Animals that live in cages love the chance to explore and play outside.While hamsters have lots of toys in their cages, they need a bigger space once in a while to explore and have fun.The world is dangerous for a hamster, so building him a playpen where he can explore in safety is a great idea.
Step 1: Use something slippery to build the playpen's walls.
A playpen shouldn't be made of materials that a hamster can chew on, because it needs to be a safe place for your hamster to explore.Corrugated plastic is slippery and can easily be cut to any size you need.A large Rubbermaid container with tall sides is a great option.You can attach pieces of plastic together.Plastic is easy to clean and won't stain.If you decide to use a Rubbermaid-type container for a playpen, never put the lid on it if you don't want your hamster to get sick.
Step 2: Do you want to build a playpen with a bottom?
Your hamster's playpen can either have walls or a bottom.If you can place the playpen on a tile or wood floor, you may not need a bottom as the floor is easy to clean.You might want to include a bottom if you are going to put the playpen on the carpet.The playpen will be easier to pick up and move if it is a bottom.If you build a playpen with no floor or bottom, each item would have to be moved separately.
Step 3: Determine the size of the playpen.
The playpen should be bigger than the cage.It needs to fit in your home on the floor.You will have to store your hamster's playpen when he isn't using it.If you want the playpen to be large, take all of these things into account.If it works for you and your hamster, it doesn't matter how big or small it is.
Step 4: There are large boxes that can be used as a playpen.
If you want to give your hamster a place to explore, but you don't have enough time to build a permanent playpen, use a large box for the time being.A box with a large item in it would work best.Your hamster will chew through a box eventually, so it won't be a permanent playpen.If your hamster pees in the box, you won't be able to clean it up.Put a large plastic bag under the box to help protect the floor.
Step 5: There are empty plastic bottles to build a hamster maze.
A hamster maze can be used inside your hamster's playpen, cage or on its own.There are many commercially available hamster maze pieces at the pet store, but you can also build your own using an empty plastic bottle.There are bottles of water, pop bottles, and juice bottles.Before you use the bottles to make a maze, make sure you wash and dry them.Depending on the design of your maze, you will need to cut either the top, bottom, or edges of the plastic bottles.Cutting the plastic can hurt your hamster.Make them safe by using duct or electrical tape around the edges.You can use the same tape to connect bottles.If you want a second bottle to be attached at a 90-degree angle, you can connect the bottles end-to-end or cut a hole in the side of one bottle.
Step 6: The playpen should have multiple levels.
Use smaller boxes, cans, tins and anything else you can find that your hamster can climb up and down on.This will allow your hamster to explore multiple levels in his playpen.Attach these items together in such a way as to make a maze for your hamster to find his way through.Make sure your playpen has at least one place where your hamster can hide.If your hamster is scared or nervous, hiding will make him feel safe.You can find homemade items in your recycling bin.Make sure to thoroughly clean any items you decide to use.Don't use tape or padding on sharp edges.
Step 7: There are play stations for your hamster to explore.
The purpose of the playpen is for your hamster to have a bigger area to run around in.Adding additional items to the playpen will give your hamster some much-needed enrichment.Put toilet paper or paper towel tubes inside the playpen for your hamster to play with.A long tunnel can be created by attaching multiple tubes together.There are old shoes.Your hamster will like climbing in and out of the shoe as a hiding place.There are bridges, see-saws, and swings.You can purchase hamster-specific versions at the pet store.Blocks of wood, mineral, or salt.The purpose of the blocks is to give your hamster something to chew on.
Step 8: There are food puzzles in the playpen.
To make a food puzzle, use boxes and toys from your hamster's playpen.If you combine multiple items together, your hamster will have to explore them to find a treat.A food treat can be built at the end of the maze.Your hamster's daily food allocation should be deducted from the food you give him inside his playpen.While your hamster is in his playpen, he may get a little pudgy if you give him extra food and treats.
Step 9: There is a wheel inside the playpen.
Even if your hamster has a wheel in his cage, placing a freestanding wheel inside his playpen will give him another view while he runs.Make sure the wheel is made from a continuous piece of material.Wheels made from wires or bars can cause your hamster to get one or both of his feet stuck, which could cause serious injury.
Step 10: Put your hamster in a toy.
Hamster balls are a great way for your hamster to explore the big world outside of his cage.You can put a hamster inside a ball with a hatch that can open and close.The smooth outside of the ball makes it easy to roll in any direction once the hatch is closed.If you don't have an area within your home that is safe for your hamster to explore in his hamster ball, consider making a large playpen.A combination of a playpen and a hamster ball will make it safer for your hamster and more convenient for you.It is best to keep your hamster in a hamster ball for 15 minutes or less.Put him back in his cage after he has finished playing with his hamster ball.
Step 11: After playing with your hamster, wash your hands.
Before you put your hamster in his playpen, wash and dry your hands.Make sure to wash your hands before touching other items if you are going to do something else while your hamster is in his playpen.Before and after handling your hamster, wash your hands.It is a good idea to wash your hands before you do anything else because hamsters can have accidents in their hands.Hamsters have a good sense of smell, but poor eyesight.They may bite you if you smell food on your hands and fingers.It is possible to avoid painful bites by washing the smell of food from your hands.
Step 12: Your hamster is in his playpen.
You should not leave your hamster alone in his playpen while you go to the bathroom or the kitchen.Your hamster needs your help if he gets stuck or escapes.If your hamster does manage to escape, it would be a good idea to close the doors to the room where you have placed the playpen.You will have less space to look for your hamster if the doors are not open.
Step 13: Provide water for your pet.
Even if your hamster is only going to be in his playpen for a short period of time, it is always a good idea to include a small water bowl just in case he gets thirsty.If you are giving him dry treats inside the playpen, this is even more important.Water bottles that hang on the side of a cage can't be used in a playpen.Your hamster can easily reach a small bowl of water.
Step 14: It's a good idea to use toilet paper or paper towel tubes with care.
If you watch him, he should be fine.If he is a Syrian hamster, you may want to avoid giving him any materials that can be used for tunneling, like toilet paper or paper towel tubes.Your hamster may get stuck inside one of the tubes if he is too small.Use your hands to help him get out of the tube if he gets stuck.Don't use sharp objects to cut the cardboard while your hamster is inside.