Instructions for Boss Hog's Sterlite Cage

Jen Gartner was kind enough to share the instructions for Boss Hog's two level Sterlite cage with us. Thanks, Jen!

After my hedgehog's original cage broke, I created a 2-level cage for him. The lower level is a 41 quart, under-the-bed Sterilite container; the upper level is a 66 quart Sterilite container. The containers are held together with 3 sets of nuts, bolts, and washers, and are connected by an interior ramp. View blueprints, both front view and side view.

Required Materials

66 Quart Sterilite Container
41 Quart Sterilite Container (under-the-bed variety)
PVC pipe, at least 12 feet in length, 3" diameter
PVC pipe connector
Paint stirrer
Sandpaper

Required Tools

Rotary Saw (can be rented from Home Depot)
File (to eliminate any rough edges)
Hand saw (to cut PVC pipe)
Drill with 1/4" and 3/8" bit
Hairdryer (to warm plastic before cutting/drilling)
Ruler
Pencil & Permanent Marker

Steps

Note: before drilling or cutting, use hairdryer to warm the plastic so it will not crack. After drilling or cutting, use the file to smooth out any rough edges.

Upper Container
1. In the lid, measure in 2 inches from each side and draw a corresponding rectangle. Using the rotary saw, cut out this rectangle so there is a square hole in the lid. Save the cut-out portion.
2. In the bottom of the container, approximately 2 inches from the side, draw a 4"x8" hole. Using the rotary saw, cut out this rectangle.

Lower Container
1. Place the upper container on the lid of the lower container. Trace the 4x8 hole from the upper container onto the lid of the lower container. Using the rotary saw, cut out this rectangle.
2. (Optional) Place your length of PVC pipe on the side of the container and trace it. Use the rotary saw to cut out the hole.
3. Using the 3/8" bit, drill air holes along the sides of the container, and several more in the section of the lid where the upper container will not sit.

Attaching the Two Levels
1. Place the containers on top of one another. Using the 1/4" drill bit, drill three holes through the bottom of the upper container and the lid of the lower container. The holes should surround the 4x8 access hole.
2. Attach the upper container and the lower lid using nuts and bolts. Use two washers per bolt (one beneath the head of the bolt on the upper container, and one above the nut on the lid of the lower container).

The Ramp
1. Using the cut-out portion of the upper container's lid, trace a T (see diagram). Cut this out using the rotary saw.
2. Glue or tape sandpaper to the ramp to provide traction for your hedgehog. This also helps file down tiny hedgehog nails!
3. Tape or glue a paint stirrer to the underside of the ramp for additional support.

Finishing Touches
1. Slip the PVC pipe into the hole and place the connector on the end of the PVC pipe that sits inside the cage. This will prevent your 'hog from pushing the pipe out and creating an escape hole. The pipe can be used to link to another cage, a play area, or can be closed off using a plastic cup. If closed, drill some air holes in the top of the pipe, just in case.
2. Place the ramp in the interior hole.
3. If desired, attach mesh across the hole in the lid of the upper container.
4. I use the lower container as my 'hog's "burrow." I've placed bedding, his litter box, food and water bowls, snuggle shirt, and flower pot (for hiding and scratching) in the lower container. The upper container is his play area. It normally includes a tunnel, some toys, and his running wheel (not pictured). I'm planning to use the PVC pipe to connect the burrow to another Sterilite container which will include plants and some insects so my 'hog can forrage for snacks.

Instructions, Blueprints, and Photos © 2004 Jen Gartner, used by permission