Question: Hello, I am researching chinchillas and chinchilla cages, toys etc. and I really love what you did with the Martin Highrise cage! I checked out the simply chintastic website and there are SO many things I want to get! Most importantly I was wondering if you could tell me what size shelves and how many of each kind you have set up in your highrise pictured in your chinchilla pics page. It looks like a great set up and I want to do the same for my future chins! Thanks!

Answer: It certainly has been a great set-up and I wish I could take credit for the design, but it was lovingly created and assembled by the owner of Second Chance Chins rescue where I adopted Tango. This is a link with the instructions on how to make the shelves and it lists the shelving dimensions so you would know what to get. The only shelf that I believe is not available at Simply Chintastic is the "L" shelf, but you could inquire on the website if they would be willing to customize one for you. The are very familiar with the layout and work closely with Second Chance Chins. Just let Simply Chintastic know which cage you have (the Martin's highrise, or otherwise) and they should be willing to work with you to create a safe shelving layout for your chinchilla(s).

Hats off to you for doing your research before getting a chinchilla! They will be a happy bunch with this cage and an owner that know's how to keep them healthy and safe!

Amanda

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What to use for Chinchilla Dust?

Question: Can fine sand be used for chinchillas to bathe in? Or does it have to be the chinchilla dust?

Answer: That's a good question. You have to be selective about what you offer your chinchilla to bathe in and you should only buy bath dust that is specifically engineered for chinchillas. In the United States, this bathing dust is of very fine consistency, whereas in the United Kingdom, dust tends to be a bit thicker with a more granulated texture and may be referred to as a fine sand. Either way, you should not just buy some fine sand at the craft store because the composition is important - not all dusts and sands are safe for chinchillas. Also, if the dust/sand is not fine enough, it will not penetrate the fur and moisture can build up. The larger granules can also cause irritation.

I recommend Blue Cloud Chinchilla Dust as Tango's favorite product, but I have not found it at any of my local pet stores. I try to order it online, but in a crunch I have also bought the Sunseed and Kaytee brands at the pet store. Blue Sparkle is another acceptable brand. Also, never buy the scented sand. This causes them to "mark" the dust bath to overcome the foreign smell and this can be hazardous if they proceed to roll around in it. If you do notice urine in the bath house, change out the dust right away. - Amanda