Tutorial: how to make a sandbox/digging box

Both hedgehogs and tenrecs are natural diggers and foragers. In the wild, they spend hours rummaging through soil, leaf litter, and undergrowth in search of insects and shelter. Providing a sandbox in captivity is one of the easiest and most effective ways to let them express this instinct. A well-designed sandbox encourages exercise, reduces stress, and enriches their daily environment.

This tutorial explains how to build a safe sandbox step by step, using affordable and animal-friendly materials.

Why a Sandbox?

• Natural behaviour: digging, burrowing, and foraging.
• Enrichment: mental stimulation and stress relief.
• Exercise: promotes activity, especially at night.
• Health benefits: helps keep nails naturally worn down.

Materials You’ll Need

• A sturdy container: plastic storage box, cat litter tray, or wooden box lined with safe material.
• Sand or substrate: washed children’s play sand, coconut fibre, or sterilised soil.
• Optional cover or lid with entry hole (to reduce mess and create a “burrow feel”).
• Toys or foraging items: dried leaves, paper strips, or mealworms hidden for enrichment.

Step 1: Choose the Container

Pick a box that is:

• Large enough: at least 30 × 40 cm for a single hedgehog, larger for tenrecs or multiple animals.
• Deep enough: 15–20 cm walls to hold substrate without spilling too much.
• Escape-proof: tenrecs are agile climbers; if using a shallow tray, place it inside the main enclosure.

Plastic tubs are easiest to clean, but a wooden sandbox lined with pond liner can work as well.

Step 2: Prepare the Substrate

• Use dust-free, non-toxic materials. Washed play sand is the safest choice.
• Sterilise by baking at 100–120 °C for 30 minutes or microwaving in small batches to kill parasites.
• Cool thoroughly before use.

Avoid builders’ sand, untreated soil, or anything that may contain chemicals or sharp particles.

Step 3: Fill the Sandbox

• Add a 5–10 cm layer of substrate. This is deep enough for digging without making a huge mess.
• Mix in a handful of dried leaves or shredded paper for extra texture.

If desired, hide a few mealworms, crickets, or safe treats to encourage foraging.

Step 4: Place the Sandbox

• Put the sandbox inside the enclosure or attach it as an external module with a tunnel entrance.
• Ensure it is on a flat, stable surface.
• For tenrecs, who may use it as both a dig and rest area, consider placing a hide inside.

Step 5: Maintenance

• Spot clean daily: remove feces and wet spots.
• Replace sand completely every 1–2 weeks to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wash the container with mild, unscented soap and hot water before refilling.

Safety Tips

• Never use scented or treated sands (such as reptile calcium sand).
• Monitor the animal the first few times; excessive ingestion of sand can cause digestive issues.
• If you notice sneezing or eye irritation, try a different substrate (some individuals are sensitive even to play sand).
• Always provide an alternative hide; sandboxes are enrichment, not a replacement for nesting areas.

In Summary

A sandbox is a simple but powerful enrichment tool for hedgehogs and tenrecs. With a safe container, clean sand or substrate, and a little creativity, you can mimic the digging and foraging opportunities of the wild right inside their enclosure. Regular cleaning and safe materials are key to ensuring your animals can enjoy their sandbox without health risks.