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By Callie G.

June 14th, 2025

Choosing a Hamster Enclosure

Creating a safe, comfortable, and enriching home is the most important part of caring for a hamster. Different types of enclosures each come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some are more budget-friendly, while others offer more space for enrichment and more burrow visibility. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each option to help you choose the best setup for you and your hamster!

 

*1000+ square inches of unbroken floor space is recommended, but the bare minimum is 600 square inches. Make sure to choose a properly sized enclosure*

DIY Options

Bin Cages
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Overview: Bin cages are made from clear storage bins by creating a hole in the lid and lining it with mesh to create a well-ventilated environment.

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Pros:

  • Extremely budget-friendly, bins usually range from $20–$40, and creating a lid adds around $15 (for mesh and zip ties).

 

  • Tools needed (like scissors/box cutters) are commonly found at home.

 

  • The process is simple: you cut a hole in the lid, attach the mesh with zip ties, and use the bin’s already built-in locking lid.

 

  • Aside from cost, most bin cages are transparent, allowing you to see through all sides to find where your hamster burrows, which is a really fun aspect!

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Cons: 

 

  • Finding a bin with the right floor space can be difficult. People often look at gallon size, but that only tells you how much volume the bin holds and not how much space the hamster actually has to roam around. What really matters is the base area or floor space where your hamster walks. You want at least 600 square inches.

 

  •  Many bins are too short to hold deep bedding while still fitting enrichment items such as a wheel on top.

 

  • Cutting the mesh for the lid can be a bit of a hassle.

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Wooden enclosure being constructed

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Wooden enclosure all set up!

Wooden Enclosures
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Overview: Wooden enclosures (including the lid) are made from hamster-safe woods such as spruce, aspen, and birch with no off-gassing. 

 

Pros: 

 

  • Great for DIY lovers, the size, shape, and even the color are fully customizable.

 

  • You have full control over the materials, ensuring everything used is safe for your hamster.

 

  • They can be designed to blend nicely with your home.

 

Cons: 

 

  • Requires time and effort to research and source safe materials.

 

  • More expensive than plastic bin cages.

 

  • Often assembled with nails and a clear front panel (glass or plexiglass), which can be hard to find and work with.

 

  • The wood must be the proper thickness, usually at least ½ inch to ensure durability.

 

  • Some people like to add wheels for easier transport, adding extra steps to the DIY process.

Premade/Purchased Options

IKEA Hacks
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Overview: Ikea enclosures aren’t originally designed for hamsters, but some, like the Ikea PAX or PLATSA wardrobe (turned on its side) can be repurposed into spacious, beautiful hamster homes. With a few simple modifications (like removing shelving and creating a lid), they offer a great amount of space and depth.

 

Pros: 

  • Both wardrobes can provide well over 1,000 square inches of floor space depending on the model, which is plenty of room for burrowing, enrichment, and accessories.

 

  • Once modified with a clear front panel (such as plexiglass), these setups look sleek and visually appealing

 

  • A transparent front lets you watch your hamster burrow and explore, which is both fun for you and the hamster.

 

  • Made of wood and designed to hold weight, these wardrobes are durable and stable for long term use when properly assembled.

 

  • Unlike full DIY builds where you have to source wood, most of the structure is already done for you. You only need to modify a few parts, saving time and effort.

 

Cons: 

 

  • Requires some light DIY. While most of the structure is already built, you’ll still need to create a lid and or front panel.

 

  • These wardrobes generally start at $100–$200+; once you add the cost of plexiglass, lid, and other modifications, the total can exceed $200.

 

  • Heavy and not portable, the wheel-less wood frame and added materials make it hard to move, especially when filled with bedding and other necessities.

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Clear sides allow better visibility than other enclosure options

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40 gallon breeder tank setup

Aquariums​​
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Overview: Glass fish tanks or aquariums can be repurposed for hamster enclosures. At minimum, use a 40-gallon breeder tank offering about 650 sq in of floor space. A larger 75-gallon tank (about 860 sq in) is also a popular option. Both need to be fitted with a well-ventilated mesh lid.

 

Pros: 

 

  • Aquariums come fully built and prepared with solid glass walls, so minimal construction is required.

 

  • The clear glass provides a great view of your hamster and their burrowing behavior from all sides.

 

  • With glass walls, hamsters can’t easily chew out.

 

  • They are easy to clean; glass is non-porous (so it won’t absorb odors or bacteria) and easy to wipe down.

 

  • Aquariums are widely available and you can often find them secondhand for a lower price than new ones.

 

Cons: 

 

  • Can be heavy, especially when filled with bedding and accessories.

 

  • Most fish tank lids are solid, so lid modification is needed for proper ventilation.

 

  • Larger tanks (especially 75 gallons and above) can be pricey when purchased new.

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