DIY Rabbit Hutch

Building your own cage allows you to custom-design your cage to best fit your space and the needs of your rabbit. The first time you build a hutch may be difficult and time-consuming. However, the more cages you build, the easier it gets. Also, if you are planning to build numerous cages, you can usually get a better price for the materials when buying in bulk.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-by-2 inch wire mesh
  • 1/2-by-1-inch wire mesh
  • 14-gauge wire mesh
  • J-clips
  • Cage latch
  • Tape measure
  • Wire cutters
  • Pliers
  • 2 feet of 2-by-4
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Instructions

  1. Building the Cage

    • 1

      Cut an 11-foot length of 14-gauge wire mesh.

    • 2

      Measure a distance 36 inches from one end, using a tape measure. At this spot, use the 24-inch section of 2-by-4 lumber and bend the wire over it to form the first corner of the cage.

    • 3

      Measure 30 inches from the first corner and form a second corner, using the same method.

    • 4

      Measure 36 inches from the second corner and make the third and final corner.

    • 5

      Close the rectangular shape you created by joining the ends together with J-clips. Clips should be placed at the top, at the bottom, and every 2 to 3 inches in between.

    • 6

      Attach the 1/2-by-1 inch wire mesh to the sides of the cage with J-clips to form the floor. The 1-inch side of the mesh should face the ground; the 1/2-inch side provides a smoother surface for your rabbit to stand on and helps prevent sore hocks.

    • 7

      Attach the 1-by-2-inch wire mesh section to form the cage top, using J-clips.

    The Door

    • 8

      Measure the location and size of the opening you have decided on, then use wire cutters to make the opening. As you cut, leave an end of wire 3/4 inch long sticking out. The bottom edge of the door opening should be 4 inches above the floor to prevent the rabbit from falling out of the cage when the door is open.

    • 9

      Bend the protruding wire pieces from above over, using regular pliers. This process takes some time but creates a smooth finish that will not scratch your rabbit.

    • 10

      Build the cage door from the wire remaining from the piece you cut for the sides. The door should be larger than the door opening by at least 2 inches.

    • 11

      Attach the door to two mesh blocks beyond the edge of the door opening. Do not attach it to the edge of the opening.

    • 12

      Attach the door latch.