How to make a running wheel for chinchillas with your own hands

If a cute animal called a chinchilla appears in your home, then you simply must provide it with comfortable living conditions. These animals need to be equipped with a comfortable home so that they have a place to rest; there should also be an area where they can eat and an entertainment area. This fluffy animal is a very active animal, so they do not like being in a cramped cage where there is no room for movement. An inactive lifestyle can have a negative impact on your well-being. For this rodent, it is very important that there is a running wheel in the cage. You can purchase such a necessary simulator at a specialized store, or you can build it with your own hands. In this article, let's look at how you can build a wheel for a chinchilla yourself.

The need for a wheel for a chinchilla

Often, when purchasing a house for our pet, complete with a running wheel, we do not think about the importance of the latter.
The anatomical features of the animals suggest short front and developed hind legs, with which they move by jumping. To practice jumping and avoid muscle atrophy, chinchillas need to engage in physical exercise all the time. In the limited space of the cage it is not possible to perform a full warm-up, so the owner must take care of the necessary toys for running. Ladders, shelves, labyrinths and running wheels are installed as exercise equipment in rodents' homes.

Another argument in favor of the wheel is to stimulate the chinchilla’s interest in the toy. If she gets bored, an alternative activity could be bad habits, such as chewing her own fur.

Additional recommendations

There are some useful tips:

• the attraction must be kept in a cage at all times;
• if the running wheel begins to creak, it must be lubricated with oil;
• It is necessary to wash the exercise machine at least twice a month.

In addition, it is advisable to put additional accessories in the chinchilla's cage. This could be a treadmill, a walking ball and various hanging toys.

Making a running wheel

You can make a toy for your pet yourself. Typically, homemade models are made of wood: the material is environmentally friendly, affordable and allows you to make a wheel of the required size. Even taking into account the fact that the animals will gnaw the wood, this version of the wheel is in many ways more economical than buying it. If desired, you can sheathe the outside of the wooden case with metal - this will extend the life of the running wheel.

For production you need:

• A sheet of plywood, no more than a centimeter thick,
• Electric jigsaw,
• Drill,
• Bearing or tensioner for an engine from any car,
• Self-tapping screws,
• Screws,
• Bolt,
• Small planks, three centimeters wide and about fifteen centimeters long.

In order to cut an even circle, first cut a small hole in the center of the plywood sheet with a jigsaw. The required radius is measured from its center. The jigsaw is bolted to the table through the hole made. During cutting, the plywood is rotated around its axis along the intended circle. The result is an even circle of the required diameter.

Next, you should cut out a ring with a similar outer diameter. The planks are fastened inside the wooden ring with thin self-tapping screws. You should first drill the holes with a drill and a 1.5 mm drill bit - this will protect against cracking. The ring is attached to the outside of the resulting plywood circle to give greater strength.

The next step is the rotation unit and fastening. For fastening, a bolt of at least fifteen centimeters long is used. A steel washer with a diameter larger than the bolt is placed on the bolt (so that it does not press into the plywood). The bolt is inserted inside the resulting structure and secured on the outside with a similar washer. A tensioner is put on the bolt and secured with self-tapping screws to a wooden plank. Advantage - the plastic tensioner cage does not produce noise when rotating. The toy is ready!

There are two ways to install a toy in a cage. The entire structure can be attached to a wooden plank or plank using one or two self-tapping screws and installed on the floor of the cage. The board should be wide enough - at least 10 cm. Otherwise, the animal will easily turn the toy over. In the second method, the bar to which the tensioner is screwed is secured with wire to the cage wall. This option is more convenient - the toy is attached more securely and even very active rodents cannot turn it over or move it.

Chinchillas are very active animals. Nature has designed it in such a way that they need to constantly move.

. In order to add variety to a pet's life, many owners try to equip the cage with all kinds of toys.

If a chinchilla lives in a small cage where there is no opportunity to move a lot, then it must have a running wheel. With its help, the animal will be able to maintain physical activity.

The sizes of running wheels should be selected taking into account the age and size of the chinchilla. Pet stores offer a simulator with various diameters - from 28 to 45 cm. The manufacturing material can be:

• metal;
• plastic;
• tree.

Wooden

The average cost of a custom wheel is 4,000 rubles

. They are mainly installed in display cages. A distinctive feature is their noiselessness. But they have certain disadvantages:

• chinchillas chew wooden parts, thereby disabling the exercise machine;
• the animal can make a toilet in the wheel, which will also ruin the structure.

Plastic

These simulators have a number of advantages:

• chinchillas have no desire to chew plastic;
• compact design;
• easy to clean and disinfect
  ;
• has a low price - in the store you can find wheels from 200 rubles for small chinchillas and up to 3000 rubles for an adult.

Metal

Very durable structures, resistant to rodent teeth. They are easy to disassemble and disinfect. Pet stores offer two types of simulators:

• with a fine notch;
• with parallel bars.

Wheels, the base of which is made in the form of a fine notch, will protect the animal from the possibility of injury

. The paws do not fall into small holes; you can stop the movement at any time. If desired, the inner surface of the exercise machine can be protected by covering it with soft fabric.

The cost of such toys varies from 300 to 1500 rubles.

Treadmills for running

A track will be an excellent alternative to a wheel. There are two options: aluminum and plastic. They are safer for the chinchilla's health, as they do not overload the spine. Absolutely silent and do not threaten the animal with injury.

Wooden wheels

Wooden wheels are quite expensive and therefore are usually made only to order. They are often placed in display cages.

Despite the fact that such products have a lot of advantages, they also have negative features:

• animals love to chew wood, so such a simulator can very quickly become unusable;
• Rodents can make a toilet in such a wheel, which will also lead to its damage.

Hay

Hay is a versatile product that can be used not only as filler, but also as food. It has a pleasant aroma and natural composition.

Beast Moe meadow hay 0.6 kg/20 l

The product is made from dried meadow hay. The composition also includes field grasses, which are used as bedding. If necessary, hay can be used as feed. In this case, the product will saturate the pet’s body with useful substances, vitamins and other beneficial components.

The main benefit of hay is that it strengthens the immune system. In addition, the product gives the coat a natural look and healthy shine. Suitable for guinea pigs, reptiles, birds, rabbits, degas and chinchillas. The hay is stored in a secure package, which is secured with a metal clip. The filler is well compressed, so the pack contains only meadow herbs.

Advantages:

• environmentally friendly composition;
• pleasant smell of meadow herbs;
• the hay is cleared of dust;
• does not cause allergies;
• reliable packaging;
• economical consumption;
• good value for money;
• no fragrance;
• the hay is well compacted.

Flaws:

• does not absorb moisture well;
• sometimes there is dust in the composition;
• quality varies between batches;
• small variety of herbs.

Customer Reviews

Vitakraft VITA VERDE meadow hay with dandelion flowers 0.5 kg

The product is high in fiber. The hay contains dandelion flowers, timothy and meadow grasses. In addition, hay is low in calcium. Thanks to this, the product is not only tasty, but also healthy for your pet. Hay promotes optimal digestion and prevents abrasion of the incisors.

The filler also contains minerals, vitamins, micro- and macroelements. Thanks to this, your pet's immunity will increase. For hay, grasses that are subject to gentle drying are used. This provides healthy and natural nutrition.

But the main purpose of hay is as a filler. The product absorbs moisture well and masks unpleasant odors. In addition, hay is used economically.

Advantages:

• the hay is well compacted;
• pleasant aroma of meadow flowers and herbs;
• no fragrance;
• does not cause allergies;
• environmentally friendly composition;
• tight packaging;
• good value for money;
• economical consumption.

Flaws:

• sometimes there is dust in the composition;
• small variety of herbs.

Customer Reviews

Drawings and dimensions of a display case for polygamous housing

I hope that you already have an understanding of what kind of cage is needed for your cheerful animal. Now we need to move further along the path of creation.

To do this, you need to depict the future product on paper or on a monitor screen. At a minimum, you should decide on the dimensions and basic design solutions.

It is also necessary to consider the internal contents of the cell. Moreover, even a basic drawing or sketch will greatly facilitate the preparation of the necessary materials, not to mention the assembly of the product.

Desires will materialize, and your design will definitely turn into a natural product. The dimensions shown in the drawings will help you make the right choice. There is no point in providing a list of necessary materials and tools without having a practical project. The information provided is enough for an experienced home craftsman to make the best cage for his animal.

Hard drive toy

Before you develop your own chinchilla wheel from the mentioned item, you need to prepare the following materials and tools:

• wide and light tin container;
• upholstery material (for example, cotton fabric or cork mat);
• electrical tape;
• hot glue;
• wire or nylon ties;
• screwdriver;
• scissors for cutting metal;
• marker.

If there is no damaged or old hard drive, this part can be replaced with the motor from the drive.

Prevention and care of the house

To protect your pet, the installation of the house is carried out with an eye to prevention:

• the dwelling must be tightly attached to the wall or mesh;
• Careful adjustment of the surfaces is important (no gaps where a curious animal would immediately stick its paw);
• various chips and cracks are excluded;
• It is extremely undesirable to use traumatic fasteners - iron screws or self-tapping screws.

Home maintenance is quite simple.

Video: how to clean a chinchilla’s display case It is enough to promptly remove the remains of food that has got there and the old layer of sawdust from the house. To do this, the structure is simply raised.

It is advisable to wipe the walls with the same frequency (once a week) with a slightly damp cloth.

Major disinfection is carried out every 2-3 months. All surfaces of the house are wiped with swabs soaked in an alcohol solution of salicylic acid (concentration 1 or 2%). But there is one caveat - before use it is mixed with boiled water in equal parts.

Hammock design

The design of a hammock for a chinchilla is simple. In the classic version, this is a piece of durable but pleasant-to-touch material, the corners of which are securely attached to the cage bars using carabiners or other fasteners.

Fabric structures differ favorably from other types in that they take a shape that matches the contours of the animal’s body, thereby providing maximum convenience and comfort. But if the animal gnaws its bed, you should choose other - more durable - materials.

As for the types of construction, there are two main types:

• single-tier (simple flat bed);
• two-tier or pipe-shaped (a volumetric hammock - the animal can be placed both on top and inside; climbing to the lower tier, the animal finds itself in a “house” - reliable and warm).

Manufacturing

Before you start making an attraction for your pet, you should at least understand in general terms what a jogging wheel should look like.

• The attraction must be of suitable size. The animal should not be cramped inside, otherwise it will not be able to move comfortably. Excessively large dimensions of the running structure are also undesirable. It will be very difficult for a hamster to spin such a wheel with its paws. For an adult Djungarian hamster, a diameter of 14-16 cm is suitable. For animals of the Syrian breed, it is better to make the attraction larger, since they are larger. For an adult, the diameter of the circle should be at least 20 cm.
• The width of the treadmill also matters. If it is not wide enough, the hamster will periodically fall and may get injured. For small and medium-sized individuals, it is better to make a simulator 5 cm wide. For larger breeds, a track width of 7-8 cm is recommended.
• The running wheel should spin easily. Otherwise, the animal will quickly get tired and may lose interest in its attraction.
• It is worth taking care that the pet does not injure its paws during exercise. This directly depends on the material and structure of the treadmill surface. If you decide to use mesh materials, then make sure that the cells are as small as possible. Otherwise, the hamster's paw may get stuck in them while running. And also, the simulator should not have sharp jagged edges or bumps that the hamster could trip over.
• The treadmill inside the wheel should not be slippery. Therefore, a smooth plastic surface should be covered with thick cloth in advance. The pet will be able to cling to it with its claws.
• When installing the wheel, you should ensure that it is securely fastened. The animal moves quite intensely on the track, and the shaky structure can topple while it runs. Therefore, the treadmill must be attached to the bars of the cage or placed on a strong and stable support.

Which material is preferable

It is possible to use several materials that are perfect for the physical exercise of an active chinchilla.

Plastic

This material does not absorb moisture and is completely safe, but finding the optimal size product is difficult. The wheel size for a chinchilla is selected based on the size of the animal itself.

The maximum dimensions of the product are about 32 cm, which is only suitable for a small rodent. These dimensions are due to the fact that the design is most often used for hamsters.

The plastic wheel is only suitable in size for chinchillas and small animals.

Metal

First of all, you should pay attention to the fact that such structures are recognized as traumatic. Their bottom is made of mesh, so an animal’s claw or finger can get into the cell. Most injuries can be avoided by wrapping the wheel with thick fabric that will hide the existing cells. A metal stand placed under the wheel can also harm the pet by simply crushing it.

If there are several rodents present, the level of danger only increases, because while one is running, the second may try to stick its head under the structure.

The disadvantages of this wheel are the risk of injury and instability of the structure.

An alternative could be an aluminum structure, which is mounted to the wall, and therefore there is no need to install an additional stand. However, in this case, choosing the wheel diameter for a chinchilla will be problematic, since the domestic manufacturer does not produce them.

Tree

This option can be called almost ideal, since such a wooden wheel can be ordered at the nearest workshop. This design will not have sharp edges, as well as mesh cells, which often cause injuries to animals. Disadvantages include the ability of the material to absorb moisture and various odors. It is almost impossible to wash a contaminated surface, and it will not be possible to get rid of the smell of excrement at all. Chinchillas love to relieve themselves in new places, so you will either have to put up with the smell or change the design often.

However, the disadvantage can be avoided by covering the surface with an auxiliary layer of paint or varnish. But here, too, you need to take into account the fact that the chinchilla will chew the wheel. Getting pieces of paint or varnish into the esophagus is unlikely to benefit your pet's health.

The wooden wheel can be made to order in the required size

How to make a running wheel for a chinchilla with your own hands

There is a need for such an attribute, because in addition to having fun, while the chinchilla runs in a wheel, it is not in danger of muscle atrophy. The wheel is purchased along with the cage and no one thinks about its functional features.

This kind of device can be constructed independently. For this, it is customary to use wood as the most affordable and environmentally friendly material. Even if your pet is prone to grinding its teeth on its favorite toys, if there is a wooden wheel, it will not cause any harm to itself.

The chinchilla in the wheel will feel calm and, if necessary, chew the rim of the circle, which can later be replaced. This option is the most economical, but if desired, you can make a metal rim, which will extend the service life of the product.

Materials you will need:

• drill;
• jigsaw for woodworking;
• compass and ruler;
• set of screws;
• bolts;
• set of self-tapping screws;
• small planks (width 3cm, length approximately 15cm).

Sequencing:

1. First of all, we cut out an even circle. To do this, take a sheet of plywood, use a jigsaw to cut out a small hole, and use a compass to draw the required radius. Then, thanks to the hole made, we attach the jigsaw to the table using a bolt.
2. Plywood is sawn by rotating it around its axis along a drawn circle. This is the only way to get the correct circle of the required diameter.
3. Then a ring with the same outer diameter is cut out. We take thin screws and attach the planks to the inside of the wooden ring. To prevent the wood from cracking, the holes should be carefully drilled using a drill with a 1.5mm drill bit. In order for the ring to have good strength, it is attached to the plywood circle from the outside.
4. Afterwards we make a rotation unit and fastening. To make the fastening reliable, you will need a bolt at least 150 mm long. To prevent the bolt from putting too much pressure on the plywood and damaging it, a steel washer with a diameter exceeding the diameter of the bolt is put on it. The bolt must be inserted inside the structure, and secured on the outside with the same washer.
5. The tensioner placed on the bolt is attached with self-tapping screws to a wooden strip. What's good about a tensioner? Its plastic frame does not make noise during rotation. That's all - the structure is completely assembled.

Do it yourself

If all the wheel options available in stores are not suitable, and making a custom-made exercise machine is expensive, you can try making a running wheel for chinchillas with your own hands. At the same time, you have the opportunity to choose the material and size based on your own preferences. This will save money and make your pet happy.

Wooden

To make a wooden exercise machine you will need:

• plywood sheet about 1 cm thick;
• jigsaw;
• drill;
• bearing;
• self-tapping screws;
• screws;
• bolts;
• small boards measuring 3x15 cm.

To get a perfectly even circle, you need to cut a hole in the middle of the plywood with a jigsaw . From the center we begin to measure the desired diameter of the future wheel. Having drawn a circle on the plywood, you need to cut it out along the contour with a jigsaw.

After the circle is ready, you need to make a ring with the same diameter. The planks are attached inside the resulting ring using small self-tapping screws. Before doing this, you need to drill holes in them with a diameter of about 1.5 mm to protect them from cracking. We attach the ring to the outside of the plywood circle. This will give the structure strength.

To attach the wheel you will need a fifteen centimeter bolt. You need to put a steel washer on it, the diameter of which should be slightly larger than the diameter of the bolt. It is installed so that it is inside the structure. It is secured from the outside using a washer. A bearing is put on the bolt and secured to the bar with self-tapping screws.

There are two ways to install a wheel in a chinchilla cage:

• The simulator is attached with self-tapping screws to a wide wooden board and placed in a cage. To prevent the animal from turning over the structure, the width of the board must be at least 15 cm .
• The bar on which the bearing is located is screwed to the wall of the chinchilla house using wire or a strong cord. This method of fastening is considered the safest, as it will not allow the animal to knock over the wheel.

From the pan

Making a running wheel for a chinchilla from an aluminum pan is a less labor-intensive process. To do this, you need kitchen utensils of the desired diameter. Since the height of the pan is greater than needed for the simulator, you will have to saw off the excess, leaving about 13-16 cm. After filing , the edges need to be sanded to remove hangnails and protect the pet from possible injuries. After this, the wheel is attached to the tensioner pulley. Your pet's toy is ready to use.

Step-by-step instructions: how to make an attraction

From a hard drive and a jar

This accessory is quite durable and will serve the animal for a long time. To make it, you will need a tin can of suitable diameter and a screwdriver, a tool for cutting metal and an unnecessary hard drive, hot melt glue and wire.

Remove the cover from the drive by first unscrewing the screws. Then comes the turn of fasteners that secure the mirror plates. Now the engine is accessible, we remove it from the hard drive. Be sure to also remove the extra screws that secure the spindle to the frame.

Now it's the turn of the tin can. Make sure that its walls are not too thin, otherwise the animal will bend them and the wheel will not fulfill its purpose.

It is important to cut off excess material evenly and accurately from a solid container. After cutting, sharp edges will appear on the workpiece, which must be sanded, otherwise the rodent risks injuring themselves on them.

At the next stage, we measure the bottom of the jar and find the center. Then glue the spindle to the marked place

It is important that the engine is placed exactly in the middle. You will also need a porous and soft material, which should be used to equip the inside of the ring

This, of course, is not necessary, but it will make the fluffy more comfortable. Using wire, we attach the exercise machine to the bars of the cage.

From cardboard

The attraction will not be as durable as the previous version, but with precise and careful work it will last a long time. You will need a ruler, a stationery knife, cardboard, a metal sleeve (preferably thin), scissors.

It is better to choose thick cardboard. From it we cut out 2 circles equal in diameter. We cut out wide holes on the parts that will serve as the “entrance” to the simulator. From the remaining material we cut out the base, path and wall, which will act as fasteners. We equip the track with protrusions on both sides so that they fit the holes on the circles.

We connect the running strip with round blanks. We attach a wall to the base, in which we make a hole equal to the diameter of the sleeve. We attach a metal part. We place the cardboard wheel on the hub. Do not forget to equip the structure with jumpers so that the toy does not slip off.

Made of wood

To make such a wheel, we find strong wooden beams (possibly from under a popsicle), wire, and a wooden beam that will act as an axis. We use a metal thread to make two large circles of equal diameter.

You will also need to build 2 smaller circles, they are necessary for attaching the axle. We place small circles inside the large ones and connect them with jumpers. We attach wooden beams to the surface of the upper circles and secure them with wire. We insert the rod inside and fasten the wheel to a suitable place.

Primary requirements

The main thing is that the simulator is of high quality and safe. Therefore, before making a running wheel for a chinchilla, you need to study the following requirements:

1. The presence of chips, cracks and sharp edges on the wheel parts is unacceptable.
2. The toy should be light.
3. It is better to attach the wheel to the cage.
4. The material, if the accessory is made of wood, must first be cleaned of paint and varnish, and then sanded. This way it will be possible to eliminate chips and other defective areas.

A properly designed running wheel has the following advantages:

• low noise during use;
• a light weight;
• no vibration;
• the presence of reliable fastenings and internal serifs.

Video “DIY showcase for chinchillas”

Requirements for the house

Before you start manufacturing, you need to remember the basic requirements for the future product.

In the first place is the correct size. The minimum dimensions of a house for one animal are 30x20x20 cm. If there are two animals, then the dimensions will be larger.

Did you know? Since 1929, there has been a ban on catching wild chinchillas.

In addition, the house must be safe for the occupant and easy to clean (which is why it is usually made without a bottom).

One more thing: inquisitive animals usually try to climb onto the roof. For safety reasons, it is better to make it flat, without slopes, and then the pet will have another place to rest.

Often such “apartments” are placed on elevated surfaces like shelves - chinchillas love to jump. To avoid injury, the dwelling should not be placed too high, but securely secured.

Selection of materials

The material from which the house will be made is also important. Naturally, it must be safe and practical.

The most popular are homemade designs from:

• branches of different trees that do not harm the animal’s body;
• plywood;
• plastics;
• wooden planks.

Plywood, in turn, crumbles easily, and plastic is toxic.

As for the branches beloved by many, working with them takes some time. It happens that instead of a full-fledged house from natural materials, you get something like a bridge that a chinchilla can easily throw over.

Important! When working with boards, they focus on their thickness: the smaller it is, the smaller the diameter of the dowel will be. To work you will need:

To work you will need:

• boards measuring 35x20 cm (2 pcs.), 25x20 (2 pcs.) and one 35x25;
• dowels 6x30 mm - 6 pieces for the roof and 8 for fastening the walls;
• jigsaw;
• drill and wood drill bit 6 mm.

Everything is ready, and it would seem that we can begin. But the assembly is preceded by calculations that are shown in the drawing.

Drawing up a drawing

When drawing up such a plan, the dimensions of the animal, the cage and shelf on which the house will be placed, and the location of the future home relative to the play area, feeders and drinking bowls are taken into account.

At this stage, the dimensions of the openings for the entrance and window are determined, as well as the dimensions of the roof (its edges should extend slightly beyond the perimeter of the “facade”).

At the same time, they estimate the location of the fasteners - they try not to place them on the very edge of the wall, otherwise it may crack during installation.

Did you know? In nature, chinchillas prefer to live in the highlands - in the Andes they live calmly at altitudes of 2, 3 and even 4 thousand meters.

Focusing on the minimum acceptable dimensions, do not forget that it is better to make a house with a reserve - this will be more comfortable for the pet.

The assembly itself is carried out in the following order:

First of all, markings for the future entrance and window are applied to one of the boards (the one 35x20). These holes are passed with a jigsaw. At the same time, pay attention to the edges - it would be good to lightly clean them with sandpaper. Then future holes for dowels are marked on the walls and roof.

It is important here to correlate the markings on two planes, so take your time and check each seat. Having made sure that everything matches, they begin to drill. The first holes are made to connect the walls themselves, and only then - for the roof. In any case, on each surface they deepen by about half the length of the dowel (approximately 1.5 cm). All that remains is to insert the dowels

Some people put them on glue, although in this case there is no such need. Be prepared for the fact that you will have to put in some effort to get the fasteners to fit in as needed. Having assembled a “box” from the walls, they hang the roof. All is ready!

In this video, the owner of a chinchilla shows what kind of cage he managed to make with his own hands.

What should the wheel size be?

When choosing the size of a running toy, you need to start from the size of the chinchilla itself. The larger the chinchilla, the larger the toy for it.

Usually wheels with a diameter of 32 centimeters are taken. A smaller size causes the chinchilla to bend and stumble when running. This leads to injuries: fractures and dislocations.

A large wheel will also be of little use - the chinchilla will not be able to accelerate it enough and in the end, will stop using it. The pet should be comfortable using the toy purchased/made for it.

How to choose or make your own toys for chinchillas?

If a pet chinchilla has nothing to do, it begins to tear its fur. This is a sad sight not only for pet owners; this condition is dangerous for the animal itself.

Let's figure out how to play with a chinchilla at home and tell you what toys will amuse your little pet.

Main types of toys

Toys for chinchillas presented in online stores are divided into 2 large groups:

• static, allowing you not only to entertain your pet, but also to decorate the interior;
• moving, designed for active games not only inside the cage, but also outside it.

Let's take a closer look at them.

Tunnel

Chinchillas love to hide in wooden and plastic pipes. Choose a transparent product to easily find a pet that has fallen asleep after wasting energy

Pay attention to the size. If the diameter of the tunnel is less than 30 cm, then the animal may get stuck

When choosing wood, pay attention to the edges. The rodent will quickly wear them down if they are not made of metal

Hammock

Manufacturers offer rag, plastic and wooden versions of hammocks with 1 or 2 tiers. In the case of several levels, the pet will receive an additional place to hide.

Shelf

Powerful hind legs need activity, so placing 1 or more shelves will provide excellent exercise. When installing, keep the height not exceeding 80 cm. Otherwise, the animal may be injured if it jumps unsuccessfully.

Ladder

Miniature ladders develop paws and are suitable for back scratching and sharpening teeth. An ordinary wooden stick placed vertically can be a budget option. Chinchillas love to jump and the ladder is an excellent exercise machine for them.

Walking ball

A plastic product allows you to walk around the room, but poor ventilation significantly reduces the walking time. Frequent cases of overheating of animals is a serious disadvantage of this interesting little thing.

For the safety of the chinchilla, you need to keep track of time, so instead of buying such a dubious toy, remove unnecessary objects from the room and let the animal run around on its own.

DIY toys for chinchillas

Some manufacturers, trying to reduce costs, skimp on quality. As a result, the final product not only loses quality, but also becomes dangerous.

Products to avoid:

• from cheap plastic, lime, glass, rubber, cement, cardboard and paper;
• containing small parts (during play the rodent may choke on them);
• bright colors (all factory paint will transfer to the animal’s fur);
• with sharp corners and rough surface;
• with a strong odor, indicating an excessive amount of dangerous chemicals;
• from pine needles, oak and cherry containing resin (poisoning).

The best solution to the problem is to make toys for the chinchilla with your own hands. A handmade item will not only protect your pet from an unscrupulous manufacturer, but will also help you save money.

Information about the animal

The homeland of short-tailed and long-tailed chinchillas is South America. These animals live in the Andes mountains, at an altitude of 500 to 5000 meters above sea level. They use cracks in rocks as homes, and where there are none, they dig holes. Chinchillas can live up to 20 years, but are often victims of predators. The irrepressible energy of the animals helps them survive in the harsh conditions of the Andes.

Domestic chinchillas are just as fussy as their mountain relatives. Animals' paws are capable of making long jumps; animals need active running. Blood stagnation caused by a passive lifestyle in a cramped cage can lead to muscle atrophy in the hind limbs. Therefore, the wheel is not only an entertaining element, but also solves serious problems of preventing various ailments.

Cage installation

These animals are social animals, and when they have at least one more degu in their houses, they are simply happy. Your pets love to communicate, so don't leave them unattended. By the way, they can often start chatting excitedly or even grumbling nervously, and this cannot but touch you. The average lifespan of these animals is 5-10 years. Before you get these cute furry animals, consider the following.

The degu will constantly need nutritious food, fresh fresh water and a clean habitat. Degus need daily exercise and play

All members of your family should understand how to keep a pet. Degus are social animals, so you need to constantly communicate with them and pay attention to them. Of all rodent species, degus require more free space.

Selecting a running wheel

On the shelves of pet stores you can find a variety of wheels for the joy of pets. They vary in color, shape, material and, of course, price. The cheapest are plastic accessories, followed by metal and wood products. Rarely, but still there are products made of plexiglass and ceramics. However, such accessories for pets are much more expensive.

Chinchilla toys are made from different materials.

What material can a wheel be made from?

Sports equipment for your pet can be made from almost any material. However, when choosing a base, you need to take into account that each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Table 1. Materials for wheels suitable for chinchillas

Requirements for the running wheel

It doesn’t matter whether you decide to buy a ready-made wheel or make it yourself, it is necessary that, first of all, it be of high quality. The requirements for items for use by animals are as follows:

• all parts of the wheel must be smooth and even. The presence of chips, sharp edges, cracks is unacceptable;
• the wheel should be light so that if it tips over, it won’t crush the animal;
• It is better that the material from which the wheel is made is free of paint and varnish;
• the size of the wheel should exceed the dimensions of the chinchilla by one and a half times;
• if the wheel is made of metal, then a mesh or horizontal bars made of wood or aluminum must be installed on the running surface;
• It is preferable to mount the wheel on the wall rather than on the floor. If the exercise machine stands at the bottom of the cage, then while one chinchilla is jogging, the other may hit the spinning wheel and get hurt.

Alternative moving toys

Naturally, wheels are not the only toy for physical leisure. There are other variations of objects that encourage running.

Treadmills

A treadmill or treadmill is an option for animals that do not fit inside the wheel. The design of this toy is similar to a wheel, however, it lies on a horizontal plane.

They are attached stably, at a slight angle, so that it is realistic to run along the surface of the circle. It is possible to find models made of plastic or aluminum.

Hanging toys

Hanging toys are a great option for leisure time! You can’t go wrong with them, because you don’t need to select the size relative to the animal. That’s why you can even buy them in an online store.

There are different variations - all kinds of balls, marbles, ladders. The only drawback of such entertainment is excessive noise. Noisy items are removed at night.

walking ball

Such a toy is classified as an extreme device. It is a hollow sphere, often made of plastic. The pet is placed inside, and the rodent can safely “roll” around the house.

These toys are not used in everyday life due to problematic air circulation from outside to inside. The pet is not left inside for a long time so as not to cause suffocation.

How to make a showcase from an old cabinet

The main requirement for a chinchilla cage is floor space. There should be 0.4 square meters per animal. m, that is, 1 m x 0.4 m. The length and width of the cell in this case are not a dogma - the dimensions can be changed proportionally. For larger numbers of animals, the cage area is increased accordingly.

An old closet is convenient because it requires a minimum of labor when converting it into a house for chinchillas. But it is also dangerous, since cabinets are usually made of particle boards. If an animal tries chipboard on a tooth, it may become poisoned.

The doors are removed from the cabinet and the inside is converted for animals. If there are shelves, they are partially cut out so that the chinchillas can move freely from bottom to top and back. If shelves were not provided in the closet, freedom of creativity appears. Shelves for chinchillas can be placed according to your taste

​Important! Shelves should be made of natural wood. If it is inconvenient to gnaw on the smooth side walls, then the chinchilla will definitely try the horizontally located ones. A hole is cut in the top of the cabinet for air circulation

The hole is covered with a metal mesh.

Instead of cabinet doors, wooden frames covered with metal mesh are made. You can simplify your work and make frames from “original” doors by cutting holes in them along the entire length. You only need to leave stripes around the perimeter of the door about 10 cm wide. Ideally, if the cabinet had lower drawers. Then the floor in the main part of the display case is removed and replaced with a mesh. A tray for litter, feed and garbage is placed under the mesh. In this case, you won’t have to open the entire display case to clean out the chinchilla’s cage. If desired, the side walls of the display case can also be made mesh.

Clothing, leashes and harnesses for chinchillas

The accessories for chinchillas presented in stores today are so diverse that they confuse breeders. The most controversial product is the leash with harness. It is strictly forbidden to walk chinchillas on the street. And there are several reasons for this:

• Chinchilla fur is easily damaged by any harness or collar,
• Chinchillas don't walk - they move by jumping. A collar can break your spine, a harness can break your ribs,
• There are quite a lot of dangerous bacteria, microbes, fungi,
• A sudden change of environment, new smells and sounds, bright light - all this will lead to very strong stress and can provoke a heart attack.
• A chinchilla is usually walked at home, but for home walks a harness and leash are not needed.
• In the same way, leashes and harnesses are not needed for exhibitions - the animal is placed from the carrier into the exhibition box.

Products for chinchillas include a variety of clothes: vests, jackets, shorts, overalls and dresses. There is no need to talk about the actual use of such accessories: you cannot leave an animal in clothes in a cage - in a few minutes the pet will chew everything it can reach and also get poisoned by the dyed fabric. At exhibitions, animals also do not need additional decorations. The downside is that the chinchilla is a freedom-loving animal, and it can be very difficult to persuade the animal to wear clothing that restricts movement.

Plastic wheels

Such products have many positive aspects:

• animals do not chew them;
• the simulator is small in size;
• they are very easy to wash and disinfect;
• These wheels are cheap. Exercise machines for baby chinchillas can cost even less than 500 rubles, but prices for products for adults are also affordable.

Commercially available plastic wheels can be of two types - finely knurled and parallel crossbars. When choosing the latter, it is worth considering that they may be unsafe for animals. A chinchilla can seriously injure its paw if it steps between the bars.

Making a spinning wheel for a rodent with your own hands

If you are an avid chinchilla lover, and all the running wheels available for sale do not suit you, then we suggest that you make your own sports equipment. So you can calculate the necessary dimensions yourself, suitable for the size of your pet, and select the material. The easiest way to make a wheel is from wood, as this is the most affordable and easy-to-handle material.

Video - DIY wheel for chinchillas

Tools required for work:

• plywood sheet;
• compass, ruler;
• screws;
• bolts;
• jigsaw for cutting a circle;
• planks 1-2 centimeters wide and up to 17 centimeters long;
• drill.

Step-by-step instructions for making a plywood wheel

Step one. We cut a hole in the center of the plywood sheet using a jigsaw. This will be the center of the future wheel. Using a compass, we measure the required wheel diameter from the resulting hole. Chinchillas are larger than hamsters, so a standard wheel will not work for us. The minimum wheel diameter should be 32-34 centimeters, width - 15-17 centimeters.

The hole can be made after cutting out the circle

The animal should fit comfortably inside the wheel and move its paws freely, and the body should be in the lower part of the structure while running. In a wheel that is too small, the animal will “scroll”, stumble, and the back will bend too much, which can lead to health problems - dislocated limbs, spinal injuries. After you measure the circle, you need to cut it out with a jigsaw.

Step two. In the same way, cut out a ring of the same diameter - using a compass and ruler. The plywood circle and the ring must be made of the same material.

Step three. Now let's start making the running ring itself. To do this, we connect the ring and the plywood circle together with planks on which the animal will step with its paws. We attach the planks using self-tapping screws to the outside of the circle and ring. So, firstly, the structure will be much stronger, and secondly, the animal will not be able to get hurt on uneven protrusions.

Step four. Next, we construct the rotation unit and the fastening itself. We thread a 15-centimeter bolt with a diameter suitable for the hole we cut into the wheel so that its main part is on the outside of the wheel. We secure it with metal washers. We put a rubber bearing on the outside of the bolt so that the wheel slides smoothly and does not touch the cage wall while moving.

Step five. We fasten the bearing with self-tapping screws to a wooden plank, which will serve as a holder. To prevent the structure from tipping over, it is better to secure it to the wall of the cage. If this is not possible, then the board on which the wheel will be installed must be at least 15 centimeters wide, otherwise the animal will easily turn the wheel over.

Finished wheel

In a clean, voluminous wooden wheel, the animals feel comfortable and safe. And if they get tired of running, they entertain themselves by gnawing on fragrant wood. Subsequently, you can easily replace the rim with a new one, for example a metal one, while maintaining the frame of the previous design.

Running wheel made from a saucepan

A chinchilla trainer can be made from household utensils, for example, an aluminum pan. It is necessary to choose kitchen utensils of the right size. And since the height of the pan is too large, approximately half of the height will need to be cut down (the width of the future wheel should be 15-17 centimeters), and the edges should be sharpened with sandpaper so that the animal does not subsequently get hurt on the edges.

A useful simulator can be made from an ordinary saucepan

After this, a hole with a diameter of 0.3-0.5 centimeters is drilled in the center of the metal circle, which previously served as the bottom of the pan. A bolt is also inserted into it and the tensioner roller is placed on it. To prevent the rodent's paws from slipping on a smooth metal surface, you can install a mesh wheel inside. The toy for your chinchilla is ready.

Aluminum running wheel

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