How to Build a Habitat for a Hedgehog

How to Build a Habitat for a Hedgehog. Hedgehogs are small animals that require a fair amount of space to play in. As they do not climb well, a single-layered cage is sufficient. While you can purchase a 30-gallon aquarium for your hedgehog, you can also build a cage using a plastic container and some hardware cloth. This cage is significantly cheaper than an aquarium of equal size. Make the cage before you bring your hedgehog home.

Things Needed

• 56-quart storage container
• Soldering iron
• Measuring tape
• Heavy gloves
• Tin snips
• Hardware cloth
• Pliers
• Twist ties

Step 1

Plug in the soldering iron and allow it to heat.

Step 2

Burn at least two roles of holes into each side of a 56-quart plastic storage container, with 2 inches between each hole. The more holes you drill in, the more air circulation gets into the cage.

Step 3

Measure the top of the cage, determining the width and the length, and add 1 inch to both of these dimensions.

Step 4

Put on a pair of heavy gloves, as hardware cloth has sharp edges.

Step 5

Cut a rectangle of hardware cloth that is equal to the measurements you found in Step 1.

Step 6

Fold down the edges of the hardware cloth by 1/2 inch on each side using a pair of pliers to help crimp the edges flat.

Step 7

Burn two holes close to the top edge of each side of the cage. At this point, the cage is ready for bedding and other accessories.

Step 8

Lay the hardware cloth over the top of the cage.

Step 9

Secure the hardware cloth to the top of the cage with twist ties threaded through the holes in the top edge and the holes in the hardware cloth.

References

• Michigan Hedgehog Owners Group: Ideas for Hedgehog Housing and Accessories
• Michigan Hedgehog Owners Group: Housing Made from One Plastic Container