ground level of the cage as well as loose chewing blocks inside the cage 😁 Chewing is a necessity for them, so wood is crucial. Here is a link for you . . . deguworld.proboards.com/thread/15617/safe-tree-wood-list As well, wooden parrot toys are totally safe and good for them. They are so totally adorable!! She is so TINY!! If he is four months of age, what is she? |
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