DIY Hedgehog Bins! Happy Friday!!

I spent yesterday making new bins for the hedgies. I use the 110 qt storage bins you can buy at Target. (You used to be able to buy them at Big Lots, too, but we don’t have Big Lots anymore! 😭) You can always use a bigger size, as well!

A lot of people ask me about hedgehog enclosures, and these are what I prefer due to the fact that they are super easy to clean, keep drafts out and keep warmth in. (Especially important in the winter!) I do not use the lids, UNLESS the tenant is a repeat offender escapee, but I’ve found other ways to avoid the lids, like using hidey houses that are not as tall so they can’t climb up on them. (If you need a lid, you can cut out a rectangular hole in it, & attach screen mesh in its place for air.)

I do not advise using aquariums at all, because they have poor ventilation, and can trap moisture which creates mildew and mold. They also make temperature regulation difficult. Also they’re heavy and a pain in the ass to clean.

Anyway, for a DIY bin, I use a hot glue gun without the glue sticks, and let it get realllllly hot. I probably let it heat up for 20 minutes or so, but you may not need to wait that long. I melt 3 holes in my preferred side of the bin so I can attach the water bottle on the outside of the bin with a band of elastic. (I got a roll of elastic banding in the sewing section of Walmart.)

Supplies needed: Bin/storage container, hot glue gun, Sharpie, water bottle, elastic banding.

I use the sharpie to mark where the holes will be, then I melt the holes in with the glue gun. The bottom hole is harder to see but it’s there!

I attach the elastic from the inside out. Just make sure the bottle isn’t too high (or even too low) for your hedgehog, and make sure the elastic is just snug enough to keep the bottle in place but not so tight that it squeezes water OUT!

Tie it on the outside. I usually make a knot to keep it firmly in place. Sometimes they get loose after awhile. You can cut this piece and re-tie it, or just use a new strip of elastic. Make sure it’s not so tight that it will squeeze the water out! (Yes I know I said this twice— it is a big mess!) Just snug enough to keep it in place without squeezing.

These are very simple to make, cost efficient, and easy to clean! 🧼🦔

There IS a hedgehog pic at the end… for tax! 😂🦔💖

Stella just needs some glasses 🤓