Priroda Chinchilla cage, 70×40×60 cm is a black rodent cage from the Ukrainian brand Priroda. According to the manufacturer, rodents need exercise for good health and mood, so the cage is roomy and fitted with two wooden shelves for the animal to jump between. The bars are steel wire with a quality powder coating that's harmless to animals. The fairly deep tray is made of virgin polypropylene, is safe for pets, doesn't absorb odours and is easy to wash. Secure latches on the sides fix the top to the tray, and there's another latch on the door, so an agile pet can't get out on its own. Two shelves are included.
Why a rodent needs a roomy cage
With too little exercise and plenty of food, rodents often become obese, and excess weight can lead to heart and respiratory problems and a shorter life. So a cage should be roomy, with shelves and levels to keep the animal moving. On chinchilla feeding, see our review of Vitapol Karmeo for chinchillas.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | rodent cage |
| Dimensions | 70×40×60 cm |
| Bars | steel wire, powder coating |
| Tray | deep, virgin polypropylene |
| Shelves | 2 wooden |
| Latches | on the sides and door |
| Colour | black |
| Brand | Priroda, Ukraine |
Pros
- Two wooden shelves. For jumping and resting.
- A deep tray. Less mess around the cage.
- The tray doesn't absorb odours. Easy to wash.
- A safe finish. Powder coating.
- Secure latches. The pet can't open them.
- Black colour. Looks neat in the home.
Cons
- 60 cm high. A minimum for chinchillas, which like multi-level cages.
- No water bottle or house. Buy them separately.
- Wooden shelves get chewed. They need replacing over time.
- Needs space. 70×40 cm.
Which rodents it suits
The cage is called "Chinchilla", and the manufacturer stresses that chinchillas are very active and need shelves to jump on. That said, 60 cm is rather a minimum height for a chinchilla, as they love tall multi-level cages. It also suits degus and large rats that need room to move. For degus, see Vitapol Karmeo for degus.
What to add
A water bottle, a food bowl, a hay rack and a hide-out house where the animal can sleep during the day. Chinchillas also need a bath with volcanic dust for coat care. For wearing down teeth — fruit-tree twigs and a mineral block.
Setting up the cage
Place the shelves at different heights so the animal can jump between them. Put the house in a corner on the floor and fit the water bottle so the spout is at a comfortable height. Cover the floor with a suitable bedding — wood or pressed — deep enough to absorb moisture.
Where to put it
Chinchillas don't cope well with heat: keep the cage somewhere cool, out of direct sun and away from radiators. Avoid draughts and noisy spots such as next to the TV. Chinchillas are active at night, so a bedroom isn't ideal if noise bothers you.
Care
The deep polypropylene tray doesn't absorb odours and washes easily. Change the bedding as it gets dirty, and do a weekly deep clean: wash the tray and wipe the shelves. Replace chewed shelves.
Safety
Side latches fix the top to the tray and the door has its own latch, so an agile pet can't open the cage. Check regularly that the bars aren't bent and that chewed shelves have no sharp edges.
Who it suits
Owners of chinchillas, degus and rats who want a sturdy cage with wooden shelves, a deep tray and secure latches. More cages are in the rodent cages and carriers section; everything for rodents is in ferrets and rodents.
Verdict
The Priroda Chinchilla is a 70×40×60 cm rodent cage with steel bars in a safe powder coating, a deep polypropylene tray, two wooden shelves and latches on the sides and door. The downsides are that 60 cm is rather a minimum height for a chinchilla, the water bottle and house must be bought separately, and the wooden shelves will need replacing over time.
FAQ
What are the dimensions?
70×40×60 cm.
What's included?
Two wooden shelves.
Is it suitable for a chinchilla?
Yes, but 60 cm is a minimum height for one.
Is there a water bottle?
No, buy one separately.
Is the tray deep?
Yes, fairly deep, made of polypropylene.
Is the paint safe?
Yes, it's a powder coating that's harmless to animals.
What colour is it?
Black.
