How to Make a Hamster Cage

So, you've done your research and decided that a hamster is the right pet for you. The first thing you have to do, even before you go and pick out your new friend, is make sure that you have a safe place to keep him or her. Always remember that it's your responsibility to make sure that your hamster is not only happy and healthy, but safe as well. That being said, there's a very easy way you can make your own hamster cage.

Things You'll Need

• Aquarium
• Pegboard
• Few small pieces of wood
• Several bricks
• Hammer and nails
• Saw
• Small animal bedding

Instructions

1. Find a good-sized aquarium. Keep in mind that hamsters spend most of the night up and running around, so make sure you have one that's large enough. You should have only one hamster in a cage, so a 20-gallon tank will do nicely. If you plan on adding some extensive tunnel systems and nest boxes you can go larger than this, but just make sure you have a way to secure the top.

2. Cut a piece of the pegboard that's large enough to completely cover the top of the aquarium, plus an extra inch or so on each side. Take the smaller pieces of wood, and nail them to the edges of the pegboard, so that when you put the pegboard on the top, the small pieces of wood hang over the edge. Hamsters are amazing escape artists, so this step is crucial!

3. Put a layer of the bedding in the bottom of the aquarium. Make it at least an inch deep. The hamster will rearrange it to their own taste.

4. Keep the bricks to secure the top of the aquarium. It might not seem like a necessary precaution, but putting a brick or two on top of the pegboard is just one more thing you can do to make sure she can't get out. Just make sure the pegboard is new and study, not rotting enough that it won't support the weight of the bricks. Also, make sure you're leaving air holes uncovered.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use any other heavy object to secure the top of the cage.

• Use only bedding that is safe for small animals. Never use cedar.