Bunny lawn mower run?

[TaunTaun]

I want to build a very small (2 or 3 ft), secure, mobile rabbit run to graze my bunnies for a couple hours a day while I am home but not necessarily outside with them, and that can be stored in my garage when not in use. I want to make a cute sign that says, “CAUTION: lawn mower at work. Don’t stick fingers in lawn mower.” I have a large fenced in area that is never used because it doesn’t have a floor or roof. I don’t have time to sit outside and supervise them from digging out or predators getting in.

          I have seen two designs I like. One is a dog kennel with a wooden frame  and wheels to make it look like a gas push mower. I would add a hide and water bottle. The only problem is I don’t have a spare dog kennel and haven’t been able to find a used one.

          The second design is a big cylinder of welded wire with solid rims/sides. The rabbit can roll it like a hamster ball/wheel to get to fresh grass. A five gallon bucket can be put inside on its side for a hide/shade. It looks extremely easy to build, and I already have all the supplies I need. Also the rabbit has freedom to move to fresh grass on their own.  I could tie the cage to a leash to keep it from rolling out of the yard if necessary. I have two concerns though. 1. Would a rabbit be able or willing to roll it without hurting herself? I don’t expect them to run in it like a hamster ball, just move it slightly and slowly to get too fresh grass. 2. How could I attach a water bottle or bowl? 

My rabbits live happily inside in a large Xpen colony cage. I only want this to allow them to go outside safely to graze for short amounts of time during the day while I am home. I do not believe in keeping rabbits in small outdoor cages for permanent housing.

[Bunny House]

I personally don’t have experience wit this but hopefully someone does and they can answer you!

[LBJ10]

My understanding is you want to confine them to a small pen, but you want them to be able to graze over a larger area. Honestly, if they are only in the pen for a couple of hours, I wouldn’t worry about them being able to move it. They aren’t going to eat THAT much grass. Besides, I would be worried that a rolling cage could potentially cause injury. What I’m envisioning is something similar of those portable chicken runs that people use to place their chickens in a different spot each day. They usually just have wheels on them. It would, of course, need to be built so it is suitable for rabbits.

You should also be cautious of leaving them completely unattended. If something were to happen, you wouldn’t know or be able to get there in time. I would definitely have them where you can at least see them.

BTW, the sign idea is adorable!

[Author]

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