A rabbit hutch serves as a living accommodation for your rabbit and should be built with certain factors in mind, like the size and weight of the rabbit. The hutch should not be oversized or under at least four times the size of the rabbit. For an average-sized rabbit, a 30”x36” cage should be sufficient and provide adequate comfort.
Materials
- 30”x36” piece of 0.625 by 0.625 16-gauge hardware cloth for the floor
- 30”x36” piece of 1” by 1” 14 gauge woven wire for cage top
- 18”x132” piece of 1” by 1” 14 gauge woven wire for cage sides, back and front
- 14”x15” piece of 1” by 1” 14 gauge woven wire for cage door
- 4”x10” piece of 1”x1” 14 gauge woven wire for feeder opening
- Ready-made door latch
- Cardboard box, big enough for the rabbit to hide in
- Straw to cover the cage bottom
- 15”x15” piece of carpet
- Litter box
- Organic litter
Tools
- Tin snips
- Wire cutters
- 3/8” hog rings
- Hog ring pliers
- Measuring tape
Instructions
- Construct the sides of the hutch by placing three right angles along the length of the 18”x132” woven wire; Measure 36” across the wire and fold. From that fold, measure another 30” across and fold. After measuring 36” and folding, the remainder should measure 30”.
- Fasten a hog ring to the edge of the 30” side, and then fasten it to the edge of the 36” side. Place the hog rings at 5” intervals, ensuring the edges are secured. Use hog rings at 5” intervals to secure the floor and cage top also.
- Make the door by cutting approximately 2” from either side of the 36” side, and approximately 2” from the bottom and top of the cage. Using the wire cutter, cut a 13” wide and 12” tall hole. Attach the 14”x15” woven wire to the hole with a hog ring, leaving a 1” overlap on all 4 sides.
- To make the feeder hole opening, follow the door-making guidelines, but with a 2”x8” opening instead. Use the 4”x10” woven wire as the door covering, attaching it with hog rings. Fasten your door latch.
- Prepare the hutch for your pet rabbit by adding fresh straw to the bottom of the cage, a water bottle, a litter box with organic litter and whatever else your rabbit needs to be healthy and comfortable.
- Relocate your rabbit to its new home.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask questions, do research, visit rabbit experts and experiment before starting to build your hutch. This will ensure a well-built and long-lasting home, that will be comfortable for your pet rabbit.
- Consider where the hutch will be placed once it is built to ensure shade and accessibility.