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Forum DIET & CARE Cage Question **Arg!! Rescue Frustrations**

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    • Suivezmoi
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        I’m hoping you guys can give me some opinions on cage options. I’m going to be adopting a 2 yr old Californian bun from a rescue in my area. I have the option to buy a cage straight from them. They aren’t terribly expensive, but I have been looking at all the home made cages on the site, and am wondering if I could build anything better. I like the idea of a cage built from cubes, but it seems like that is a better option if you want to build up. I live in a small, weirdly built house (built in the 30’s), this basically means there is literally only one logical spot for a cage. This happens to be located directly below my window unit, so building a taller cage isn’t really an option (also the guy I’m adopting is blind in one eye, so not sure how well he’d deal with multi-level cages). The cage from the rescue fits almost exactly into the available space, with maybe a few feet extra.

        Here’s a link to the cage from the rescue, tell me what you think:
        http://rabbitresource.org/care-and-health/housing/hrrn-rabbit-cages/


      • Sarita
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          The thing I find odd about this cage is the flooring – that is not normally recommended – I think it’s fine for shelter situations but you want your rabbit on a surface without wire bottoms. Would you be able to fit an exercise pen (which is 4 x 4) in your home? I find that the dog exercise pens are really the smartest way to go for housing rabbits.


        • Sarita
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            Here’s a link to what I’m talking about:

            http://www.petsmart.com/product/ind…lInUS%2FNo 


          • Suivezmoi
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              It’s possible, I’ll have to measure when I get back to the house. It’s very close to the door/enteryway as well as the doorway to another room so those dimensions might cause it to stick out.

              I was a bit concerned about the wire flooring, I was thinking of putting a bunch of blankets and grass mats on the floor so he wouldn’t have to be on the wire, or maybe putting linoleum or something on it.


            • Sarita
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                I really do think this cage is awfully small too for a Californian – how big is he? I imagine he’ll be free roam as well when you are home, is that what you anticipate?

                Definitely putting something over the wire is a good idea if you decide on this cage.


              • Suivezmoi
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                  Yeah he’ll be allowed out whenever I am home, which should be the majority of the day. At minimum he’ll get 4-6 hours out a day.

                  It’ll mainly be a place for him to be at night. He’s about 9 lbs I think. I think the wire pen will be too large. I could get a cage that’s longer, but not wider (does that make any sense?).

                  There is a Flemish Giant mix lady bun at the shelter who I was considering trying to bond him with ( they have had one date and they got along pretty well. Lots of humping :p, but she isn’t altered yet). Im told she is on the small size for a giant; she’s just a bit bigger than he is. Not set on her, since they might not bond, but I’d like to get something that leaves the option of getting him a buddy open.

                  Is it going to be way too small for two bunnies? I really just need it because I do have a cat, and while I am sure he’ll leave a bunny alone I don’t think leaving them out together unsupervised is an intelligent idea.


                • Sarita
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                    Oh yeah, way too small for 2 large rabbits. Actually cats and rabbits can get along fine once they are introduced – it’s usually the cat who is afraid of the rabbit.

                    I think the larger the cage the better especially for a large rabbit. They need to be able to stretch out all the way and have their litter box and any other necessities available.

                    Ideally even free range all the time if he is good with his litter box could be a good route. You may have to do some bunny proofing and many times the older rabbits aren’t as likely to be chewers either.


                  • Suivezmoi
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                      Well darn, of course it couldn’t be as easy as just getting a cage from them :p.

                      Thanks so much for the help, I’m gonna see about doing a longer cage outta the cubes. I hate the thought of him being cramped, even if it’s only for a few hours.

                      I would love to leave him free range all the time, but there isn’t a room I can put him in that the cat couldn’t get to. The only room with a door is the bathroom which is tiny (my place is maybe 450 sq ft).


                    • Sarita
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                        LOL – no, it never is. It sounds like you have a good plan. I call your place cozy, not tiny…I have always like the idea of living small and I would eventually like to downsize.


                      • Suivezmoi
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                          I love it, it’s actually the perfect place to live. Two of the neighbors have bunnies (wonder where I got the idea) so we are going to go in on bales of hay together.

                          It’s just rough because everything only has one place it can go, and there is only one plug per room haha. Thankfully I have the perfect place for the new guy.


                        • Sarita
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                            Oh, that’s great your neighbors have rabbits, perfect resource for you and you can watch each others rabbits if someone needs to go out of town. And maybe if you have a farmers market you can share the cost of greens that way as well. I’m jealous.


                          • RoyalElvira
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                              You should look into get an x-pen. They are a good size for a rabbit and can be pushed into a corner in order to save space (make them into a square) AND they are relatively cheap! I got both of mine on amazon for around $35 each. They are really easy to clean too! I put two x-pens together and made a giant x-pen for my two rabbits, which is a huge amount of space for them, but one would have been enough space too.

                              EDIT: just saw the other post about the xpen from petsmart! You can find one for the same size but MUCH cheaper on amazon!


                            • Sam and Lady's Human
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                                You might think about just getting the one and bonding with him a bit before diving in and getting 2. I have a Flemmie and she eats a TON. Flemmies also need a lot of space, at least 4x8sqft (2 xpens) of full time living space, plus run time outside that Californias are a larger breed as well, so I imagine the space requirements are similar.


                              • mocha200
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                                  If you dont have room for the xpen to be a square you can make it into a rectangle and make it a 2×6. Same square footage as a 4×4. Just on option. You can also form them into different shapes like an L shape if needed. I could post some pictures of my past xpen setups if you would like! I will have to wait until I am using my computer though.


                                • Baby-Daisy
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                                    Well if you do decide on getting 2 you can get 2 of the cages from the place and find away to conect them.


                                  • Roberta
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                                      What about cupboards, I have seen some great play area incorporating linen/utility cupboards and walk in robes with Xpens and cubes, you could just fix a screen door that can be closed for the times your are out.


                                    • Suivezmoi
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                                        Ok, so I think I am going to try a cube cage. I have been drawing it out and I think the dimensions I am going to do are:

                                        -Length: 58 in (4.8 ft) (4 wire squares)

                                        -Width: 29 in (2.42 ft) (2 wire squares)

                                        -Height: 29 in (2.42 ft) (2 wire squares)

                                        I was going to buy linoleum and use that as the bottom of the cage, I’ll have some grass mats or towels on that level for him. I’m also gonna do one level/perch that’ll be about 14.5 in wide and 29 in long. I was going to use the dowel rods/plywood method I’ve seen on a couple of the websites that show how to build the cages.

                                        Do these seem like ok dimensions? I can’t go much larger than this since the cubes themselves only come in one size. I’m going to be picking him up on Monday morning , so this is going to be my weekend project.


                                      • Beka27
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                                          That cage isn’t going to be large enough for his size. You said he’s 9 pounds? He needs to be in something at least 4×4 feet. As a large rabbit, he will need a large size litterbox, and with your stated dimensions, the litterbox will take up almost half of that space. If a suitable cage won’t fit in the space you’re planning, you may need to consider a different location or him or do some creative rearranging.


                                        • tanlover14
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                                            Our house took some creative rearranging to fit our bunny condo in it to, hahah. I also really suggest the x-pen idea. OR you could do what we did. We really have no way to lock them into a room but don’t have the whole house bunny proofed. So we actually created what we call the “Great Wall of Bun” which we made out of just the NIC cubes and zip-ties. It goes across our dining room and separates the area from our living room. You could do something like this for when you’re not home to create a barrier between the cat and bunnies without having to leave one in an area too small.


                                          • Suivezmoi
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                                              Hrm, I saw a cage in the great habitats section that was that size, but I guess it was for a smaller rabbit. Ha-ha guess that’s what I get for wanting a bigger bun.

                                              Will doing a cage that’s 3.6ft by 6ft work? The cubes I’ll be using are 14.5 in X 14.5 in so that’s where I am getting all these decimal points from. It would be 3 wire squares in width, and 5 in length.

                                              The only “room” I could block off that’s feasible to bunny proof (only other two rooms are a little study, which has the cat-box and ten thousand wires for all the electronics, and the living room, which the cat would be in) is the kitchen, which I don’t think would go over well with my boyfriend.

                                              I’ll figure something out that’s big enough never fear. If the cage sticks out a bit or is a little in the way its not a huge deal. I care more about him being able to stretch out than if the cage is slightly out of place. He’ll be free range for the majority of his time, but I definitely understand the need to have the right size cage.

                                              Sorry if I seem stuck on the cage idea. My boyfriend was leery about getting a rabbit in the first place, and I just know he would not be OK with the rabbit not having some kind of cage. I can’t really explain it, since he knows the rabbit will be allowed out anytime we are home, I think it’s just some weird distinction his head . He didn’t grow up with animals (while my father is a veterinarian), so I am having to teach him how wonderful it is to have them around the house. 


                                            • Suivezmoi
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                                                *see above post*


                                              • Baby-Daisy
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                                                  What about yoy bathroom you can block that off and have him living in there


                                                • Suivezmoi
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                                                    The bathroom is super tiny, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable having him in there. Its hard enough to get dressed in there, or get ready and I think it would impossible with a bun underfoot.


                                                  • tanlover14
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                                                      Yeah, the bathroom would be a rather odd place to house a bunny…

                                                      I understand about your boyfriend — maybe after seeing the bun and his habits he may change his mind also and let him be free-range all the time. But the times you have listed that you’re going to be out of the house are usually the times buns spend napping anyways so I don’t think it matters really.


                                                    • Beka27
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                                                        A 3×6 foot is adequate with exercise time. I prefer having a cage for safety reasons (the bun’s and that of your home). In time he may be able to be free range, but this isn’t anything to rush.


                                                      • Sarita
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                                                          I think you just do the best you can with what you’ve got based on your restrictions – I bet you will find he may be a very good free roamer once you are home. Just do the best you can – it will be better than what he had before and you’ll see what works once you start interacting and dealing with him.


                                                        • Suivezmoi
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                                                            I am looking through Home Depot’s stock (@ work currently so busying myself with looking for stuff for the bun) and all their plywood seems to be made of pine. I know pine is bad for small animals, but I also know horse pellets made from pine are alright to use for rabbits. Is using pine plywood also an exception?

                                                            Also, I was going to try and do a layer of vinyl between the bun and the wood flooring, but it seems like all their products only come in boxes that cover 45 sq ft, which is way more than I need. They do have boxes of tile that only have enough to cover 11 sq ft, which is only a bit more than what I need. Would tile be alright as flooring? I’m not sure what other options there are. I’m not sure about his bathroom habits, so I want to make sure there is a barrier between him and the floor.


                                                          • tanlover14
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                                                              We used indoor-outdoor carpeting for our levels. It worked very well since it can be cleaned so easily. I can’t remember exactly which wood we got but I know when we went there to pick out the wood they were very helpful when we explained what we needed. Untreated, ect. I would pop in to your local one and see what they can help you with!


                                                            • Beka27
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                                                                Pine shavings can cause liver problems with continued use, pelleted pine and plywood is safe.

                                                                You’re not going to find what you need online. Go into your local store when you have a chance and ask about linoleum remnants. Another option is peel’n’stick tiles. I would do some kind of wipable surface to protect the plywood, and you can always cover with a rug or blankets.


                                                              • Suivezmoi
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                                                                  I think I’m going to get a board and use that as a base, and then stick vinyl to it. Seems like the simplest way to make sure the bottom doesn’t move around. I’m hoping he will be alright with that, though the rescue sells grass mats and I’ll be getting 6 of those for him so he won’t have to touch if he doesn’t want to.

                                                                  I have decided to make him two levels on either side, I was gonna just put some blankets and/or mats on it. Should I also put vinyl on that or will those be enough protection?


                                                                • floppybunny123
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                                                                    sorry to answer a question with a question, but is vinyl a surface that if your bunny accidentally urinates on, you can wipe it with a paper towel and it will be dry and won’t smell? If yes, then a layer of vinyl should be enough (I’ve never herd of vinyl). if not, you might want to find a surface like that. Hope this helps!

                                                                    – Lilly’s Mama


                                                                  • Suivezmoi
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                                                                      I think vinyl and linoleum floors are similar. If they aren’t I’m referring to the peel and stick flooring that you can put in the kitchen, and bathroom in place of tile. When I was looking at Home Depot they were referring to it as vinyl not linoleum, so I thought it was the same thing.

                                                                      *Edit*

                                                                      Well I Googled it, and one website I found went on a three page explanation of how different they are, while another said they were the same thing  It’s durable flooring though, so I think it should be fine for the buns cage. It’s easy to wipe up, and honestly if it does get stained I can easily replace it. 


                                                                    • mocha200
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                                                                        I wondered the same thing and my Dad told me that they were the same and Linoleum was sort of like a name brand.


                                                                      • Suivezmoi
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                                                                          The rescue is pretty much saying that because this is my first bunny, I need to get their cage. *rabble rabble* I stood firm, and the woman I have been talking to is going to talk to her boss (the one who is super strict about this rule). Hopefully the woman will realize I am building him something much bigger than they have there.


                                                                        • Sarita
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                                                                            That’s nutso! I think if you show them a photo that should hopefully suffice – that’s frustrating that they would demand you purchase their cage.


                                                                          • Suivezmoi
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                                                                              I brought up the wire and a bun getting sore hocks, and she said they sell grass mats for them and it’s more hygienic for them to have wire because they don’t always poop in a box. Guess they have people bring rabbits in with pee stained feet, because they are standing in pee.

                                                                              I sent a pic of it unfinished, so it didn’t have the bottom on or the levels, but the size is clear. I gave her the dimensions too. She is going to try and put a good word in for me with the main lady. I mean I am adopting a partially blind guy, my father is a veterinarian so all my vet care is free, and the cage I’m trying to put him in is bigger than the one they sell. You would think they’d have no problem giving me a bun


                                                                            • Sarita
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                                                                                I know I wouldn’t :~) Hopefully this will work out – I know you want him and he deserves a good home like yours.


                                                                              • Suivezmoi
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                                                                                  They won’t let me have him without their cage.


                                                                                • Suivezmoi
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                                                                                    They won’t let me have him without their cage.


                                                                                  • Beka27
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                                                                                      If it’s a wire-bottom cage, and then you cover the wire with grass mats, the bun would still be sitting in poop because the mats would cover the wire. Their argument doesn’t make any sense. Is it a ploy to just get extra money? You’re paying an adoption fee, I’m sure, so I don’t know why this would be a sticking point with them. If they continue to give you a hard time, are you comfortable telling them you’re interested in the rabbit but not their cage, to let you know if they change their mind, and walking away? I don’t know why they’d pass up a good home for a rabbit they consider “unadoptable”.


                                                                                    • Suivezmoi
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                                                                                        I know! I said that!!!! I don’t know what to do, I have my heart set on him and in my head it was already mine. I hate the thought of leaving him in his little cage, without anybody to keep him company. I don’t understand it at all.

                                                                                        I thought about just buying their stupid cage and selling it on CL and taking the loss as a fee, but it’s really upsetting.


                                                                                      • Suivezmoi
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                                                                                          I dont know why that posted three times! Sorry


                                                                                        • Sarita
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                                                                                            I probably would end up doing that as well – it’s not worth the fight if you want him.


                                                                                          • tanlover14
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                                                                                              I would also just buy their damn cage and then sell it on ebay or something of the sort — that is absolutely insane that they won’t let you purchase the bun without the cage. Especially a bun who needs special attention like him. Completely insane.


                                                                                            • Suivezmoi
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                                                                                                I’m just gonna suck it up and buy the cage. I wanted to delay adopting him until I spoke to the head lady and showed her all the artciles and say wire isn’t the best. But, I know that won’t do anything.

                                                                                                It sucks because my neighbor just got her bunny today, and obviously bought the cage from them. If i had done all this first I could have sold her the cage. Ah well.

                                                                                                It’s just sad, I have heard so many bad things about this lady and horrible experiences people have had with this rescue. I know she wants what is best for the buns, and she thinks that wire flooring and no levels is what he needs. I just know that this would drive most people off, especially since I’ve already almost built the whole new cage.


                                                                                              • tanlover14
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                                                                                                  It makes me really happy that you’re not letting this issue stand in the way of giving this bun a great home. Let us all know how it goes. I would adopt as soon as possible before they come up with some other completely ridiculous reason for you not to have him! Good Lord!


                                                                                                • Sam and Lady's Human
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                                                                                                    You know, I bet you could sticky tile the bottom of that cage, add a grass mat on that, and then add an xpen or Nic cube yard/ external area if you have to buy it anyway. Then he has a cage he can go into but he can also have the space he needs too. I did that with a crappy pet cage I got with Sam, I didn’t know any better about the size.

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                                                                                                Forum DIET & CARE Cage Question **Arg!! Rescue Frustrations**