Building a Cage

[Kailaeve1271]

I was going to build a custom rabbit cage outside. I was hoping to build a “stacked” cage (one rabbit housed on the bottom and one on top). My rabbits are considered small to medium. I wanted each level of the cage to be 2’6″x6′. They would also get daily exercise in a fenced in run which I have not decided on a size yet. Would the cage size be big enough? I was also wondering how much is the average cost to build your own outdoor cage? I was going to make it out of wire (for the bottom) and wood. Also, if I decided to get my rabbits a friend for each of them would the cage still be large enough?

[LongEaredLions]

Bunnies should have a minimum of 2×4 feet per bunny, so that cage size would be appropriate for one bunny, but not two. Here on BB, we advocate for bunnies to be kept indoors-it much improves their quality of life, as well as your relationship with them-so many members may not be aware of cost for proper outdoor housing. Another thing worth noting is that rabbits should not be kept on wire flooring as it is very bad for their hocks. Is there any way you would be able to keep your bunnies indoors? If not, it will be important to make cages that will protect your bunnies from the elements/wild animals, in addition to space and cost considerations.

[Kailaeve1271]

Would a 3×5 be better for a pair? Also what cage bottom should I use then? I wanted to use wire bottom because it’s easier to clean, Ive never heard of it hurting them until now (in fact my rabbits are on it now), and my chickens could benefit from the poops ( I know, gross haha). I will change it though if it does hurt them. I wouldn’t worry about wild animals. I’m my neighborhood they’re all shot if they are dangerous to any livestalk or pets. What would I have to do for elements? It doesn’t get too cold here. It’s mainly the Georgia heat that gets to you here.

[sarahthegemini]

Do not use wire for the bottom. That is cruel. Imagine if you had to live your life barefoot on wire flooring. I really think you should consider having your rabbits indoors. They are not suited for outdoor life, regardless of what some people might believe – they are fearful animals so they are likely going to spend a lot of their time being scared of predators and whatnot. That is unfair. They are also incredibly delicate and when they get poorly they need vet intervention ASAP. When housed outdoors, you are less likely to spot any problems before its too late. Please do not keep your bunnies outside. I will never understand why people choose to have rabbits but keep them outside. No one gets a cat and shoves it in a hutch outside.

[Kailaeve1271]

I cannot have rabbits indoors. The rest of my family is deathly allergic to them. They are also deathly allergic to cats and we’ve never had any because of it so I’m afraid I do not understand your cat metaphor

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By Kailaeve1271 on 9/27/2017 1:06 PM

I cannot have rabbits indoors. The rest of my family is deathly allergic to them. They are also deathly allergic to cats and we’ve never had any because of it so I’m afraid I do not understand your cat metaphor

If they must be outside I will reiterate – no wire bottom. You need a decent sized hutch, and you need to ensure they are protected from wind, rain, heat etc. It’s concerning that your family is deathly allergic tho – what do you plan to do if weather gets really bad or if they get poorly? They’ll need to be brought indoors at some point even just temporarily? Obviously you can’t have your family members becoming ill but you’ll need somewhere inside that you could house the rabbits should an emergency arise.

[tobyluv]

Heat can be very dangerous to rabbits. Sitting out in a hutch can be miserable on its on, but it’s doubly miserable when the rabbit is dealing with summer heat and humidity.

It’s not just wild animals that can harm or scare a rabbit outside, domestic dogs can certainly do that, if one is running loose. Then there are parasites to deal with – fleas, ticks, and the very dangerous flies.

If a run isn’t fenced in on all sides, including the top and bottom, then predators such as hawks or any animal can get in or the rabbit can dig out.

Rabbits are much happier and safer inside.

Regarding getting a friend for your rabbits and housing them together. Rabbits have to be spayed and neutered, with a wait period of at least a month after surgery before they can be introduced to another rabbit. It doesn’t matter what gender they are or if they are litter mates. They must be spayed and neutered, then go through proper bonding procedures, which can take weeks or months or not work out at all, which means the rabbits cannot be kept together.

[Kailaeve1271]

In certain circumstances the rabbits can go into my air conditioned garage to stay out of the outdoor elements. We have plenty to keep predators out (especially since my dog is trained to hunt predators that may kill any of the animals in our yard) these rabbits have been kept outside since before I got them. They don’t seem to have any issues with the heat and I take many precautions to keep them cool. My yard also is fenced in and I have a run that is preferred on all sides already.
I’m afraid I cannot move on my standpoint to keep them outside. I don’t think you guys understand I don’t have much of a choice. I would love to keep them inside but I cannot. At least not until I move out.

[Author]

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