There are three things you need to give your chinchilla to make them feel happy and comfortable in your home. Healthy food and a safe place to rest are the most essential, but you shouldn’t forget about giving them toys to play with! Chinchillas are very curious and active pets, and will greatly appreciate anything that keeps them entertained.
If you’ve ever wanted to build your own custom chinchilla toys, then this list of DIY chinchilla toys you can build today is right up your alley. With options for every DIY skill level, you’re sure to find something that’s fun for you to build, and fun for your chinchilla to play with.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make chinchilla toys!
The 10 DIY Chinchilla Toys
1. Natural DIY Wood Chinchilla Chew Toy Plans by Let’s Love Chinchillas

Sticks and chew toys are one of the biggest recurring costs that chinchilla owners can expect. If you’ve ever wondered how to process your own wood to make chinchilla chew sticks, this plan from Let’s Love Chinchillas has your answers! It’s a little bit time-consuming, but not difficult to do at all.
- Sticks from woods safe for your chinchilla to eat
- Herbs (optional)
- Filtered water
- Large pot
- Stove
- Baking sheet
2. Easy Wooden DIY Chinchilla Ledge Plans by Pet Helpful

Chinchillas are huge fans of climbing and perching on ledges. So why not make them a special ledge for their cage with these DIY plans from Pet Helpful? As long as you have a drill, everything else is available with a quick trip to the hardware store, and making the ledge itself is fast and easy.
- (1) 6” piece of 1″x 5″ kiln dried pine
- (2) Hanger bolt
- (2) Wing nut and (2) fender washer (sized to hanger bolt)
- Drill
- Tapered drill bit
- (2) Hex nuts
- (2) Wrenches (sized to hex nuts)
- Socket (sized to hex nuts) and socket driver
- Electric sander or sandpaper
3. DIY Hanging Chinchilla Bed Plans by Guinea Pig Cages

This adorable hanging bed from the forums at Guinea Pig Cages is perfectly sized and shaped for a chinchilla. You’ll need a small amount of sewing skills, but no specialized equipment – making it an easy DIY project that you can tackle today.
- Fabric of choice
- Stuffing
- Velcro (optional)
- Sewing machine (optional)
- Sewing needle
- Thread
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Marker
4. Hanging Wood DIY Chinchilla Toys Plans by LY Chinchillas

Every chinchilla loves having wood to chew on. Why not turn this love for trees into a fun toy to play with? These super simple plans from LY Chinchillas give you plenty of room to customize your toys to suit your chinchilla’s size and personality.
- Chinchilla safe wood and chews, 6” or less
- Hook
- Drill
- Thin drill bit
- Durable, but pliable metal wire
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
5. Cardboard Cottage DIY Chinchilla Toy Inspiration by Cats & Rabbits & More

Rabbits and chinchillas have an awful lot in common, including their love of chewing cardboard boxes and climbing in makeshift houses. This is the easiest plan on our list that even a beginner DIYer will know how to make. This DIY cottage from Cats & Rabbits & More is a perfect way to upcycle all those Amazon boxes you have lying around your house.
- Cardboard boxes
- Scrap cardboard for ramps and platforms
- Carpet scraps (if desired)
- Scissors
- Box cutter or X-acto knife
- Non-toxic glue (if attaching carpet)
6. Bendy Bridge DIY Chinchilla Toy Plans by Hammy Time

Hammy Time has generously contributed this DIY plan for a bendy bridge using common household objects! Start saving your toilet paper tubes now, because these easy plans take no time at all once you have about a dozen of the cardboard inserts.
- Cardboard toilet paper tubes or paper towel tubes (about 13)
- Scissors
- Pliers
- Pencil
- Scrap wood
- Hammer
- Nail
- Marker
- 14-gauge wire
- Wire cutters
7. DIY Chinchilla Playhouse Plans by Pet DIYs

Originally designed for ferrets, these simple DIY houses are a perfect match for chinchillas as well. You can find a basic outline at Pet DIYs, but be prepared to do some of your own customizations to finish it!
- Chinchilla safe wood (for example, kiln dried pine)
- PVC pipe and connectors
- Sisal string
- Scrap wood or dowels
- Eye hooks
- Desired accessories
- Wood screws
- Non-toxic glue
- Drill and drill bits
- Saw (electric recommended)
- Pencil
- Tape measure
8. Ten Toilet Paper Tube DIY Chinchilla Toy Plans by Erins Animals

This plan includes not just one more chinchilla toy, but 10! Each of these super simple toys from Erins Animals uses not much more than extra toilet paper tubes and string, as well as common crafting tools.
- Cardboard toilet paper tubes
- Sisal string
- Treats
- Scissors
- Pencil
9. DIY PVC Pipe Tube Nest for Chinchilla by Pet DIYs

Chinchillas love to explore and play, so creating a DIY-ed PVC pipe tube nest is the perfect way to give them hours of entertainment. With the right supplies and tools, you can put together an elaborate playground for your pet chinchilla in no time. Start by making paper pulp out of old cardboard and finish with a cozy new chill spot for your little friend.
- PVC pipes (various diameters)
- PVC pipe caps
- PVC pipe connectors (T-joints, elbow joints, etc.)
- Sandpaper
- Spray paint (optional)
- Zip ties or metal brackets for mounting
- Tape measure
- Hacksaw or PVC pipe cutter
- Drill with a hole saw attachment (optional)
10. DIY Cardboard Ball by Guinea Pig Care Center

This easy-to-make DIY ball for chinchillas, guinea pigs, and other small pets can provide hours of fun and entertainment for your pet. Start by cutting out three equal-sized circles out of cardboard. Cut slits into one of them, then slide the other two circles into the slits, and you have a ball. Not only is this craft project entertaining for your pet, but it’s also environmentally friendly and cost effective. Enjoy!
- Cardboard
- Scissors
Final Thoughts
With plenty of ideas for DIY toys, you’re now ready to make your chinchilla’s days even more fun and exciting. Thanks for reading through our list of great toys you can make for your chinchilla today – we hope you found something that makes you and your chin happy as can be!
For more DIY projects check out these posts:
Featured Image Credit: tahanadakila from Pixabay
Contents
- The 10 DIY Chinchilla Toys
- 1. Natural DIY Wood Chinchilla Chew Toy Plans by Let’s Love Chinchillas
- 2. Easy Wooden DIY Chinchilla Ledge Plans by Pet Helpful
- 3. DIY Hanging Chinchilla Bed Plans by Guinea Pig Cages
- 4. Hanging Wood DIY Chinchilla Toys Plans by LY Chinchillas
- 5. Cardboard Cottage DIY Chinchilla Toy Inspiration by Cats & Rabbits & More
- 6. Bendy Bridge DIY Chinchilla Toy Plans by Hammy Time
- 7. DIY Chinchilla Playhouse Plans by Pet DIYs
- 8. Ten Toilet Paper Tube DIY Chinchilla Toy Plans by Erins Animals
- 9. DIY PVC Pipe Tube Nest for Chinchilla by Pet DIYs
- 10. DIY Cardboard Ball by Guinea Pig Care Center
- Final Thoughts