Quality Cage Crafters: What Happened & What We Recommend Instead
A trusted name in chinchilla supplies has gone silent. Here's what we know and where to find quality cages now.
For years, Quality Cage Crafters was a go-to recommendation in the chinchilla community. Their Chinchilla Mansion and Chin Spin wheels were staples on every care guide, including ours. Unfortunately, that's no longer a recommendation we can make.
What's Going On?
Starting in early 2024, reports began surfacing of orders going unfulfilled—sometimes for months, sometimes forever. The pattern is consistent and troubling:
- Orders placed but never shipped. Customers report paying $450-$1,000+ for cages that never arrive. One BBB complaint describes ordering in July 2024 and still having no cage by December 31st.
- Complete communication blackout. Emails go unanswered. Contact forms are ignored. Phone calls aren't returned. Multiple customers describe being "ghosted" after spending hundreds of dollars.
- Still processing payments. The website remains active and continues accepting orders and payment, despite the apparent inability to fulfill them.
- BBB rating of F. Quality Cage Crafters has failed to respond to complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau and is not BBB accredited.
The Evidence
From the BBB Scam Tracker:
"Ordered and paid for a custom small animal cage in July of 2024 for about $450. As of Dec 31st, 2024, I have not received cage and all emails have gone unanswered."
From customer reviews:
"DO NOT purchase from here. They will take your money and never fulfill your order or respond to your email or phone calls. This is a SCAM."
"I bought my cage in May 2024. It is almost the middle of September and I have yet to receive my order. Over $1k spent and they can't even respond to emails."
"Ordered a chinchilla mansion cage in February 2024. As of October 2024 it was still listed as 'unfulfilled' on their website. Emailed countless times with no response."
Some reviews mention health issues affecting the owner, which may explain the situation—but it doesn't excuse continuing to accept payments for orders that cannot be fulfilled.
What We Recommend Instead
For Cages: Critter Nation / Ferret Nation
The Critter Nation (single or double unit) and Ferret Nation cages by Midwest Homes for Pets are now the gold standard for chinchilla housing. They're:
- Readily available from major retailers (Amazon, Chewy, pet stores)
- Excellent bar spacing and solid construction
- Easy to clean with full-width double doors
- Stackable for more vertical space
- Well-supported with replacement parts available
The Double Critter Nation provides ample space for 1-2 chinchillas and can be expanded. Bar spacing is appropriate, and the design allows for easy addition of wooden ledges and accessories.
For Wheels: Chin Spin Alternatives
The Chin Spin was a Quality Cage product. Alternatives include:
- Silver Surfer wheels
- Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner (15" wheel)
- Custom metal wheels from small makers on Etsy
For Carriers
Look for all-metal carriers from:
- Bass Equipment
- Small makers on Etsy
- Local small animal rescues sometimes sell or recommend sources
If You've Been Affected
If you've paid for an order that was never fulfilled:
- File a chargeback with your credit card company immediately
- Report to the BBB at bbb.org
- Document everything—screenshots of order confirmations, emails, and website status
Our Commitment
We've updated our Care Guide to reflect these changes. We only recommend products and suppliers we trust, and we'll continue monitoring the situation.
If you're aware of other reliable suppliers for chinchilla cages, wheels, or carriers—especially Canadian sources—please let us know.