How to Build a Hutch (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Building a rabbit hutch requires a lot of work. But if you are a handyman, love DIY and want to add a touch of originality to your rabbit's home, then here's how.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Preparation

Step 1. Plan the project

Standard rabbit hutches are made with wood and wire and can vary in shape and size depending on your preferences and the number of rabbits they have to house inside. There is no single way to design a rabbit hutch, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The rabbit must have enough space to sit on its hind legs and to be able to stretch out.
• The cage should be at least 4 times the size of your rabbit. Keep in mind the age of the animal and how much it still has to grow.
• Rabbit boxes are usually divided into at least two sections to provide rabbits with appropriate sleeping / resting spaces that are separated from other areas.
• If it is an outdoor cage, it should be equipped with legs that are at least 1.2m high so that rabbits are not easily within reach of any predators.

Step 2. Obtain and cut out some plywood

You will need at least 2 large pieces of plywood; sizes will vary depending on the size of the hutch you intend to build.

• For example, two pieces of plywood measuring 61x183x8-10cm may be suitable for building a cage for up to three rabbits.

  

• Unless you are ordering pieces of plywood of the exact size you specify, they will need to be cut, most likely with a chainsaw.

  

Step 3. Obtain and cut out some wire mesh

To build the cage, you need to get some good quality wire. Here are some things to consider:

• The texture used for chicken cages is not sturdy enough for a hutch, and will not be effective at keeping any predators away.

  

• Use 14 or 16 gauge galvanized wire, preferably those specific for rabbit hutches or bird cages.

  

• The dimensions of the cells that make up the mesh for the top and sides of the cage should be 3x5cm or 3x3cm, while the texture that makes up the cage floor should be denser, about 1.5x3cm, so that can support the rabbit's paws.

  

• Make sure you have a good pair of wire cutters and gloves on hand. You will also need a Dremel multi-tool or hacksaw to remove any excess wire.

  

• Wire to build your rabbit cage can be purchased from most suppliers for cages and similar products and can be purchased in whole rolls of approximately 130-250cm, or can be cut to your desired size.
• You may also want to consider purchasing a pre-assembled rabbit hutch and building the support frame only.

Step 4. Get the remaining supplements

Other supplements will be shown in the next sections, but you may already consider some of them, even if not necessary.

• The drip trays are not mandatory, but they make cleaning under the hutch much easier and more effective. Plus, they add extra protection from the bottom of the cage.
• Covering materials such as tiles, plastic, metal, etc., are an additional protection from the other components of the cage and will make the hutch last longer.

Part 2 of 4: Construction of the Cage

Step 1. Create the base frame

Once you've purchased your wire rolls, it's time to start cutting them and building the cage.

• From 2.5x5 wire, use wire cutters to cut six pieces to the lengths you need. For example, if you have decided to build a cage of 60 x120, you should cut 4 pieces of 120 and 2 pieces of 60.

  

• Also cut a piece of wire for the part of the cage floor that will be the tightest mesh. Make sure it's the same length as the longer pieces you just cut.

  

• Using C-rings, attach the two smaller pieces of wire you cut to one of the longer pieces to create the back and sides of the cage.

  

Step 2. Secure the top and bottom

Don't get carried away by starting to put everything together at once. Remember that you still need to add a divider and leave room for the drip trays.

• Take the piece of wire to build the floor, the one with the tightest mesh, and use a C-ring to attach it to the cage, but not exactly on the bottom; instead attach it a few centimeters from this, in order to leave space for the addition of the drip tray.

  

• Secure the front of the cage, again using C-rings.

  

• Drill holes in the edges of the divider and insert it into the cage, securing it with C-rings. Make sure the divider leaves enough room for your rabbit to move freely from one side of the hutch to the other.

  

• Add the top to the cage and make sure the divider is attached to it as well.

  

• Now you can add the last piece of wire on the bottom of the cage, which can be used to support the drip tray.

  

• Use the wire cutters to cut an opening in the front of the cage to slide the drip tray back and forth.

  

Step 3. Create space for the entrance

Your cage is really beautiful, but nothing can go in or out without an entrance!

• Cut an opening in the front of the cage, making sure to cover the exposed edges with plastic trim.

  

• From the wire left free, cut a piece for your door that is slightly larger than the hole you made in the cage.

  

Step 4. Add the door

Take a piece of the thread you cut and attach it using a C-ring, to properly cover the opening you created. Connect a latch so the door stays closed.

Part 3 of 4: Building the Support Frame

Step 1. Create a support frame for the cage

You've built the inside of the cage, now it's time to start stabilizing it and making it safer.

• Cut 5x10 cm pieces of wood that are slightly larger than the cage itself; remember that the cage will need to fit into the wooden frame.

  

• With hammer and nails, build the wooden frame that will wrap around the cage.

  

• Add metal L brackets to the inside corners of the frame so the cage can lean against it. This will also protect the wood from direct contact with the cage.

  

Step 2. Create the frame legs

You can build your cage as high as you want, but remember that if you decide to keep it out, you must try to raise it to at least 1.2 m from the ground, to protect the rabbits from any predators.

• Cut a 5 x 10 cm piece of wood to the length of your choice.

  

• Make sure your legs are all the same length or your cage will be wobbly.

  

• You can also use thicker pieces of wood, for example 10x10cm, if you want the legs to be stronger.

  

Step 3. Join the legs to the wooden frame

• Rotate the frame by putting it upside down.

  

• Nail the legs to the 4 corners of the bottom of the frame; make sure they are equidistant.

  

• Turn the frame over and make sure the frame is firmly seated.

  

Step 4. Insert the cage into the frame

Now you can simply lay the cage in the newly built wooden frame; you should also be able to remove it with ease.

• You can nail the cage to the inside of the frame with wooden brackets if you want it to stay firmer.

  

Step 5. Add the side parts to the frame

Now that the cage is inserted into the frame, it is necessary to add a little more protection.

• Measure the sides of the frame and cut out two pieces of plywood so that they adequately cover each side.

  

• Secure each side with nails.

  

• Do the same for the back of the cage.

  

• If you want to provide more ventilation for your rabbits, don't nail the sides, but fasten them with zippers so they can be opened and closed.

  

Step 6. Build the roof

It's almost done! Your rabbits now have almost everything, but not yet a roof over their heads.

• Measure and cut a piece of plywood that completely covers the top of the cage.

  

• Nail it firmly to the frame.

  

• Add shingles, metal or plastic roofing to the top of the roof for added protection.

  

Part 4 of 4: Adding the Final Details

Step 1. Place the hutch in a safe place

If the cage is going to be kept indoors, you probably won't need to worry, but if you decide to keep it outside, here are a few things to remember:

• Place the cage in a protected and shaded place, so as not to expose it excessively to the elements.
• Place it where you can easily see it while you are at home, so you can constantly monitor it.

Step 2. Secure the rabbit hutch

Place the cage on a flat surface to avoid any possibility of tipping.

Step 3. Prepare the rabbit cage

Your rabbit's house is almost complete; now you have to think about arranging its interior a bit.

• Place soft hay or bits of uncolored paper or toilet paper to act as bedding.

  

• Attach a water bottle to one side of the cage as a drinking trough and make sure it is always filled with fresh water.

  

• You can also add a small feeder, but you can also use a simple stainless steel or ceramic bowl.

  

• Also try to designate a separate area for the litter box. Rabbits tend to use a separate space as a "bathroom", and providing them with a specially separate place will ensure that they don't feel like they are sleeping in clutter and dirt.