How to Make a Hamster Maze With Wood

Hamsters make good pets for people of all ages because they are inexpensive to care for and can be entertaining to interact with. Like any other living being, hamsters need daily exercise to remain in optimal health. Most enjoy running in exercise wheels, but you can provide a slightly more challenging exercise by building a wooden maze and letting your hamster figure how to get through it.

Things You'll Need

  • Nail gun or hammer
  • Nails
  • Wooden planks, 2 inches wide
  • Ruler
  • Hand saw
  • Chicken wire
  • Large piece of cardboard
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the size and shape for your maze. Draw a diagram of the maze to help you figure out how long each piece of wood for it will need to be and how much space you will need between walls to let your hamster move and turn around comfortably when inside the maze.

    • 2

      Saw the planks to the needed lengths (or have them pre-cut at the store where you purchase them), using your diagram as a guide. When all the pieces have been cut, arrange them in the maze pattern. Leave at least two small openings in the exterior wall for the hamster's entrance and exit.

    • 3

      Nail the planks together. Drive the nails at an angle so they will be embedded inside the wood and not break through the sides, which will cause the wood to splinter.

    • 4

      Cut a piece of cardboard that is large enough to serve as the base for the maze. This will let you place the maze in any room, or even outdoors, and the hamster's paws will not get hurt.

    • 5

      Cover the top of the maze with a piece of chicken wire large enough to fit over the entire maze. This will prevent the hamster from climbing over the walls and escaping.

    • 6

      Place your hamster inside the maze. Let it explore the maze; see how long it takes to find its way to the exit. According to the Hamster Club, this maze will serve as a "brainteaser" for the hamster.