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Post by jdstarr on Nov 17, 2009 12:23:48 GMT -5
So we've decided on a cage. Martin's Cages The chinchilla Lodge and now we have to make a decision as to a drop out pan or a slide out pan. The slide out is 20 dollars more. So I figured I'd ask you all. www.martinscages.com/products/cages/chinchilla/Is it worth it? Also is having a filip top cage worth it? (my instincts tell me yes). Your opinions are appreciated. JD |
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Post by Inked Up Tara on Nov 17, 2009 12:29:15 GMT -5
I think it would be too short for an adult chinchilla. I had a martins Highrise, that is a nice cage. I prefer the Ferret nation Cages, but Martins are awesome cages as well. I had both pans, but really a slide out was easier to clean, but I put tile on the wire floor and used fleece liners. I had this cage and had them leave all the wire out, it is cheaper if you do not get the ramps and ledges anyway from them, as the wire ramps and ledges are not safe. www.martinscages.com/products/cages/ferret/The Ferret Dormitory (F-440) 36" x 30" x 36" Three levels Two ramps Two carpeted balconies Features a plastic slide-out pan with a convenient pan door for easy removal. No floor wire - easier on ferret toes! Picture shown with PVC-coated wire The plastic is really hard and I never had an issue with any chewing and neither does the person I sold the cage to. Forgot to add that I made my own shelves with KD pine. Also a flip top isnt a bad thing to have  the Highrise is the same dimensions just taller ;D |
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Post by mistywaterwoman on Nov 17, 2009 12:37:59 GMT -5
This is a constant debate..... I like the drop in pan better because then the chin can sit directly on the shavings, or liners, whichever you choose to use. It's easier on their feet BUT much more difficult for you to clean, since you would be having to lift up the whole cage to clean the pan. When you add in wooden shelves and a gi-normous wheel, that can add up to some serious poundage.  The slide out pan is a lot easier for cleaning, BUT then you are dealing with a wire bottom on your cage, and you'll have to cover a large portion of it with marble tiles or seagrass mats to give your chin a place to rest his feet. (wire bottoms are hard on their foot pads.) The flip top is definitely worth it for cleaning, anytime you have easier access you are saving yourself a lot of struggling. It also makes it easier to get a wheel or other larger accessories into the cage. Since you are getting a boy, you also want to remember that boys squat in corners to pee - if you are using a wire bottomed cage with a pull out tray, his butt is going to be higher up than the tray, and pee is going to get on your walls, carpet, the outside of the cage, etc. Better to go with the tray he can sit in. Have you considered a Ferret Nation cage? You can get a 142 (which is HUGE) for $177 at Petsmart right now, and the following 2 sites usually have good prices as well: www.ferret.comwww.kennelvets.comWith the FN142, you have to gut it and replace the pans and shelves (pans can be found at www.bassequipment.com ) BUT the 4 front doors swing wide open, making it the ultimate cage for ease of cleaning. And the replacement pans from Bass contain most of the mess as well. Check the "Our Cages" thread for ideas: chinsnfriends.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=housinginfo&action=display&thread=4237 |
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Post by mistywaterwoman on Nov 17, 2009 12:44:09 GMT -5
The Martin's Lodge is 30" x 18" x 24" and a Ferret Nation 141 is 36" x 25" x 24" Just to compare sizes. www.ferret.com/item/ferret-nation-habitat-model-141/630303/The Lodge is about the same size as the Super Pet My First Home for chinchillas, which is 30" x 18" x 29". Most of us started out with that size cage and then realized later on that bigger is better.  |
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Post by jdstarr on Nov 17, 2009 12:52:12 GMT -5
Unfortunately, Our space is slightly limited...at least the ground space....can't go much bigger then 30X20 but we can go up and up and up....right now it's a matter of cash. I'll talk it over with the fiance and see if we can go a little bigger but it might not be viable until we have a slightly bigger place for us humans to live.
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Post by lisa on Nov 17, 2009 13:21:27 GMT -5
As you're getting a kit, you wouldn't need to get him the biggest space right away. They shouldn't have wheels in their cage until at least 6 months, which gives you a bit of extra space for him to roam. You could always add an addition to the top of the cage later to give him more upward space.
Personally, I'd get the flip top and the pull out pan. I'm with Kara on the poundage and lifting the cage. Ouch!
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Post by bethany on Nov 17, 2009 13:56:22 GMT -5
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Post by jdstarr on Nov 17, 2009 19:27:58 GMT -5
Is it possible to use the slide out pan and NOT have the grate on top? Providing, of course, that the little chin is out and about playing while you (or in my poor man's case HIM) is cleaning? |
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Post by bethany on Nov 17, 2009 19:59:46 GMT -5
Yes, if you look at both the wire cages in the link I gave those are both Martins cages and they do not have the bottom floor grill.
The custom one has a wire flap that you can lift up when you want to slide the pan out. When the pan is out the flap is down and the chin can not get out the hole.
The flap and the door were requested changes, so you would have to specify that.
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