Hamsters can run up to five and a half miles per night. Digging burrows or climbing is their favorite kind of exercise. It is crucial for a hamster to be active all the way through.
This is why hamsters need a spacious place to live in. Larger cages make up for their needs. It is even better to connect several cages via tunnels so that your pet can continue its natural activities to remain healthy.
Though there are hundreds of cages available out there, most of them are costly. You can make a DIY cage at your home but do you know how to make Hamster cage? If you don’t, take a look at our easy guide to take you through the steps of making a Hamster cage.
What to Consider While Making Hamster Cage?
You need to consider a bunch of things before you start making a cage for your pet Hamster. They are crucial because if you do it wrong, your little pet can suffer later.
Size and Type of the Cage
Hamsters need a lot of room, especially at night. As nocturnal animals, they will require a moderately large cage where they can roam around. Though they produce less urine than other rodents which helps them to be in a smaller space, you need to consider the space for them.
In most cases, a 24 inch by 12-inch space is enough for one Hamster with a height of 24 inches. The cage you will be making should keep your Hamster from hazards and secure.
It is better to build plastic cages than metal as metal can be too harsh for Hamsters while running. Wooden cages are never a good choice for these little pets.
Even if you build a cage with stainless steel bars or mesh sides, it should have a raised lid to it so that you can easily change the bedding material when needed. To place the bedding material and keep it in place, the cage floor should be solid.
Though Hamsters produce a small quantity of urine, proper floor and bedding material will help absorb that urine and keep the cage risk-free for your pet.
Bedding Material
No matter what you provide as bedding material, it should be deep enough so that your Hamster can dig it. It will better to provide a litter area for Hamsters that is deep enough to allow them to burrow.
You can use coarse sand as it is a natural substrate but is difficult to handle. Peat can also be a choice but it will discolor the pet’s coat. You can also use dust-free wood shavings or granulated corn-cob.
Nesting Material
You should also provide your Hamsters with proper nesting material. Using good quality hay or wood wool can be suitable. Even shredded paper or cardboard will work.
But keep in mind, you shouldn’t be providing any nesting material that can separate into thin strands like cotton wool or similar bedding products. It will create a serious threat to the health of your Hamsters.
Types of Hamster Cages
You can build different types of cages for your Hamsters. But not all pets need the same type and all owners have the same budget. Depending on the need of your pet and your budget, you can choose from a variety of types that are commonly used. Here are some of them for you to take a look at.
Wire Cages
Wire cages are mostly inexpensive. You can simply make the base of the cage with plastic or other durable material except for wood. Sidewalls of the cage should be made of thick wire.
The top can also be made of wire but you need to place a protective cover on the top. If you make the base removable, it will make cleaning the base a breeze.
Wire cages are also great for ventilation. It will make a great entertainment if you Hamster likes to climb. But be careful to not make the width of the wires very large as your pet can slip through.
Glass Tanks
Glass tanks can be used as Hamster cages. Though building them at home is quite difficult, you can use an old aquarium as an enclosure for your pet. But the top of the tank should be covered with a mesh lid so that the ventilation is right.
In the case of glass thanks, people often think that there won’t be enough air circulation. But it isn’t crucial either. As desert animals, Hamsters pee a lot less than other small pets. So, the chance of toxic fumes being produced is less in this case.
Plastic Cages
This might be the most convenient type to build at your home. If you have a plastic storage basket, you can modify it to make a cage. This type of cage needs a mesh lid too as there isn’t enough ventilation area. But you can make wired or mesh windows by cutting the plastic in places.
Travel Cages
Travel cages aren’t much different than other types but they are smaller for easy carrying. Metal cages won’t be a good choice as they can hurt your pet while traveling. Glass cages are also risky as they can break easily. Making a travel cage with plastic can be a good choice.
Tools You’ll Need to Make Hamster Cage
Depending on the type of cage you are making, you will require different tools. But we will try to give you an idea of a set of essential tools that will come in handy while making Hamster cages.
- Small nails and hammer
- Hot glue gun
- Craft knife
- Wire mesh
- Plastic nets
- Spray paint
- Staple gun
- Screws
- Saw
- Drill
- Cable Ties
- Duct tape
- Soldering iron
- Metal ruler
Organize everything before you start making a cage. Depending on the type of cage, you might need to make some adjustments.
Closure
Buying a Hamster cage can be fancy but why would you spend a lot of bucks when you know how to make a Hamster cage? As now you know what to consider, give it a try, do some experiments, and build a cage on your own. If you succeed, it will not only make a great place to live for your pet but also a great enjoyment for yourself.
Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful articles,John's hamster blog has become a go-to resource for hamster lovers everywhere. Her ability to blend knowledge, creativity, and a touch of humor has earned her a loyal following of readers who eagerly anticipate her next post.
John's love for hamsters began in her childhood when she received her first pet hamster, Whiskers. Ever since that fateful day, her fascination with these tiny furballs has grown into a full-fledged obsession. She spends countless hours researching, experimenting, and observing hamster behavior to ensure that her writing is always backed by solid knowledge and firsthand experiences.
Through her blog,John strives to educate fellow hamster owners on the importance of providing proper care and a nurturing environment for these small creatures. She covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right hamster species and setting up the perfect habitat to nutrition, health, and behavior training. Her tips and tricks are practical and easy to follow, ensuring that every hamster owner can give their pet the love and care it deserves.
John's writing not only caters to hamster enthusiasts but also serves as a valuable resource for those considering bringing a hamster into their lives. Her articles provide an in-depth understanding of the responsibilities and Joys of hamster ownership, helping prospective owners make informed decisions.
WhenJohn isn't busy writing or tending to her furry companions, she can often be found volunteering at local animal shelters and hamster rescue organizations. She firmly believes in the power of community and hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of as many hamsters as possible.
John's dedication to the well-being of hamsters and her ability to communicate her knowledge with passion and clarity have made her a respected authority in the hamster community. Her blog continues to inspire and educate, creating a stronger bond between humans and their adorable hamster friends.
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