Covering chinchillas cage.

Question
Hello, its me again.
Thank you for helping me out on my question.

I've got another one for you.

I was wondering or not if it would be a good idea to but a thin black sheet over the cage of my chinchilla?
I've left a little under a foot un-covered, for him to look out and for some air circulation.

Would this be a good and healthy plan for him? I thought maybe it would make it easier for him to fall asleep.

What do you think?
Adriana

Answer
Hi there Adriana,

It is always nice to see when people come back with more questions! Thanks :)

I can't say that in the middle of summer putting a black sun-attracting sheet over him would be safe. Chinchillas need a good cage where air can circulate easily. Also, your chinchilla will just be curious and pull the sheet into his cage to chew it. This wouldn't be good for him neither ;)

Do you have an airconditioned room for him? (Fans do not really work as they cause too much of an unstable temperature and can be drafty for him.)

Chinchillas cannot sweat because of the thick, dense coat therefore heatstroke occurs very quickly/easily. This can prove fatal.

As chinchillas are nocturnal creatures I am sure that they have no problem with sleeping during the daytime where there is light.

How long have you had your chinchilla? I would say your chinchilla just needs time. He will just sleep whenever he needs it most. Try to keep him in a quiet and cool airconditioned room and he should have NO problem with sleeping.

I hope this helped you Adriana!

Mae.