How-To: Making a Training Arena

Herbert on his Flying Saucer

When training with a hamster it is important to have a place to train them outside of their cage. I'd like to call this a training arena, but most people will call it a playpen so I'll stick with that. I currently have two places to train with Herbert, a bin and a homemade playpen. You can use also use a store bought playpen or your bathtub. Here are some pros and cons of each.

A new store bought playpen will cost you somewhere around $15 though you might be able to find a cheaper used one at a garage sale, in the local classifieds, or on a website. I originally searched  for one of these, but they are hard to come by in my area and I don't want to buy a new one. I searched Craigslist which is great because you can search your local area and Ebay which is great because if you can't find it local many people will ship it to you. Store bought playpens are nice because they are chew proof. However, there's no bottom so you will probably want a cloth or tarp to go underneath in case your hamster has an accident. Also, I've heard that some hamsters learn how to climb over the walls.

A bin is an alternative playpen that's relatively cheap, about $10. You can pick one up at Target or Walmart or anywhere that sells storage bins. I'd go for something 60qt or larger. What I like about bins is that you can use them to store you hamster toys in once you are done playing. A playpen and storage unit in one! Also, you don't need a tarp because everything is enclosed and you can add bedding so your hamster can burrow while he plays. Downside, if you have a really strong chewer or you put something tall near the edges you can end up with a hamster escapee.

Herbert playing in his new playpen

A homemade playpen is basically free. I love that with homemade playpens you can make them as big and tall as you want. I made my playpen 1ft tall. Most homemade playpens are made from cardboard so you will need to be diligent about watching your hamster as it is possible that they can chew through or possibly squeeze under walls if place on certain surfaces. Also, you will probably want a cloth or tarp underneath in case your hamster has an accident just like a store bought playpen. However, if you want to sit inside the playpen to tame your hamster, not a problem, just add more walls of cardboard!

Here's a video on how to make a homemade playpen.


Video by ChocolateColors26.

Your bathtub can also be used as a great playpen and it's also free. When using your bathtub make sure it is hamster safe. Is it clean? Did you plug the drain? Are all chemicals and products safely out of your hamster's reach? You can also use a cloth to help your hamster get traction as he climbs around and a pillow if you are planning to practice taming so he has something soft to land on in case he falls or jumps from your hands.

Well, that's it for training arena ideas. Hope you can use, make, or find some of these in your area and give your hamster play time and training time outside of his cage.