Enclosure Type
bin cage
Floor Space
4.4 sq ft
Dimensions
~37"L × 17"W (varies by bin)
Chinchilla Minimum
6 sq ft
Verdict
Too Small ❌
💰 Typical Price: $20–$40
Our Verdict
Based on the floor space and enclosure type analysis above, this enclosure is too small ❌ for a Chinchilla.
🔨 DIY Setup: Cut a large ventilation panel in the lid and secure with metal mesh (not plastic craft mesh). Use cable ties around the perimeter. Search YouTube: "DIY bin cage hamster" for full walkthroughs.
Pros & Cons of the DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
✅ Pros
- Cheapest large enclosure option
- Excellent burrowing depth
- Fully customisable
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Great ventilation when mesh panel is cut correctly
❌ Cons
- DIY required (mesh cutting + cable ties)
- Less aesthetically pleasing
- Bin quality varies — check for rigid non-flexible walls
- Not suitable for climbing species
What Chinchillas Need in an Enclosure
Chinchillas are highly active jumpers that need vertical space and solid platforms to leap between. Multi-level powder-coated wire cages are ideal. Solid cage floors and shelf ledges must be provided — wire mesh flooring causes foot and leg injuries. Temperature must stay below 72°F (22°C) — never place near heat vents or in direct sun.
⚠️ Things to Avoid for Chinchillas
- Wire mesh floors or shelves — causes bumblefoot and leg injuries
- Painted metal cages — chinchillas chew and ingest paint chips
- Cedar or pine wood ledges — respiratory toxins
- Plastic components — chewed and ingested
- Enclosures near heat sources — fatal heatstroke above 75°F
- Round cages or small single-level cages
Other Enclosures for Chinchillas
- 10 Gallon Glass Tank
- 20 Gallon Long Glass Tank
- 40 Gallon Breeder Glass Tank
- 75 Gallon Glass Tank
- Single Critter Nation
- Double Critter Nation
- IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×4 Grids)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×5 Grids)
- Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- Wire Dog Crate (Large — 42")
- Heavy-Duty Escape-Proof Dog Crate
- Cat Tree / Condo (72"+ height)
- Indoor X-Pen / Exercise Pen
- PVC Reptile Enclosure (4'×2'×2')
Can Other Pets Live in a DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)?
- 🐹 Hamster in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐭 Gerbil in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐾 Guinea Pig in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐇 Rabbit in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐀 Rat in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐱 Cat in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐶 Dog in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🦎 Bearded Dragon in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)