These DIY rabbit hutches are all super easy to make and some of them are created with upcycled materials like old dressers and entertainment centers. So, you won’t even be out the cost of buying a rabbit hutch – which can range anywhere from $65 to more than $300 depending on the style.
What kind of wood should I use to build a rabbit hutch?
If you want to build a rabbit hutch, use
untreated pine 2×4
‘s to make the frame since it holds up well outside, but is nontoxic to rabbits if consumed. Then, attach plywood to the top and bottom of the hutch, and staple a metal mesh onto the frame.
What supplies do I need to build a rabbit hutch?
- Wood. Most untreated wood is fine for example pine, for sheets – plywood is fairly commonly used to build outdoor rabbit housing
- Plastics. Corrugated plastic sheets (Correx) can be an easy to use building material – though they aren’t very chew proof.
- Wire Mesh
- Rabbit Safe Paint/Varnish/Stain.
Is it cruel to keep a bunny in a hutch?
In a small hutch her body fills the whole living area. She certainly can’t stretch and run freely, and there is nothing in here to keep her occupied. In reality, all she can do is sit. Rabbits need to run, jump, stretch up, dig and forage – it’s cruel to keep a rabbit alone and in a hutch.
Why are rabbit hutches off the ground?
The hutch should be raised off the ground on legs to repel predators and prevent the base becoming sodden wet The roof should be sloping to allow rain run off and covered with roofing felt to keep the hutch watertight.
What do you put in bottom of rabbit cage?
But if your cage or enclosure has a wire or plastic floor, then you’ll need to take measures to protect your bunnies’ feet. Cardboard, hay, and paper make excellent flooring for a cage or hutch. You probably already have some in your home right now. Wood bedding, marmoleum, and fleece work well, too.
Is wood bad for rabbits?
Phenols — the chemicals in wood that give them their lovely smell — are poisonous to rabbits and can lead to liver disease Types of wood high in phenols and therefore harmful to rabbits include cedar and untreated pine.
How big should a rabbit hutch be?
The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund recommends that your rabbit’s hutch be large enough for “three hops” from end to end. That means a minimum of six feet long by two feet high by two feet deep A 6ft x 2ft x 2ft hutch will allow your rabbit to hop, stand up, stretch, and move around comfortably.
What can I use for a
rabbit floor
?
- Rugs and Carpets: Ideal for Free-roaming Buns.
- Vinyl Flooring: The Best Flooring for Rabbit Cages, Pens, and Hutches.
-
Straw and
grass mats
: Functional and Chewable.
Should you cover a bunny cage at night?
In the daytime, keep the front of the hutch uncovered for ventilation purposes. It is fine to cover more of the hutch during the night but you should still leave a small area open for ventilation Add extra bedding for your bunny to snuggle into. This can be lined underneath with newspaper for increased insulation.
What do rabbits sleep on outside?
Rabbits should be protected from bad weather as well as strong sunlight or changes in temperature. This includes your rabbit’s living area and run. Outdoors, a cover, blanket or piece of old carpet or other insulation material could offer added protection on
cold nights
provided there is enough ventilation.
Do rabbits get attached to their owners?
Rabbits do appear to become attached to one person once a bond has formed The formation of this bond takes time, patience, and no small amount of work. However, an attachment requires a bit more time. New rabbits can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to form an attachment to their owners.
Can rabbits stay outside in winter?
Can rabbits live outside all year around? Yes, they can In fact, outdoor rabbits grow a thicker coat in the winter and moult to make their coat thinner in the summer. Apart from that, however, keep in mind that they do not handle extreme temperatures well.
What should rabbits sleep on?
The best bedding for rabbits can help to keep your pet healthy for longer. A rabbit’s bedding must keep them safe, comfortable, and warm. Rabbits often eat their bedding, so it cannot be toxic. Shredded paper, Aspen shreds,
specialist litter
or pellets, and hay are all safe options.
How do you insulate a rabbit hutch?
Cover the outside of the hutch with silver-backed mats to add an extra layer, and if the weather drops below zero, wrap an old blanket or duvet around the hutch Invest in a good-quality tarpaulin with eyelets that you can put right over the hutch and run and secure when it’s very cold, wet or windy.
How do you build an outdoor rabbit habitat?
- There should be a space with solid walls that is enclosed where they can “hide”
- Install duel locks on all doors to the hutch
- Locate the hutch out of direct sun
- At least some of the floor should be solid
- 32 square feet per rabbit is the minimum recommended space
- Space for digging.
Can you use treated lumber for rabbit hutch?
So, should I have my rabbit hutch pressure treated? We would recommend, yes – and there is one very big reason. You have just invested quite a bit of money on your hutch, so it makes sense to get the level of security and life span that it was designed for.
What types of wood are poisonous to rabbits?
- Cedar. Cedar is the most commonly known type of wood that is harmful to rabbits
- Pine. Like with cedar, pine is dangerous to rabbits because of the high levels of phenols it produces
- Peach trees
- Cherry trees
- Yew
- Holly
- Bamboo
- Elder trees.
Will rabbits eat PVC pipe?
Tough metal wire can withstand a rabbit’s teeth, so this material is ideal for a rabbit hutch. But rabbits can chew through most other materials, including chicken wire, plastic, vinyl, and solid wood.
What do bunnies like in their cage?
Your rabbit needs easy access to food and water, and a litter tray Rabbits need a sleeping area. The hutch should have soft flooring to protect your rabbit’s paws. Additionally, rabbit hitches must provide entertainment and space to move.
How much space does a rabbit need?
One guideline to go by is at least 8 square feet of enclosure space combined with at least at least 24 square feet of exercise space , for 1-2 rabbits, in which the rabbit(s) can run and play at least 5 hours per day.
Can bunnies have pine bedding?
The use of pine and cedar as litter for house rabbits should be avoided Other superior litters, such as recycled paper and aspen shavings are available and you should steer potential adopters and those who already have rabbits to these safer alternatives.
How much space does 2 rabbits need?
One to two medium sized rabbits will need a cage/hutch space of at least 12 square feet, combined with a run of at least 27 square feet The front of the hutch should be long enough for two rabbits to lie down end-to-end.
How much free roam do rabbits need?
Begin with short increments and slowly increase their alone time. A full, eight-hour workday is not a safe option for your kiddo’s first time home alone. Instead, start with shorter trips away. If your bunny remains well-behaved after several hour-long absences, lengthen their next several times alone to 2 or 3 hours.
Do rabbits miss their owners?
This means that yes, rabbits remember their owners If rehomed, a rabbit may be confused and disoriented by new owners for a while. As rabbits enjoy routine, a rehomed rabbit will also miss a former owner. The expressions and reactions of a previous human will be comforting.
Is it cruel to keep a rabbit outside?
Rabbits can thrive both inside and out – as long as they live in a warm, comfortable hutch, sleep in good bedding and have a cosy companion to snuggle up to.
Can you put a rabbit hutch on grass?
Positioning a hutch on grass is not essential but is the most popular option However, many people do not have access to grass and have to place the hutch on a patio or balcony which is also fine with the correct bedding. The sunlight also plays a huge factor in where you should position your garden.
Do rabbit Runs need a roof?
All runs should have a solid secure roof Remember YOU need to be able to get into the run and move around to catch rabbits, so don’t forget that! We recommend having human-sized walk in gates for easy access.
Should rabbits have wire bottom cages?
Actually, wire floors are often the best choice for keeping a rabbit clean, healthy and comfortable In fact, there are a number of clinical studies that have found that rabbits raised on wire floors may be healthier and have better growth rates.
Is it OK to put newspaper in a rabbit cage?
Newspaper. This is a good base to line the floor of the hutch or cage with However, many rabbits, especially if bored, will rip it up and the ink on newspaper can be harmful to rabbits if they ingest too much of it.
Where do you put hay in a rabbit cage?
- A Litter Box – Any safe, preferably plastic box that’s easy to clean, filled with a paper-based bedding
- Lots of Hay – You can put the hay directly on the floor, or you can get a feed hopper that holds the hay on the side of the cage.
Can bunnies chew on pine cones?
Pine cones are ideal for rabbits that love to chew , and can result in hours of fun. It is important that they be prepared and dried before giving them to rabbits in order for them to be safe for chewing.
Are apple sticks good for rabbits?
Apple sticks are widely recommended by veterinarians for promoting healthy teeth. Rabbits, Chinchillas, Guinea Pigs and other small chewing animals simply love the taste of the apple bark Hand cut, trimmed and selected for the best quality.
Why does my rabbit eat cardboard?
Probably the reason why pet rabbits love to eat cardboard is that it packs on cellulose , which is a significant component of leaves and vegetables that they eat.
How big of a pen does a rabbit need?
According to the House Rabbit Society, “one guideline to go by is at least 8 square feet of enclosure space combined with at least at least 24 square feet of exercise space, for 1-2 rabbits , in which the rabbit(s) can run and play at least 5 hours per day.” In sum, the cage should be at least five times his size when.
How often should you clean a rabbit cage?
As a general rule, clean your rabbit’s hutch or cage thoroughly at least once every two weeks 1 However, your rabbit’s cage might need deep cleaning more often, depending on the size of the cage and how well your rabbit is litter-trained.
Do rabbits need grass?
Fresh, clean drinking water and good quality hay and grass should make up the majority of your rabbits’ diet. A rabbit’s digestive system needs hay or grass to function properly so a healthy supply is extremely important. You can supplement with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets.
What is the best rabbit bedding?
We recommend a good quality soft straw as the ideal bedding for warmth and comfort, particularly for outdoor rabbits. It’s warm because the hollow strands trap warm air and it’s also absorbent. It’s important to understand the difference between hay and straw.
Is carpet good for rabbits?
Carpet squares are good for some rabbits If they chew on the carpet, you must remove it immediately or risk the rabbit getting an intestinal blockage. Solid Flooring: Wire or wire-like flooring is not comfortable for your rabbit or good for their feet.
How cold is too cold for a bunny?
Temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may be too cold even for healthy adult rabbits. Remember that the temperature inside the hutch may be warmer due to your rabbit’s body heat, so check both the environmental temperature and the ambient temperature inside the hutch.
How often should you empty a rabbit litter box?
It should last you three to four days Wood fiber pellets tend to be the most dense litter option that is safe for rabbits usually last the longest. However, if we follow the nose rule you’ll most likely still be changing the litter every three to four days as well.
How much does it cost a rabbit hutch?
Hutches typically cost more than cages but many people also make their own hutch. Expect to spend around $150-$200 on a sturdy hutch if you don’t make your own. Indoor cages vary in design quite a bit but you can expect to spend $50-$100 on a nice rabbit cage.
How do you make a homemade rabbit house?
A rabbit cage should include an area that’s elevated from the ground and offers the rabbits shelter. Lay a piece of plywood that measures 3 feet (0.91 m) by 2 feet (0.61 m) across the bottom frame on one side. Then use wood screws to secure it into place.
Citations
https://www.thesprucepets.com/free-rabbit-hutch-plans-1357137
https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-housing/why-hutch-not-enough/
https://www.instructables.com/Building-a-Sectional-Rabbit-Hutch/