How to build a rabbit housing
There are hundreds of pens or houses for rabbits in the market, but there's only one bunny like yours (at least that's how every owner feels). If you're looking for a very specific rabbit hutch or you have too many pets and don't find the perfect model, dust off your tools and build your own rabbit house. We guarantee your pet will be grateful and live happier in a place you designed according to its needs, likes and dislikes. Only you know what your rabbit needs!
The parts of a rabbit hutch
First off, you need to know the parts of a rabbit hutch that can't be missing from your homemade project and why they are placed that way. A rabbit house is basically a big, elevated box; it is placed a few feet above the ground to keep the rabbit away from predators, although this is more useful when you live on a farm and the risk really exists. If that's not your case you can build the hutch at ground level or much less elevated if you still want to avoid hunching when getting your bunny out.
The rabbit house consists of a large section where you can see your pet and your pet can see the outside, it even has an open roof or mesh roof. There's also a smaller section designed for your rabbit to sleep and keep warm, this section has solid walls, a solid roof and it can even have a little door or window to check on your pet once in a while. Some rabbit hutches have two stories or levels or several "rooms", this can be useful when you have several rabbits or you just want your pet to get some exercise.
As for the size of the hutch, it is recommended that you give your rabbit 4 times their size in space. This goes for every individual rabbit, so if you have 2 rabbits you need to multiply it. A good height for the house is 18 inches, and it's important that you don't build your hutch deeper than 30 inches or else you'll struggle a lot trying to get your bunny out of it.
Materials needed
Nowadays there are many materials available for rabbit housing, but we'll talk about the most recommended and safe for your pet. To build your own rabbit hutch, you'll need wood in pieces and sheets. Wood will be both the structure and the flooring of your house, so make sure to pick untreated pine wood with no knots or splitting. Wood will always be the safer choice for your rabbit since these cute animals will most definitely try to chew it up, so a non-toxic material will guarantee your rabbit's safety.
The other essential material you'll need is the wire mesh, it should be galvanized and firm enough, if you try using chicken wire it will not survive your bunny's chewing. If you want to make sure you're choosing an appropriate wire mesh for your pet buy it directly at pet stores, only these have the correct specs.
Other items you might need are hinges and shingles for the little bunny door, screws and wooden nails. Choose all your material based on the conditions the hutch will endure (rain, sunlight, air, etc). When you have the materials you're ready to build your own rabbit house:
Build your own rabbit hutch
Draw or download a clear plan of you the hutch will be, don't forget to include specific measures to know how much material you'll need.
Cut the wooden pieces and the sheets to fit the plan, if it's necessary sand the wood a bit.
Build the frame of the hutch by screwing or nailing together the pieces of wood into a cube, the structure should be formed with cubes rather than rectangles so that it doesn't break easily. Screw the cubes together to fit the hutch design.
Once the structure is ready, staple the wire mesh to the sides of the wooden structure and, if desired, the "open space" part of the hitch. Instead of wrapping the structure with mesh cut squares and staple one by one, and remember to leave open the space for the door, the floor and the solid ceiling area.
Now it's time to place the floor, take the wooden sheet and nail it firmly to the structure, place a good amount of nails to secure the floor. Repeat this step for the section of the rabbit house that will have a solid ceiling.
With the thinner wooden pieces build two squares, one for the door frame and one for the door itself. Place the wooden frame with nails to the structure and staple wire mesh to your door. Place the hinges in the door frame as well as the shingle. Install their counterparts on the door and you'll have a resistant bunny door.
If you want your homemade rabbit house to be a little elevated take 4 more wooden pieces and glue them to the floor or screw them with support posts, make sure the legs match the 4 corners of the house.
If your rabbit hutch will be outdoors make sure to "waterproof" your ceiling by varnishing it with a bit of tar. Also add other details like a ramp if there are two stories in the house or a little wire mesh window in the "room".
Remember this will be your rabbit's home, so make it comfy and cozy with their food and water bowls, familiar toys and an overall comfortable environment where they can chill and play. Build your beloved bunny the best hutch for their needs!