How to Set-Up a Bunny Hutch for a Baby Dwarf Bunny

Dwarf bunnies are the smallest rabbits, ranging in size from 1 1/2 to 3 pounds. Hutches for dwarf bunnies can be made of wire or a combination of wood and wire. An all-wire hutch is easiest to keep clean, but the addition of wood provides health and safety benefits.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-inch by 1-inch 14-gauge woven wire
  • 1-inch by 1 1/2-inch 14- or 16-gauge woven wire (for flooring)
  • Door latches
  • Hard wood for nesting box
  • Light wood boards for roof
  • Wood staples
  • Staple gun
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Sandpaper
  • Measuring tape
  • Wire cutters
  • Hog rings
  • Hog ring pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the appropriate size of the hutch. Allow at least 1 square foot for each pound of rabbit. A 3-pound bunny needs a hutch of at least 3 square feet.

      Your hutch needs a slanted roof so rainwater can slide off it. Plan to make one side of the hutch higher than its opposite.

    • 2
      The wire mesh you use should be strong enough to keep predators out.

      Use the tape measure to determine the size of each piece of wire mesh. Cut the mesh using the wire clippers. Remember to allow for a slanted roof.

      Join five of the six sides together with hog rings every four inches, omitting the front piece. Use the 1-inch by 1 1/2-inch mesh for the floor of the hutch. This allows droppings to fall through while preventing the rabbit's feet from getting caught in the mesh.

    • 3

      Nail together a wooden nesting box using the hard wood. Measure to fit along the back inside wall of the hutch and leave a 12-inch entryway in the front of the nesting box. Smooth rough surfaces with sandpaper and install against the back wall of the hutch.

      Attach the last piece of wire mesh to the front of the hutch.

    • 4

      Create a doorway by cutting a 12-inch opening at least 2 inches from the bottom and at least 2 inches from one side of the front of the hutch.

      Cut a mesh "door" 1 inch larger than the opening. Fasten across the top of the doorway with hog rings and attach a door latch to the bottom. Follow the same procedure to create openings for food and water.

    • 5

      Using the light wood, create a roof by stapling boards together with wood staples. Attach to the top of the hutch with hog rings. This provides protection from rain, shade from the sun and camouflage against predators.