How to Convert a Dog Cage for a Rabbit

If you choose to have a rabbit as a pet, you'll need somewhere to keep it during the night or during the day when it's not being supervised. Generally rabbits -- like cats and dogs -- can be allowed to roam free in your home. But confining your rabbit for several hours a day and at night will help keep it more well behaved and cause both you and the rabbit less stress. One thing that can be used as a rabbit house is an old dog cage.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic floor pan
  • Wood
  • Nail gun
  • Nails
  • Litter box
  • Food dishes
  • Bedding
  • Toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a dog cage that is at least four times the size of your rabbit when its limbs are stretched to full length, not when it is huddled. The larger the cage, the healthier it is for your rabbit.

    • 2

      Add a plastic floor pan to the bottom of the dog cage. A wire bottom will hurt your rabbit's sensitive feet.

    • 3

      Install a crossbar base halfway up the cage by inserting wooden bars through the wire in the cage. Make sure these are secure. Attach the crossbars before you put them into the cage.

    • 4

      Cut out a piece of wood that will fit over the top of the crossbars, which are used as supports. This piece of wood makes a second floor of the rabbit house and should be large enough for your rabbit to stand and move around on.

    • 5

      Nail the piece of wood on top of the crossbars. Push and pull this area to make sure it's completely secure for your rabbit.

    • 6

      Add a narrow length of board to one side of the wood and angle it downward. The board should be at least a few inches wider than your rabbit on either side if your rabbit were in the middle. This is the ramp that your pet will use to access the second floor. It should not be so steep that your rabbit can't climb it easily.

    • 7

      Furnish the rabbit cage to fully convert it. Your rabbit needs a litter box, food and water. To make the cage functional and enjoyable, add a rug and rabbit-approved toys.