Would chinchillas eating paint be bad, also how would I make this mor comfortable?

http://www.petco.com/product/100114/Prevue-Pet-Jumbo-Steel-Ferret-Cage.aspx


For the cage above would it be bad if the chinchilla ate at the paint, chipped it and swallowed it


Also, is there any way to make it more comfortable, cuz steel probably isnt the most comfortable thing for a chinchilla to lay on.Would chinchillas eating paint be bad, also how would I make this mor comfortable?
Most cages like that are galvanized steel, and it's hard for the chins to chew the paint off of them. I don't know that that is the best cage for a chinchilla, but it's okay. Most people really like ferret nation cages for their chins, like this one: http://www.midwesthomes4pets.com/images/鈥?/a> That is a ferret nation, model 142. If you do a little modifying, that is a wonderful cage for a chinchilla. You can also get just half that size if you only have one, but if you have the room and the money, your chin will very much enjoy the double layer. Remove the ramps and the shelves and replace the shelves with kiln dried pine wood shelves, put hammocks at various levels so if the chin falls they will not have a large drop, hang some fleece covered chubes, a wood house or two, and your chin will be in heaven. The wood shelves are easy to clean, cheap, easily replacable if need be, safe, and also have the added bonus of being wood so the chin chews and keeps his teeth down to a healthy level.





You can also just cover the existing shelves with the kiln dried pine shelves, but sometimes that's more hassle than just inserting new shelves. The ramps are unnecessary and an accident waiting to happen should the chin get it's leg stuck in one.





Please do not ever use a harness on a chinchilla. Chinchillas ribcages are extremely delicate and one accidental yank on the harness could easily crush ribs. Also, chinchillas do not walk, they hop. A harness and leash is not conducive to a chinchilla's natural gait, nor is a ball. In case you were thinking of a run around ball, don't. Chinchillas have been known to overheat and die in those balls. They are just not safe, despite pictures depecting a chinchilla on the packaging.





With a hammock versus a house, I personally would have both. Chins like to hide, especially during the day, and the house affords them that hiding place. It's great to have hammocks as well, so they can louge around and be comfy, but the I think houses are a must.





For more ideas on how to chin proof your cage and what to add to it for fun and safey, please visit: http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com. You can view pictures, talk with other chinchilla owners and compare notes, and buy supplies as well.Would chinchillas eating paint be bad, also how would I make this mor comfortable?
Because it is made especially for pets, the paint is probably non toxic.


A small round, stuffed cat bed would be good for sleeping. Also a hide in kind of box for privacy.