Pet Igloo

[Chilla]

We have the medium pet igloo seen HERE (http://www.shop.com/amos/cc/main/catalog/vid/203198/act/d,594110/ccsyn/260) We have two chinchillas and they CAN both fit in it. I was wondering if they get cramped and I should get the next size up.

[sinfulcindylou]

I wouldn't recommend the pet igloos... plastic=bad.... I'm sure you'll get a lot of negative responses about that sorry to say....

[Chilla]

Finally my post shows up. Why don't posts show up instantaneously. I accidentally posted several times because I didn't think it was working. Will someone PM me about this.

If the Igloo is bad what do you suggest I get my Chinchillas to hide in my cage. I am also worried about them getting too cramped.

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[KatyJ]

First, if they both fit into it they must be okay with the size... Second, yes plastic is considered bad because they can chew on it and ingesting plastic is not exactly good for them... Third, you can get really great houses from someone like kkcritters.com for a reasonable price and they are solidly built and safely chewable.

[Bouncy]

I would give a no on those igloos. It seems like it would be the right size, yeah, but plastic is a big no-no with chins. If they ingest it they can come up with a whole host of problems, from constipation to serious bowel obstruction. I make sure that there is always no plastic in my chins cage for this exact reason. You can find wooden houses for chins in lots of places that work great- chins can use them for hiding and stuff, and its a chewing oppurtunity! :) Just do a google search for wooden chinchilla houses. You should find some other stuff there, or you can look at Katys post and check out the site she reccomended. Hope all goes well!

[lilsweetpea]

It appears you are new, so your posts must be reviewed before they will post to the forum.

As for the igloos, plastic isn't good for the chinnies to chew on and may cause them to become very sick if ingested. To replace them, immediately I would use a shoe box. The cardboard is good for them to chew on and it is so inexpensive so it is a great substitute. Afterwards, you can build them small houses out of wood with nontoxic glue. Chins love to chew, so as good parents we must make sure to give them stuff to chew on that is safe. Others on this forum have suggested using terra cotta pots as long as they have no preservatives or paint on them. But as with any kids, cardboard boxes sometimes provide the most enjoyment!

[The Animal Farm]

Wood [untreated] is always the way to go with chins. They'll chew anything in sight so if you don't want it in his tummy, don't put it in the cage. I actually built my chin a house. Lowe's had untreated surveyor stakes [bundle of 60 for $5] about inch & a half by nine inches. It isn't as cute as the ones you can order but she has lots more room.

[leaughxp]

Go with a wood house - besides being a place to hide, if you have a wire floor cage, the chins' feet can get a break from the wire if the house has a floor or i they can sit on top and it will also help keep their nails short. I make wood houses as well as several others on the forum.

[equusus]

I have several terra-cotta strawberry pots that my chillas like to hide in. They were inexpensive (less than $10 eacch) and are washable and will last forever. They do make a lot of noise when they try to chew on them though!
Wood houses are also great, but they will need replacing.
I also have a glass fishbowl that I use for dust, and if I leave it in the cage, they will sleep in it when the dust is gone.
Cardboard boxes are also fun and safe, but they don't last long at all!
Good luck!
april

[KeVmO]

i really dont know much bot chins but from what i've read on here and talked to ppl plastic is bad especially if they chew on it and eat it