How to Build Hutches

Multiple unit hutches for rabbits require less wire per unit to construct since they share walls. Therefore, the construction cost per unit is less than the cost to construct individual units. If you plan to keep several rabbits, a multiple-unit hutch may be right for you.
This 7-foot long, 30-inch wide hutch can be subdivided into two sections for large breed rabbits, or four units for small breeds.

Things You'll Need

  • 18-inch high baby-saver wire,19 feet
  • Two-by-four board, 2 feet
  • Hammer
  • J-clips
  • J-Clip Pliers
  • 30-inch wide 1 inch x ½ inch 14-gauge wire mesh, 8 1/2 feet
  • Tape measure
  • Wire cutters
  • 30-inch wide 1 inch x 2 inch 14-gauge wire mesh, 8 1/2 feet
  • Pliers
  • 2 door latches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure a distance of 7 feet from one end of the baby-saver wire. At this spot, use the section of two-by-four lumber and a hammer to bend the wire along the 2-foot length of the board to form the first corner of the cage.

    • 2

      Measure 30 inches from the bend. Make a second corner.

    • 3

      Measure 7 feet from the last corner and make a third bend.

    • 4

      Join the two ends with J-clips to form a large rectangle (30 inches by 7 feet).

    • 5

      Place the hutch in a vertical position. Cut a 7 foot length of 1" X 1/2" mesh. Use J-clips to connect this floor piece to the four walls. Attach the flooring wire with the 1-inch side of the mesh facing the ground. The ½-inch side provides a smoother surface for your rabbit to stand on and helps prevent sore hocks.

    • 6

      Cut the remaining 1" X 1/2" mesh into an 18-by-30-inch pieces for use as sub-divider in the cage.

    • 7

      Use J-clips to attach the partition securely to the floor, front, and back of the cage. Place the partition in the middle of the cage. (Approximately 42 inches from the ends).

    • 8

      Cut a 7-foot section of 30 inch wide, 1 inch x 2 inch mesh for the top of the cage. Attach the cage top to the front, back, ends, and interior partition by using J-clips.

    • 9

      Measure the location and size of the door openings in each section of the hutch. Use wire cutters to make the openings. Leave an end of wire about ¾ inch long sticking out as you cut.

    • 10

      Use regular pliers to bend the protruding wire from the door openings over. This will protect your rabbit from scratches.

    • 11

      Make the cage doors from the 1" X 2" wire mesh remaining from the piece you cut for the top. The doors should be larger than the door openings by at least 2 inches.

    • 12

      Attach the doors to the mesh wire at least one block below the opening. This will make it sturdier.

    • 13

      Attach the door latches.