Homemade Rabbit Hutches

Building the Hutch

• Gather the materials needed to get started. This projects will require five 8-foot 2-by-4s, and two sheets of plywood, along with two rolls of hardware cloth, rolled roofing material and a hook and latch. Nails, a hammer and a saw can usually be found in the workshop. Begin by cutting four 4-foot pieces, four 2-foot pieces and two 2-foot, 3-inch pieces of 2-by-4s. The extra length will allow for a slope to the roof.

  Attach the 2-by-4s together to assemble a frame that is 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. Place the two longer side frame pieces in the front of the hutch frame. Use 2-inch framing nails to attach the frame together. Once completed, this will be a frame box, with the back slightly lower than the front and the bottom open.

  Cut the plywood, using a circular saw, to use as walls for the hutch frame. One pieces that is 4 feet wide and 2 feet high, and one 4 feet long and 2¼ feet high will close in the front and back of the frame. Two pieces 2 feet wide and 2¼ feet high, using a slope on the top edge, are required for the sides. Attach these pieces to the frame using 2-inch framing nails. Attach the hardware cloth to the bottom of the hutch frame, covering the opening. Roll the cloth across, stretching it tightly to prevent any ridges or low spots. Attach around the frame edge using hardware staples. Next attach one 4-foot wide and 2-foot sections of plywood to the top of the hutch. Nail into place.

Adding Legs and a Door

• Cut the remaining 2-by-4s into sections 4 feet long. Attach to the outside of the hutch at each of the four corners using 2-inch framing nails or 2-inch screws. Level them before nailing into place to insure the hutch will set level.

  Cut the opening for the door in the front piece of plywood using a jigsaw. The door opening can be placed to one side, or directly in the middle of the 4-foot section. Sand the edges of the opening lightly after cutting. To allow for easy access to the rabbit, cut the opening at least 1 foot wide and 1 foot tall.

  Make a square door frame using precut firing strips. The frame should overlap the door opening by at least 1 inch. Cut the firing strips to size using a circular saw. Attach the four pieces into a square shape, using finishing nails. Make a screen for the door by stretching the remaining hardware cloth over the door frame and stapling in place. Attach the hinges to the door, and measure the placing on the hutch frame. Attach using the screws provided in the hinge kit. Twist a hook-and-eye clasp into the wood door frame and hutch. This will hold the door firmly in place, when closed.

Finishing Touches

• Paint the outside of the hutch box to protect it from the elements. Choose an exterior paint to prevent peeling. Place the roofing on the top of the hutch. Rolled roofing is the easiest option. Simply roll the shingles over the roof edge and cut off excess. Rolled roofing has an adhesive backing to hold it securely to the plywood. If the hutch will be kept outside, there is no need to place anything under the hutch. For those being kept in a barn or garage, a tray made from formica should be assembled to place under the hutch. This will catch the droppings and keep the area clean. Cut a sheet of formica 4 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Attach smaller pieces to create a rim around the edge of the Formica to create a drop pan.

  Include a plastic resting pad in the hutch to allow the rabbit a place to rest its feet from the wire. These can be purchased from a local pet supply store. Plastic golf balls will give the rabbit entertainment while its owners are away.