Build an animal enclosure

If I can't find corrugated cardboard or mesh, what can I use instead for the base, walls, and vent/viewing window?

If you can't find corrugated cardboard, use foam board, a shallow shoebox, or cereal boxes for the base and walls, and replace mesh with window screen, cut nylon stocking, or a piece of plastic mesh from a produce bag taped over the viewing window while using a yogurt cup as the water dish.

What should I do if the walls won't stay attached or I spot sharp edges after assembling the box?

If walls won't stay attached or you find gaps and sharp edges after taping or gluing the four wall pieces to the base, add folded tape or glued cardboard tabs along seams, use hot glue or stronger packing tape with adult help, and smooth sharp edges with sandpaper or cover them with folded masking tape.

How can I adapt the steps for different ages, like preschoolers, elementary kids, and teens?

For preschoolers, have an adult pre-cut the base and walls and let them arrange natural materials and decorate, elementary kids can mark, measure, and tape walls together with supervision, and teens can use a utility knife with adult help to cut precise pieces, add a hinged mesh viewing panel, and document measurements.

What are some ways to extend or personalize the enclosure after the basic build and decorating?

Enhance the project by making a removable or hinged roof, installing a taped-in mesh viewing panel, adding a battery LED to simulate day/night, securing small potted plants or glued-in perches, and creating a labeled poster that links each feature to the animal's three listed needs before sharing on DIY.org.