How to Build Your Own Hamster Cage

Hamsters have long been a popular pet for children and adults. Because hamsters spend so much time in their cages or pens, it is important that you choose one that is large, well maintained, safe and dry. You can buy cages in most pet stores in various sizes and shapes, but they are often costly. A less expensive alternative is to build a cage yourself using a plastic bin and wire.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic Bin with a lid; such a Rubbermaid container
• Hardware cloth (1/4-inch welded wire mesh)
• Drill
• Yard stick or ruler
• 24 #8 3/4-inch nuts and bolts
• Box knife or craft knife
• Tin snips or heavy-duty scissors
• Scotch tape
• Pen
• Drill bits (3/8" for plastic OR 1/8" and 3/8" for wood)
• Screwdriver

1. Drill several small holes in the lid of your bin. Use bits small enough so that the hamster can not poke his head through, even if you have a dwarf hamster. This method is recommended for temporary use only, as hamsters like to chew and will often nibble their way out of the bin by making the holes bigger with their teeth.

2. Create a wire screened lid using the original lid that came with your bin. Examine the lid and choose the best area for cutting out a large square of plastic. Make sure you avoid cutting too close to the side so you can still close the lid tightly when you are finished.

3. Mark the area you will cut with a ruler and marker. Using your utility knife, cut into one corner on both sides and bend the corner inward. This makes it easier for you to cut around the circumference with your tin snips. Once you have the corner bent, begin cutting with the snips the rest of the way around. This should leave you with a large opening in the center of the lid.

4. Use the square of plastic you just cut out to measure the hardware cloth. Unroll it, and then place the square in the center. Measure from the edges and cut around the square one inch out on all sides.

5. Place the remainder of your original lid on a flat surface; the top of it facing up. Drill small holes around the diameter about one inch apart. Place screws in each hole and use scotch tape to hold them in place while you flip the lid over and place the hardware cloth down flat. The ends of the screws should fit through the square holes in the cloth. If some of them do not line up correctly, make a small snip between two squares and fit the screw through.

6. Add bolts to each screw and tighten them in place with your screwdriver. Do not make them too tight, as this will weaken the plastic. Cut away any excess hardware cloth.

7. Add bedding, food container and a water bottle. Now your hamster has a safe and cozy new home!

Tips & Warnings

• It's okay if your wire mesh is a little larger than necessary. Simply cut away as much excess as possible, and tape down any loose ends. Do not choose a bin that is more than one or two feet high. If your hamster is a climber, falling from a height much higher than this could result in injury.

References

• Bin cage instructions