Even if you’re not the handiest of people, it’s surprisingly easy to make a hedgehog cage. Depending on the design, you can probably make one with materials that you have around the house right now.
Of course, if you are handy with tools, you can also make an elaborate mansion for your little buddy. You’re only limited by your imagination!
Either way, one thing’s for sure: You’ll save a great deal of money by building your own instead of buying one. Here, we provided several plans that you can use to learn how to build a hedgehog cage, so you’re sure to make the perfect home for your pet.
Top 10 DIY Hedgehog Cage Plans
1. Beginner Cage by PetHelpful
It doesn’t get any easier than this model from PetHelpful. Take a simple storage bin with a matching lid, add some fencing, and you’re pretty much done.
This model won’t win many points for attractiveness (though you can dress it up a little during the decoration process), but it’s a great way to get started in the world of DIY cages.
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner |
| Skills Needed: | Basic crafts skills |
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2. Intermediate Cage by PetHelpful
If you want a little more difficulty, consider this model, also from PetHelpful. Instead of a plastic bin, you use a prefabricated wooden box (just be sure it’s not coated in toxic chemicals), or you can make your own.
At that point, all you have to do is decorate the insides to your liking. You can set up walls inside to give your hedgehog a delineated space to explore, while also making the whole thing more interesting from a visual standpoint.
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner |
| Skills Needed: | Basic woodworking skills |
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3. Bin Cage by Arteta
This combination cage from Arteta gives your hedgie multiple levels to explore. In the design shown, you would need to use a store-bought cage for the upper level, but that can be easily substituted for another DIY enclosure.
The tube gives your pet free rein over their enclosure, while also ensuring that they can still get exercise.
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner |
| Skills Needed: | Beginner crafts skills |
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4. DIY Detailed Hedgehog Cage by Instructables
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
| Skills Needed: | Basic DIY skills |
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This comprehensive model is designed with your hedgehog’s every need in mind. Built from a large, preferably clear storage container, this cage layout eliminates the risk of injury that wire elements can pose. Plus, it is much larger than a traditional guinea pig or rabbit cage, providing more room for your hedgehog to explore.
Remember, the comfort of your hedgehog is paramount. Maintain a constant temperature between 75°F and 85°F, as too-cold environments can be fatal for these creatures. A digital thermometer can be a valuable tool in this regard.
5. DIY Sustainable Timber Hedgehog House by Woodland Trust
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
| Skills Needed: | Basic woodworking skills |
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For hedgehog enthusiasts who also fancy woodworking, this DIY project might just be the perfect match for you. Using a large wooden wine crate and sustainable timber, you can create a cozy and eco-friendly home for your spiky little friend. This project involves crafting an entry tunnel and ventilation system, ensuring a comfortable environment for the hedgehog.
Once the construction is complete, the final and crucial step is to choose an optimal location for the house in your garden. Hedgehogs prefer quiet corners, shielded from direct sunlight and wind, with no obstructions to the entrance and ventilation pipe. The house should also be covered with leaves or garden cuttings for additional protection.
6. Recycled Materials Hedgehog House by Instructables
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
| Skills Needed: | Basic woodworking skills |
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For a fun, environmentally conscious project, consider creating a hedgehog house using recycled materials. Using items that you might already have at home, like a wooden tray, a plastic box, and two plastic flower pots, you can create a safe, warm habitat for these adorable creatures.
After the construction phase, it’s important to camouflage the house with natural materials, such as wood, hay, and leaves, to attract hedgehogs, as they tend to shy away from anything that appears unnatural. This low-budget DIY project is not only good for the environment but also a great way to spend quality time with kids.
7. DIY Cardboard Hedgehog House by Holiday Cottages
| Difficulty Level: | Medium |
| Skills Needed: | Basic crafting skills |
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Create an enticing home for hedgehogs using a cardboard or wooden box and some basic materials. This project is easy to complete and provides a great opportunity to teach kids about nature and recycling.
The process includes cutting a doorway and adding a tunnel, creating air vents, and even decorating the house to make it an appealing abode for its potential hedgehog residents. Once the house is ready, patience is key—it might take a while for the first tenants to move in, but when they do, it’ll be worth the wait!
8. Easy Hedgehog Shelter by Make Old New
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
| Skills Needed: | Basic woodworking |
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Prepare your garden for the hedgehog hibernation season with a safe, warm, and accessible shelter. Crafted with simple materials and just a handful of tools, this shelter helps protect these endearing creatures from harsh weather conditions during their long hibernation period.
By providing a secure spot in your garden, you could become a vital part of a hedgehog’s life cycle. Remember, hedgehogs are known to change nesting sites during hibernation, so don’t be surprised if your shelter becomes a temporary home for these nocturnal wanderers.
9. DIY Natural Hedgehog House by Gardeners World
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
| Skills Needed: | Basic woodworking |
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Creating a homemade hedgehog house is a brilliant way to encourage these charming garden helpers to spend more time in your garden. This project requires a wine crate, some untreated timber, and a handful of tools. The key is to make the house as cozy and natural as possible, filled with dry leaves, hay, or straw, and well-hidden in a quiet corner of your garden.
This venture not only provides a safe haven for the hedgehogs during hibernation but also adds a lovely rustic charm to your garden. If you want to further attract hedgehogs to your garden, consider other activities, such as making a hedgehog footprint tunnel.
10. Outdoor Hedgehog House by WikiHow.Pet
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
| Skills Needed: | Basic woodworking |
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Creating a comfortable home for hedgehogs is an effective way to help these adorable animals and attract them to your garden. A well-designed hedgehog house will provide a safe place for these creatures to rest, hibernate, and hide from predators. This guide takes you through an easy process using an old wooden crate or box.
Furthermore, making a hedgehog house is not only great for the animals but also an excellent opportunity to upcycle some old items, promoting environmental sustainability. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a cozy, well-ventilated space that blends into your garden environment.
Easy and Inexpensive Hedgehog Housing
All these designs are incredibly easy (and equally inexpensive) if you want to build a hedgehog cage, so you won’t have to sacrifice an entire paycheck or an entire weekend to the project.
Best of all, they’re almost infinitely customizable, so you can make yours as unique as your pet.
For more DIY projects, check out these posts:
Featured Image Credit: Best Dog Photo, Shutterstock
