Easy Ways to Build Rabbit Cages

Rabbits can make good pets for some families. Pet stores sell cages that are appropriate for rabbits, but they can be expensive and the rabbits can outgrow them quickly, especially if you have more than one. Since many rabbit cages are essentially wire attached to a wooden frame, the cages are easy and relatively inexpensive to make. Take a few hours and make building a cage for your rabbit a family affair.

  1. Wire Cages

    • Purchase heavy wire fencing, 14-gauge or thicker, that can stand alone without a wooden frame. The finished cage measures 30 inches wide, 36 inches long and 14 inches high. This is good for one rabbit. Use wire snips to cut out pieces for the sides, top, bottom and front of the cage. Use hog rings to connect the different parts of the cage. (Hog rings look like the letter "C" when you first purchase them. Hook one between two parts of the fencing and use pliers to crimp the ends together, holding the two pieces of fencing tightly.) Use the hog rings only on the bottom of the front piece to form a door. Put a door latch between the top and door portion of the cage to keep the cage secure with rabbits inside. Add a piece of plywood to the floor of the cage as well as sawdust or shredded paper. Change the plywood flooring of the cage every six to eight months to keep your cage smelling fresh and prevent your rabbit from getting sick.

    Chicken Wire with Frame

    • Build a frame out of wooden fence pickets. Make a rather large cage that measures 4 feet by 6 feet to house more than one or two rabbits. Use hinges at the front of the cage for a door. Attach chicken wire to the frame. Cut the top, sides, front and back of the cage using wire snips. Either staple or nail the chicken wire to the wooden frame to secure it in place. Add a clasp or some other closure at the front of the cage to keep the rabbits from getting loose. Set the cage on an outside tabletop during warm weather. Add a piece of plywood to the floor of the cage along with bedding for the rabbits. Do not put the rabbits in a cage with just the wire floor. Their feet catch in the chicken wire, which causes injury. Replace the floorboard when necessary to keep the cage clean and prevent disease.

    Plywood Box Cage

    • Get a couple pieces of plywood to make a cage. This is a good cage to keep indoors, especially is your rabbit lives in the basement. Cut 2 pieces of plywood that measure 4 feet by 6 feet for the top and bottom of the cage. Cut another 2 pieces that measure 2 feet by 6 feet for the sides. Cut one piece of plywood that measures 2 feet by 4 feet for the back of the cage. Lastly, cut 2 pieces of plywood measuring 2 feet by 2 feet. In the side pieces cut out a 1-foot by 4-foot hole using a scroll saw. Cover the holes with some wire mesh. Use nails to attach the sides, top and bottom to each other. Attach the back and then attach one of the front pieces. In the other front piece, which is the door, cut out a hole, measuring 1-foot by 1-foot, with the scroll saw and then cover with mesh. Attach the door at the bottom of the cage using two hinges. Add a clasp or a lock at the top of the door to prevent the rabbit from getting out.