First of all, Welcome to the club! I am sure you will get LOTS of great advice on this sight from true chin lovers.
Congrats on your new chin adventure you are about to embark upon. They are wonderful little friends.
2 of my cages do have the plastic shelves...one of which I have mostly replaced with wood as I was concerned about the chewing of the plastic based on issues I have heard on this sight. Fortunately, I have watched this very closely and have not had any problems with the chewing at this point but I do believe that is because I have provided them with so many activities between loads of toys of all shapes and sizes, hammocks, tubes, igloos, tunnels and exercise wheels.
I also change around their mansions a lot to keep them guessing and interested. They are like little kids and love to be surprised and love new things! My daughter and I even have goofy songs we sing to them when we go to bed at night and get up in the morning or to just mess with them...They sort of stare at us (who knows what they are thinking
) but they love the attention.
Again. good luck with everything..you wont regret your choice of pet friend.
PS..Good Job with the baby squirrel!