How to Build a Hamster Home

Hamsters are fun pets with very simple requirements for housing. You can buy a ready-made hamster cage at a pet store, or you can make your own using a plastic tub and wire mesh. Hamsters like to chew, so the house has to be made of a sturdy material the hamster can't eat. It should be easily accessible so that you can change the bedding and replenish the food and water.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 gallon plastic tub
  • Wire mesh with small holes
  • Water bottle
  • Bedding
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a plastic bin with about 2 inches of hamster bedding. The bin should be at least 10 gallons and tall enough for a water bottle and hamster wheel. The hamster should not be able to reach the top of the bin.

    • 2

      Cut a piece of wire mesh to fit over the top of the bin. Leave about 4 inches of extra mesh on each side. Fold the mesh over the sides of the bin and secure each corner with a twist tie. The mesh should be tight enough so that you can remove it but the hamster cannot.

    • 3

      Fill the house with toys. A food dish is helpful but not necessary because the hamster will hide its food around the bin. The water bottle should be high enough that the tip does not touch the bedding. Most pet stores sell bottles with holders that slide over the top of a bin. The hamster should have a wheel for exercise. Toys can be household items such as empty toilet paper rolls for tunnels, tissues that the hamster will tear up for bedding and small sticks from the yard for chewing.