Housing-* *Do not buy a cage with plastic coated wire** I recommend investing in a wire bottom cage, this allows the droppings to fall through onto the tray below.  Line the bottom plate with wood chips, old newspapers or corn cobs.  Never use Cedar or undried pines as they have aromatic oils which can damage the respiratory tracts of chinchillas and could cause liver problems. Some chins have even lost their fur because of these.  I personally have never used any type of bedding except Pine shavings.

Kaytee® Pine Bedding

Premier Pet Natural Pine Bedding

Kaytee Aspen Bedding

Some breeders recommend against using oak, but that is based upon the asumption that since oak is harmful to horses, and chinchilla GI tracts are like the horse GI tract, that there could be a possibility that it is harmful to chinchillas.  The cage should be large enough to let the chin move about freely.  I have my chinchillas in 3 story condos. They have plenty of room to cruise around.

All Living Things® Chinchilla Starter Kit

Click photo to purchase

Hiding-  Your chin will want a place to hide from time to time and Four-inch PVC drain pipe T- or Y- joints are a great place to hide (also gives them something to chew on).  Large tin cans with the ends cut out, and all sharp points filed down are another idea to give your chinchilla to hide in. Cardboxes work well for providing your chin a hiding place. They will chew on it, but it is easily replaceable. It is preferable to use a box with no ink on it.

This is a picture of my beloved chinchilla "Sir Chi" sitting on top of his box.

(he loved to chew, and the box was cheap to replace)

Super Pet Igloo
Provide your Pet with the coolest hideout around. The Pet Igloo provides a secure comfort zone for your Pet.

Super Pet Chinchilla Hut

The Chinchilla Hut provides your chin with the perfect place to perch, chew and sleep. Completely safe and non-toxic. Satisfies natural chewing urges. Easy to assemble within minutes

Super Pet Ferret Tunnel

Cage Toys- Wheels are a great exercise for the chinchilla; however, try to get a 15 inch wheel as the 12 inch wheel could be too small. Your chin will have hours of fun with this.  It is easiest to get them to use it if they are introduced to this while they are still young.  I tried to get my chin to use a wheel when he was more than a year old and to this day (he is 8 1/2) he will not use it to run in. Parrot toys made of wood are good too. There are some neat solid wood shelves available that the chinchilla can perch on and use to chew. They are called Leap-n-Ledge.  They have new plastic balls for chins at Petsmart and Petco that allow chins to move about the house freely while safe from harm or harming your furniture.

Super Pet Wooden Ledges
The ideal cage accessory for perching pets including chinchillas and more.

Mega Run-about Ball

Super Pet Corner Look-Out

Instantly adds additional living space! You can now create a number of different levels in any wire home.

Super Pet Chin-Chiller

A cool place for your chinchillas to chill out.

Cage Location-  Pick a site that is cool.  Do not put the cage where they will be in the sun. (They could pass out)  If the cage is going to be placed in the center of your household activities, be sure to throw a cotton sheet over it during the day.  They will be better able to rest. They will adjust to a number of household disturbances.

Cage Sanitation-  Use soap and water to scrub it.  The water bottle should be washed in soapy water once a week. It isn't necessary to use bleach unless your chin has been ill.  Clean the loose hair from the wires with a bottle brush.

Playing out of the cage- Chins need time to run and be active other than in their cages.  I have seen some people use these type enclosures to allow them time outside of the cage yet confined to some degree.

All Living Things? Small Animal Playpens
These Small Animal Playpens are the answer when you want to play with your small pet, but still keep her in a safely confined area. For indoor use.

I would not use outdoors as chins can jump high and would be able to get loose rather easily.  Indoors you have a better chance of catching them than if they are loose outside.