How to Build a Rabbit House (Hutch or Cage)

If you’re considering raising rabbits as pets or livestock, you will need to provide them with a comfortable and safe place to live. This is where a rabbit hutch comes in. A hutch is a type of housing specifically designed for rabbits. A rabbit house is called Hutch. Rabbits need a cage or hutch

Rabbits may become sick or die if it is too windy, or if they get wet, or cold. Rabbits get hot easily and they will suffer in the direct sun. So rabbits need at least a simple rabbit house to protect them from adverse weather.

Rabbit hutches come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you’ll need to choose one that is appropriate for the number of rabbits you have and the amount of space you have available. You’ll also want to make sure the hutch is well-ventilated and has plenty of access to sunlight.

Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Rabbit Farming

A hutch is an essential piece of equipment for any rabbit owner, so take the time to find one that is right for you and your rabbits. As a rabbit lover and responsible pet owner, you do not want to have a nervous, sick or unhappy rabbit. One of the key factors to a healthy, happy and calm rabbit lies in your choice of rabbit hutch or cage. A good quality rabbit hutch will provide a conducive living environment for your rabbits and will go a long way to keeping them happy and healthy.

What is the difference between a hutch and a cage?

A hutch is a type of enclosure often used to house rabbits and other small animals. It is typically made out of wood and has a wire mesh door that can be opened and closed. A cage, on the other hand, is a metal enclosure that has a solid door. It is often used for housing birds and other small animals. However, the two terms are commonly used interchangeably when it comes to permitted rabbits.

Types of Rabbit Hutches

There are a few different types of rabbit hutches based on the material used. They can be made out of wire, plastic, or a variety of other materials. Each type of hutch has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

Wire Hutches or Cages

Wire hutches are the most common type of hutch for domestic rabbits. They provide plenty of space for rabbits to move around, and they’re also affordable. However, wire hutches can be difficult to clean, and rabbits may be able to escape if the wire isn’t tightly secured.

Plastic Wire Hutches or Cages

Plastic wire hutches are becoming more popular because they’re easier to clean and secure than traditional wire hutches. However, they’re usually more expensive, and some rabbits may be able to chew through the plastic.

Wooden Hutches or Cages

Wooden hutches are another popular option for domestic rabbits. They provide plenty of space and security, but they can be expensive and difficult to clean.

Metal Hutches or Cages

Metal cages are commonly found in commercial use because they provide more protection from predators than wire cages, but they are not as safe as a cage made of plastic wire or wood if your rabbit accidentally comes out during the night hours.

No matter what type of hutch you choose, make sure it’s big enough for your rabbit to move around comfortably. It should also have a soft floor that’s easy on your rabbit’s hocks.

Also Read: 10 Rabbit Farming Facts and Success Tips

How to Choose the Right Rabbit Cage & Hutch

The three most important things to consider when choosing a rabbit cage or hutch are:

1. The size of the rabbit cage or hutch

There is never a rabbit hutch that is too big for your rabbits. Experts recommend a rabbit hutch or rabbit cage to be at least four times the rabbit’s length. But, do not forget that your rabbit will grow in size, especially if you are buying newborn rabbits. You need to cater room for your rabbit to grow and space for them to run around and stretch as well as a place to hide. Your rabbits need those exercises to remain fit and healthy.

Rabbits that lack exercise will develop health problems. You also need to make spaces for the water bottle, feeder, and litter box as well as some toys to keep your rabbits from being bored. Therefore, always choose the largest rabbit hutch that is practical for you – one that you can afford and that will fit where you need to place it. Remember that your rabbit generally live happier when they have adequate room in their homes

2. The type of rabbit cage or hutch

You have a choice of either an indoor or outdoor rabbit cage. Rabbits are generally safer indoors and more comfortable because of climate controls in the house. Keeping rabbits indoors also helps you to bond with your rabbits as you are more likely to interact with them if it is nearby.

It also helps the rabbits to be social with people by being in contact with people on a regular basis. Consider having a large outdoor rabbit hutch for milder weather. With that, you can let your rabbits enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and lots of exercise by running around the backyard while being protected from predators and keeping them from wandering off.

Whether it is an indoor or outdoor rabbit hutches, do consider one with a second level or more. A multi-level rabbit hutch will satisfy your rabbit’s love to climb, provide them with lots of exercises they need and keep your rabbit from being bored.

3. The design and materials used

Most modern rabbit hutches and rabbit cages today are made of metal, plastic, or wood, depending on size and exposure to the elements. Keeping in mind that you need to clean your rabbit hutches regularly, the materials used are very important. I would recommend a metal, stainless steel or plastic one as they are easier to wash than wood. Also, look for a hutch design that allows easy access with more than one opening and doors that permit you to reach all parts of the hutch – for ease of cleaning.

A common problem that rabbit owners face is sore hocks. Unfortunately, most rabbit hutches and rabbit cages have wire floors with a removable litter pan underneath designed for ease of use and cleaning.

Rabbits have sensitive feet and their hocks can get really hurt on a wire floor. Rabbits that stand exclusively on wire day in and day out will develop sore hocks and possible infections as a result. To overcome this, cover at least part of the surface with a hunk of untreated wood, cardboard or a sisal mat to provide a solid area for the rabbit to rest their feet.

Remember, a rabbit hutch is a special place for your rabbit and they must feel both secure and safe for them to stay healthy, happy and calm – make it as enjoyable as possible!

Also Read: What Do Rabbits Eat?

How to Build a Rabbit Cage or Hutch

Choose a place where you can keep an eye on the rabbits. But the rabbit cage should be away from where children play, as rabbits hate noise.

The rabbit cage is built on posts that should be 180 cm for the front and 170 cm for the back. This difference creates a slope to drain off the rainwater. Dig the post holes about 30 cm deep.

Build the floor 1 meter above the ground. You can make the floor with wire mesh or with scrap lumber, but leave gaps between the boards so that the urine and droppings fall to the ground. Make the walls with scrap lumber, nailed close together on the back and sides. The walls should be smooth, so the rabbits don’t hurt themselves.

Each adult rabbit must have its own pen, or they will fight. A pen should be at least 60 cm high, 90 cm wide, and 70 cm to the back, so the rabbit can stand up and hop around. Make a door in each pen to give water and feed.

Rabbit pens must be well ventilated because the urine stinks. To let in light and air, make the front of the cage from wire mesh. You can use old corrugated iron sheets to make the roof if there are no holes.

Add a small box with soft bedding to be a nest where the female can give birth. In cold places, straw beddings help to keep the rabbits warm. Give the rabbits a bowl of water. Keep rats and ants out. Make a rat guard with tin on each post. Smear old engine oil on the base of the posts so the ants do not crawl up.

Where to Buy Rabbit Cages

There are times when one is busy and will be unable to build a rabbit cage and the only option left is to buy the best rabbit cage. If you fall into this class and you want to buy the best rabbit cage, the most recommended place that you can purchase rabbit cages online without any hassle is Amazon.