How to Build a Rabbit Trough

A homemade rabbit feeder is a fun and cheap project for the do-it-yourself minded pet owner. Empty coffee cans offer an ideal size and shape for DIY gravity bin feeder troughs. Gravity bins let users load a large supply of rabbit feed into the top of the feeder that empties into an open trough at the bottom. As the rabbit consumes feed from the trough, it is replenished by excess feed inside the bin.

Things You'll Need

  • Coffee can
  • Poster board
  • Straight cutting metal snips
  • Glue or heavy-duty tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Empty and wash the coffee can to remove any excess coffee grounds.

    • 2

      Draw a straight line on the outside of the coffee can from the bottom to the top edge, then draw another straight line on the direct opposite side, 180-degrees from the first line.

    • 3

      Measure 1 inch from the bottom of the can on each line, then draw a straight line that connects these two points to make a 1-inch high half-circle on the outside of the can.

    • 4

      Cut along each line with straight cutting metal snips. Discard the excess material.

    • 5

      Bend the jagged edge of the 1-inch high lip inward to create a smooth trough edge. This will prevent any injury to the rabbit during feeding.

    • 6

      Measure from the top of the 1-inch trough to the top of the can. Cut a sheet of poster board to this height.

    • 7

      Wrap the poster board taut around the can. Create a flat edge where you removed the excess can material. Tape or glue the poster board to secure it to the can.

    • 8

      Pour rabbit feed into the top of the can. The 1-inch gap between the bottom of the can and the bottom of the poster board will allow feed to empty into the trough.