The Building of the Pog Mahal

At some point, I plan to have formal blueprints available, probably for a small fee to help with rescue efforts of the Carolina Hedgehog Society, for download on the web site.

I have to tell you that it was a major project -- but well worth it. I was "chief architect" and supervised the building, and my friend Darren, who is handy with wood and tools, did almost all the construction. I really would not undertake this unless you are good with basic carpentry, or like me, know someone who is.

The cage is built with four 2"x2" posts acting as legs and supports and five 24"x24" wooden shelves. Three are permanent parts of the structure, and two are removeable for cleaning. To make them removeable, Darren notched the posts at the appropriate height with a router and resized the shelves so they would slide in and out. All the wood is plain pine, purchased at a local home improvement store. I sanded it down VERY thoroughly and finished with a plain wood stain. I then applied several coats of clear polyurethane varnish to seal and waterproof.

The removeable shelves also have access holes cut in them for ramp access. To attach the ramps, we cut notches in the shelf and the ramp itself and threaded double-sided velcro through it so the ramps are lashed in place but are easily removeable. Same thing goes for the ramp "landing," which is permanently secured halfway up the post between the shelves -- it has notches to attach the ramps on both sides.

Another glorious invention was the idea of having an extra top shelf with NO ramp access hole. We just remove the regular shelf, slide in the extra, and don't connect the ramp. That way, we can easily and quickly convert the whole thing to a two-hedgehog cage.

The floors are lined with different materials. For the top two levels, which stay very clean, I used 24"x24" pieces of commercial carpeting. Just be sure to get the kind that does not have loops -- hedgehog nails can get hung in them very easily. The ramps are lined with the same kind of carpet, although textured contact paper would also work well. Knarla's bottom level, which is where her wheel and litter pan are, needs cleaning every other day or so. I now have this level covered with self-adhesive contact paper, which just wipes clean as needed with a wet sponge.

The wire mesh is available at any hardware store -- we bought 1/2" hardware cloth and trimmed it to fit. I spray painted mine antique brass, but I would actually use a roller next time! Much easier, and cheaper. Of course, you can leave it unpainted.

FYI, many of the cages at CavyCages.com can be modified for hedgehog use. Just remember that hedgehogs are much better climbers than guinea pigs and can escape from most cages without a lid.

Another great idea that a friend of mine came up with was to build a modified Pog Mahal from an old bookcase. She cut ramp access holes in the shelves, attached ramps, and added a door covered with hardware cloth. Her shelves are not removeable, and there's ventilation from only one side, but it is a great cage and a much easier project.