Food Dishes
For pellets you can use a ceramic bowl, or even a drop feeder, as long as it can not be chewed. For the hay, a rack that hangs outside of the cage works, you can use hay balls (some people do not recommend these, however, my chins have never had a problem with this, I think the trick is to hang it between two shelves so no one can jump or climb on it), or even just leaving large quantities on a shelf will work.
Houses
Another requirement is a hidey house where they can sleep and go to if they are scared. I recommend providing them with a wooden house instead of a plastic one. However, you can provide a plastic one, but if you see edges being chewed, remove it immediately as it could lead to compaction.
Bedding
Finally you need to provide a safe bedding, kiln dried pine, carefresh, kaytee soft sorbent or aspen. Spread your bedding of choice between 1/2" to 1", some people might recommend more, but I find one you put in too much bedding they just push it up into the corners and clear it out to their liking.
Toys/Misc.
Its important to provide your chinchilla plenty of toys and chews, not only for health reasons, but to keep them from becoming bored. There are many chew toys available online and at petstores. Also, hammocks, wheels(Flying Saucer, Chinspin, Leo Braun), and pumice are fun options for your chin. I do not recommend using the plastic SuperPet wheels because the wheel needs to be around 15" for a chinchilla to safely run in, and SuperPet wheels are just not big enough, plus they are plastic. |