Things to know about your pet chinchilla
Disclaimer - The following information is provided by the site owner as the practical  application of chinchilla husbandry as I have learned it, in theory and practice.  There is no warranty or liability for the contents of these pages.  It is my opinion and is merely offered as a suggestion or possible solution. All information is solely that of the site owner and no ammends will be made.
Enrichment and exercise
It is a common belief among chinchilla ranchers and commercial breeders that chinchillas do not need a great deal of exercise.  The cages often used in these faculities are often single levels, few if any ledges or perches. They do not feel that chinchillas need that much excercise.
  Pet owner and hobby breeders have another take on that. We all want lovely spacious homes, and feel are pets deserve that too.  I agree that a pet with more space to play and romp will live a happier longer life.  More exercise also helps relieve stress in most creatures.  So the rule of thumb for pet chins is to give thechin as much cage room as you reasonably can.
They really enjoy varied levels and ramps, shelves to hop up on and plenty of space to cut loose.  While this is great for the chin it can also encourage the animals to make more noise, as far a rattling the cage.  Use you own best judgement and how the chins space will fit your life.  This is just another facit that must be considered before getting a chinchilla. See basic equipment list
  Some folks feel a chin must have time out of the cage to run.  Again this is a preference and you must decide what will work for you and your home situation. (see chin proofing)_
To Wheel or NOT to Wheel?  Some chin enjoy wheels and some dont care to use them... some will run around very well in a "hamster ball", other will just sit there.  Do not expect the chin to enjoy either item just because you invested your money in it.  One other thing you must know is that these MUST be a minimum of 15-16" diameter.  The standard ball is NOT suitable for chins, and you will have to find one that is the XXL size and that locks tightly.  When you first put a chin in the ball, you may want to just play with them, letting them go in and out, feed a treat and let them go back home... once they are familiar with it, then put them in for a few minutes and let them out.  Gradually increase the time in the ball but NEVER more then 15-20 minutes at one time.  NEVER leave them unattended in the ball... and watch that they dont park on a heater vent, or roll down a stairs... or that a child or pet tries to push them around in the ball.  Exercise wheels must be in this same size range, and have a safe running surface that is NOT slotted or mesh hardware cloth.... but a surface the will NOT catch feet or toes.  Chins have a habit of running on the wheel, then quickly jumping of and sprinting about the cage... I have seen them injury toes on a wheel that is not properly made.

Some ways to enrich your pets life besides just feeding treats are always helpful.  Here are just a few ideas. 
* Take paper core rolls (like the center of toilet paper/paper towels, and stuff this full of hay and/or hay cubes.
* Give your chin a rose...a thornless one.   This is a safe edible item that they may eat or simply shred.
* On some piece of safe wood dab some scent to stimulate the chins senses. Pure vanilla is good, essential oil of rose, hazel nut oil or natural berry scents. Rub wood with a slice of apple or pear- let dry. 
* Take plain unsweetened grape Koolaid and mix it up strong, soak previous chew wood toys and then let dry. This adds scent and a tang to the wood and revives there interest in the toy.  These and the previous tip can also be used on the small wooden (pine) ice cream spoons sold in craft stores.
* Give them tissue paper or paper towels to shred.
 * Make tight bundles of hay to hang in the cage with another little treat or surprise inside. Use natural (garden type) twine, somethng they can safely chew and shred.  Or use natural grape vines in place of the twine.