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 You'll Need

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

Instructions

    • 1

      Plug in the soldering iron and allow it to heat.

    • 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.

    • 3

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

    • 4

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

    • 5

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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 8

      Lay the hardware cloth over the top of the cage.

    • 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.