How to Make Judge Coops for Rabbits

Judge coops for rabbit shows are also called show carriers. Rabbit breeders are required by some shows to bring their rabbits in carriers. You can make simple rabbit coops out of welded wire with large-spaced holes to accommodate rabbit feet without hurting them. You can also make a cage riser or false floor to keep rabbits out of their litter while they are on the judging tables. Water dishes, food bowls and hay can be added to a judge coop for the rabbit's comfort.

Things You'll Need

  • 70 inches of welded wire, 1/2-inch-by-1-inch-by-24-inch
  • Measuring tape
  • Wire cutters
  • J-clips
  • Pliers
  • C-rings
  • Galvanized wire, 9-by-12.5-inches
  • 28-quart flat rectangular Sterilite container without lid
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure out and cut a piece of welded wire 31 1/2 inches long and 24 inches wide. Take this piece, measure it out into two 11-inch wide pieces and cut them out.

    • 2

      Bend the two 11-inch wide pieces in half, making the fold at the 12 1/2-inch line along their long sides.

    • 3

      Stand the welded wire on its side. Position the folded welded wire together to make the walls of the carrier in the shape of a rectangle. Attach J-clips with the pliers to secure them together.

    • 4

      Measure out another section of welded wire that is 12 1/2 inches long and 19 inches wide and cut it. This is the floor of the carrier. Measure 2 inches up from the bottom of the rectangular frame. This is where the floor will be set. The floor of the cage is raised to allow the rabbit's waste to fall into the hay or other absorbent material you decide to use. This way rabbits aren't sitting in it and getting dirty on the way to the show. Attach the floor to the sides of the carrier with J-clips.

    • 5

      To make the lid, cut a piece of welded wire 24 inches long by 14 1/2 inches wide. Use the pliers to bend three sides of the perimeter of the lid down 2 inches, leaving one of the long sides alone. The last edge of the lid remains flat and is the part of the lid where the hinges will go. Secure the corners of the folded sides together with J-clips.

    • 6

      Loosely attach four C-rings at even intervals to the unfolded side of the lid and its corresponding side on the carrier to make the hinges of the lid.

    • 7

      Insert the galvanized wire into the center of the carrier and attach it with C-rings. Place the carrier into the 28-quart rectangular Sterilite container to finish making your judge coop.