Difference between revisions of "Build an Outdoor Rabbit Cage"
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Does your rabbit need a nice space to live in outdoors? In order to construct a rabbit cage outside you will need some basic building tools and materials and some do-it-yourself know how. With a little bit of effort and time you can make a well-constructed rabbit's cage that will help your rabbit live a happy and healthy life outside for years to come. | Does your rabbit need a nice space to live in outdoors? In order to construct a rabbit cage outside you will need some basic building tools and materials and some do-it-yourself know how. With a little bit of effort and time you can make a well-constructed rabbit's cage that will help your rabbit live a happy and healthy life outside for years to come. | ||
| − | [[Category:Housing Rabbits]] | + | [[Category: Housing Rabbits]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#*Rabbits can get heat stroke because they only sweat on the pads of their feet. | #*Rabbits can get heat stroke because they only sweat on the pads of their feet. | ||
#*The only bigger danger than heat to outdoor rabbits is cold. A heater won't work for two reasons: the rabbits will huddle to it (and are more than likely to burn themselves), and it can also start a fire. | #*The only bigger danger than heat to outdoor rabbits is cold. A heater won't work for two reasons: the rabbits will huddle to it (and are more than likely to burn themselves), and it can also start a fire. | ||
| − | #Design the cage. A basic rabbit cage, also known as a hutch, is simple a box that is raised off the ground. Standard rabbit cages are made of wood and wire, and are big enough for the rabbits to sit up on their hind legs and to stretch out.<ref>http://www.rabbithutchesadvice.com/subjects/hutch-design-basics/</ref> | + | #Design the cage. A basic rabbit cage, also known as a hutch, is simple a box that is raised off the ground. Standard rabbit cages are made of wood and wire, and are big enough for the rabbits to sit up on their hind legs and to stretch out.<ref name="rf1">http://www.rabbithutchesadvice.com/subjects/hutch-design-basics/</ref> |
#*Decide on the height, width, and depth of the box of the cage. This is a good starting point for your design. Make your enclosure at least five feet deep by six feet long and tall enough for the rabbits to not hit their fuzzy heads on the roof when they jump. If more than one rabbit inhabits the space, make it a couple feet longer. | #*Decide on the height, width, and depth of the box of the cage. This is a good starting point for your design. Make your enclosure at least five feet deep by six feet long and tall enough for the rabbits to not hit their fuzzy heads on the roof when they jump. If more than one rabbit inhabits the space, make it a couple feet longer. | ||
| − | #*Decide how far off the ground the cage should be. To keep the rabbits from predators, make sure it is at least 3 feet off the ground.<ref>http://rabbitbreeders.us/how-to-build-a-rabbit-hutch</ref> | + | #*Decide how far off the ground the cage should be. To keep the rabbits from predators, make sure it is at least 3 feet off the ground.<ref name="rf2">http://rabbitbreeders.us/how-to-build-a-rabbit-hutch</ref> |
| − | #*The cage is usually long enough to have two sections, in order for the rabbits to have a separate sleeping section.<ref>https://www.wikihow.com/index.php?title=Build-an-Outdoor-Rabbit-Cage&action=submit</ref> The sleeping section should have solid sides, so that the rabbits can snuggle inside if the temperature gets cold. | + | #*The cage is usually long enough to have two sections, in order for the rabbits to have a separate sleeping section.<ref name="rf3">https://www.wikihow.com/index.php?title=Build-an-Outdoor-Rabbit-Cage&action=submit</ref> The sleeping section should have solid sides, so that the rabbits can snuggle inside if the temperature gets cold. |
| − | #*The roof of the cage can also function as its door, with the roof attached on one side with hinges, so it can be lifted up.<ref>http://beprepared.com/blog/13635/diy-project-build-your-own-rabbit-hutch/</ref> It should not be totally flat, as a pitched roof with an overhang will keep rain out more successfully.<ref>http://www.therabbithouse.com/outdoor/rabbithutch.asp</ref> | + | #*The roof of the cage can also function as its door, with the roof attached on one side with hinges, so it can be lifted up.<ref name="rf4">http://beprepared.com/blog/13635/diy-project-build-your-own-rabbit-hutch/</ref> It should not be totally flat, as a pitched roof with an overhang will keep rain out more successfully.<ref name="rf5">http://www.therabbithouse.com/outdoor/rabbithutch.asp</ref> |
#*There is no one way to design the cage but as long as the structure is secure and the inside is big enough for the rabbits, you are on the right path. | #*There is no one way to design the cage but as long as the structure is secure and the inside is big enough for the rabbits, you are on the right path. | ||
#Gather tools. You will need a saw and a drill, in addition to a staple gun and some snips to cut wire mesh. The saw and drill will help you make the frame and the staple gun and snips will help you to attach the wire to the frame. | #Gather tools. You will need a saw and a drill, in addition to a staple gun and some snips to cut wire mesh. The saw and drill will help you make the frame and the staple gun and snips will help you to attach the wire to the frame. | ||
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#*You will also need a tight metal mesh for the bottom of your cage. While much of the floor will be covered in natural bedding material, such as hay, the floor underneath should not be solid. One reason for this is that a mesh floor allows urine to leave the cage, so your rabbit isn't sitting in it. | #*You will also need a tight metal mesh for the bottom of your cage. While much of the floor will be covered in natural bedding material, such as hay, the floor underneath should not be solid. One reason for this is that a mesh floor allows urine to leave the cage, so your rabbit isn't sitting in it. | ||
#*Materials for the roof should include plywood, roofing material, and hinges to attach the roof to the box of the cage. You will also need additional plywood to build a few solid walls on the cage. | #*Materials for the roof should include plywood, roofing material, and hinges to attach the roof to the box of the cage. You will also need additional plywood to build a few solid walls on the cage. | ||
| − | #*Alternatively, you can buy an all wire cage from a pet store and then build a frame around it. This will allow you to completely remove the wire cage from the frame in order to clean it.<ref | + | #*Alternatively, you can buy an all wire cage from a pet store and then build a frame around it. This will allow you to completely remove the wire cage from the frame in order to clean it.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Some sources even suggest using wood pallets as the wood for your cage. You will need to take the pallet apart and reuse the pieces.<ref>http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/diy-rabbit-hutch-from-wood-pallets.aspx#ixzz2UhHBq5Ac&i</ref> | + | #*Some sources even suggest using wood pallets as the wood for your cage. You will need to take the pallet apart and reuse the pieces.<ref name="rf6">http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/diy-rabbit-hutch-from-wood-pallets.aspx#ixzz2UhHBq5Ac&i</ref> |
===Constructing the Cage=== | ===Constructing the Cage=== | ||
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#Fasten the lumber of the frame together. Work in an organized fashion. You can build the box of the cage first and then attach it to the supports it will sit on afterwords. Start with the box, fastening the pieces of lumber together with screws, so that the finished box is the size you desired. | #Fasten the lumber of the frame together. Work in an organized fashion. You can build the box of the cage first and then attach it to the supports it will sit on afterwords. Start with the box, fastening the pieces of lumber together with screws, so that the finished box is the size you desired. | ||
#*Then build the supports for the box to sit on, making sure that it is tall enough and sturdy enough to keep the box, and bunnies, upright. | #*Then build the supports for the box to sit on, making sure that it is tall enough and sturdy enough to keep the box, and bunnies, upright. | ||
| − | #*Remember that you should have an area that has solid sides, so that the rabbits can get away from cold weather and have a cozy place to sleep.<ref | + | #*Remember that you should have an area that has solid sides, so that the rabbits can get away from cold weather and have a cozy place to sleep.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#Cut and attach the wire mesh. Make sure to cut the pieces of mesh so that they cover each opening in the frame you built completely. You should have four side pieces and one floor piece. Once you have cut all the pieces, grab a staple gun and start attaching the wire. | #Cut and attach the wire mesh. Make sure to cut the pieces of mesh so that they cover each opening in the frame you built completely. You should have four side pieces and one floor piece. Once you have cut all the pieces, grab a staple gun and start attaching the wire. | ||
#* Make sure the rabbits can't slip through the gaps in the staples. | #* Make sure the rabbits can't slip through the gaps in the staples. | ||
| − | #*If you decided to buy a pre-made wire cage, simply slip it into the frame that you built. Make sure that the wire cage is secure and fits correctly.<ref | + | #*If you decided to buy a pre-made wire cage, simply slip it into the frame that you built. Make sure that the wire cage is secure and fits correctly.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Cut and attach wood for solid walls. Your solid walls should be made of plywood and can be screwed directly to the framing of the cage on the outside. Your cage will need a few solid walls. The sleeping area of the hutch should have solid walls, so that your bunny can snuggle in and keep warm when the weather is cold. | #Cut and attach wood for solid walls. Your solid walls should be made of plywood and can be screwed directly to the framing of the cage on the outside. Your cage will need a few solid walls. The sleeping area of the hutch should have solid walls, so that your bunny can snuggle in and keep warm when the weather is cold. | ||
#*You should also put a solid wall between the main area of the cage and the rabbit's sleeping area. This will ensure that the sleeping area is a completely protected space. You can use plywood for this wall as well but you will need to cut an opening in it that the bunny can easily get through. | #*You should also put a solid wall between the main area of the cage and the rabbit's sleeping area. This will ensure that the sleeping area is a completely protected space. You can use plywood for this wall as well but you will need to cut an opening in it that the bunny can easily get through. | ||
| − | #Build and attach the roof. Cut your plywood to completely cover the top of the cage. Screw the hinges onto the plywood and then onto the frame.<ref>http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-build-wooden-rabbit-hutches#b</ref> Add roofing material to the top of the roof, making sure that the roof will be water tight. | + | #Build and attach the roof. Cut your plywood to completely cover the top of the cage. Screw the hinges onto the plywood and then onto the frame.<ref name="rf7">http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-build-wooden-rabbit-hutches#b</ref> Add roofing material to the top of the roof, making sure that the roof will be water tight. |
#*You may want to put a security latch on the roof. This will keep the roof from blowing up in a strong wind or predators from opening up the top of the cage and getting your rabbits. | #*You may want to put a security latch on the roof. This will keep the roof from blowing up in a strong wind or predators from opening up the top of the cage and getting your rabbits. | ||
| − | #Add bedding material, toys, and containers for food and water.<ref | + | #Add bedding material, toys, and containers for food and water.<ref name="rf1" /> You want to make the cage a cozy home for the rabbits, so it needs an abundant amount of bedding and food and water in order to settle in. Toys and other amenities are a plus that will help the rabbit thrive. |
#*Once the hutch is all set up you can place the rabbit into its new cage. | #*Once the hutch is all set up you can place the rabbit into its new cage. | ||
