How to Build Rabbit Cages and Hutches

How to Build Rabbit Cages and Hutches. Rabbit cages and hutches are enclosures used to house pet rabbits. A simple cage for a rabbit is typically just made from wire mesh, while a hutch usually incorporates a wooden section that is walled off to give the rabbit a secure place for sleeping and resting. Combination rabbit cages and hutches are available in many types, but you can save money making your own. It's also a decent way to welcome your new pet into the family with a homemade rabbit house.

Things Needed

• 10 planks, 2-by-4 feet, 32 inches long
• 6 planks, 2-by-4 feet, 48 inches long
• Nails
• Hammer
• 12 corner brackets
• Wire mesh
• Wire cutters
• Staple gun
• Plywood
• Saw
• 2 Hinges
• Door clasp
• Screws
• Drill

Step 1

Lay two 32-inch planks and two 48-inch planks in a rectangle, then nail them together to form a frame. Nail the corner brackets into each corner for extra strength. Repeat twice more, so you have three identical rectangular frames, 32-by-48 inches.

Step 2

Cover one of the frames in wire mesh, stretching the mesh tight and stapling it in place on the sides of the frames. Trim off any excess wire with the wire cutters.

Step 3

Place the wire-covered frame on the ground, then position the four remaining 32-inch planks on each corner, standing vertically. Make sure the corners of the frame are flush with the corners of the vertical planks, then nail them in place.

Step 4

Sit an uncovered rectangular frame on top of the four posts, aligning the corners of the frame with the corners of the posts. Nail the frame into the posts. You now have a cubic frame, with rectangular sides and square ends.

Step 5

Wrap the wire mesh around the sides and ends of the frame, securing it in place with staples so that everything, except the top, is covered in wire mesh. Trim off any excess wire with the wire cutters.

Step 6

Cut three pieces of plywood, two 24-by-36 inches, and one a 36-inch square.

Step 7

Nail the square plywood piece over a square end of the hutch cage. Nail the two other pieces onto the sides of the cage, abutting the end with the plywood square. This will make half the cage, barring the top and bottom, covered in plywood so the bunny can feel secure.

Step 8

Cut another plywood rectangular piece, 36-by-48 inches, and nail this onto the remaining frame. This will be the roof, and lid, of the rabbit hutch and cage.

Step 9

Position the roof frame on top of the cage frame, aligning all the corners, plywood side up. Screw in the hinges, with one side on the cage frame and the corresponding portion on the roof frame, creating a roof and lid for the hutch.

Step 10

Screw on the door clasp, one portion on the lid frame, the other on the cage frame, so that you can secure the lid shut when needed.

References

• Pet Place: How To Build A Rabbit Hutch
• TipDeck: How To Build A Rabbit Hutch