DIY cage size for 2 rabbits

[Mel]

So I have decided to adopt a pair of bunnies from my local rescue. It’s not a set thing since I just sent in my application, and the two I was taking a look at aren’t bonded (and might decide they don’t want to be friends thank you very much) and one has some mobility issues that might make the rescue leery about even trying to pair her off. However, I know regardless of if I get the two specific ones I want or only am able to get the one bun I’d like to do some IKEA/furniture hacking for a cage that looks nice in my place and is nice for them. The cages the rescue offers don’t seem like something I would want to keep long-term anyways (wire floors, not terribly large). 

My question here is in yall’s opinion what is a good size cage for two medium rabbits (looking at a rex and a chinchilla currently, and would want to stay around that size if this specific pair doesn’t work). I’m wanting to find a cabinet or tv stand that I can turn into a cage and have a pretty good size area it can be in. I’ve seen some numbers out there regarding size and some pictures of other DIY cages but most of those people seem to have little buns and I don’t want to get something that’s too small (I’m also thinking since one has issues with moving her back leg she won’t be able to take advantage of a loft or anything without a ramp up so I want her to have enough space).

The plan is to have them be pretty free range, and when I am at work have a little x-pen around the cage so they can come in and out and only really lock them in at night. So aside from giving them an entire room , what do you think are some generous dimensions for a cage for rabbits that size? I have read that it should be tall enough for them to stand up in, and long enough for them to do three hops, but these things are a bit hard for me to measure since I don’t have them yet.

[BanditCamp]

For a single bunny three hops is 2 ft by 4ft and a minimum 24 inches high. If your repurposing furniture I would suggest a medium to tall cabniet here’s a detailed guide by the bunny guru to see what he did and he even has a video on his YouTube

http://www.thebunnyguru.com/diy-projects/building-rabbit-hutch

[Vienna Blue in France]

Ive got two very big buns which ive made a NIC cage set up. ( If its made well, personally i think its nice decoration !! )
If making from a cabinet, be sure to think about air flow and light too…. if its a solid wooden thing… not particularly nice if the bun can only see out the front. Also if one bun wont be able to go upstairs, youll need even more floor space but an xpen around it is a perfect solution….
Would love to see the result

[Azerane]

I also have an NIC cage for two rabbits. My condo is 5ft 10 inches long, 4ft 8 inches tall. In this photo however it is only 3ft 6 inches tall because I hadn’t added the extra grid square on top yet. It’s 2ft 4 inches deep. Luna my brown bun, is only 2.5kg (5.5 pounds) and Apollo is 3kg (6.6 pounds).It’s about 3-5 hops long, depending on how fast they’re getting around. The 2ft 4 inch height of the bottom level easily allows for periscoping with their ears pointed up. In this photo, the top level is 1ft 2 inches. You’re going to need a very large piece of furniture to alter to accomodate the needs of two buns the size of a standard rex and chinchilla. I personally wouldn’t use anything smaller than what I have for 2 medium sized buns.

Here’s an image of my previous bun in the condo, he was a little larger than Apollo and you can see that in the small height of the top level he can comfotably sit and get around, but it’s too short for anything else.

[Mel]

Well I found a piece of furniture from Ikea that I think will do the trick; it’s 70 inches long, 25 inches tall, though the thing I’m not super pleased about is it’s only 15 inches deep. It’s from their besta series.

I spoke with the shelter and they’re not wanting to try and bond the disabled Bunny and if I’m getting her I’m not sure if she’s into using ramps or multiple levels with the mobility issues. Since this is IKEA furniture if it ends up being an option I think I can add an extra level or two to make it taller without too much fuss.

The only time I’m really going to have a bunny closed into the cage would be while I’m trying to sleep. I’m hoping that the space should be sufficient, especially with am Xpen around it for extra space.

I’m going to the shelter to hang out with the bunnies and an adoption coordinator on Tuesday so I might have a better idea of who I’m coming home with by then.

Y’alls NIC cages look much better than the one I made with my previous bunny. If this whole idea doesn’t work out then I might try again and see if I can make it work.

[BanditCamp]

I have a box grid guide if you click in my habitat folder in my signature. You can make ramps for disabled buns easily just ensure that the angle is between 10-15 degrees and make ladder pegs. You can also put carpet or seagreass mats as a base to make it softer for them. Of you need help message me and I can give you ideas if you supply a picture of the ikea you bought.

The box grid cages they made if using standard 14×14 grids is about these dimensions 6 feet long x 4 feet high x 2.2 feet wide. This is more than ample room for them to lounge in all directions and get good height.

[Mel]

Couldn’t figure out how to make this post not act crazy with HTML stuff showing

[Mel]

Well, the disabled bunny is actually being adopted by someone else. Can’t say I’m not a little bummed because she was so sweet, but I’m happy that she’ll be going to a good home. So putting in a second level will definitely happen

 

I’ve gotten the base assembled, and now it’s time to start making the edits that will make it non-returnable which is definitely anxiety inducing. 

I’m basing the idea off of these three set-ups: 

http://www.designsponge.com/2009/07…hutch.html

http://www.therabbithouse.com/indoor/cupboard-hutch.asp

http://www.laurenmechelle.com/2011/…-for-jack/

I think I’ve decided on doing tile for the floor, I just can’t find laminate that looks how I want and has enough grip. I never thought this would be a cheaper option, so I feel like I might as well spend a bit more money and have it look like I want. I’ve already been looking into pet-safe sealant and caulk, though I think a bunny would have a tough time chewing a tile floor. 

I’ve also been trying to decide between chicken netting/wire or something else for the doors/back of the cage. My plan is to have the entire back of the cage be wire as well as making some doors that are mostly wire as well. Do you guys have any thoughts on the wire? Since the bunny won’t be standing on it, and I plan to cover and sharp edges with some aluminum sheeting or tile would the chicken netting be alright? They had PVC coated wire stuff at home depot, but it’s green. I’m looking into finding some that’s white, so that could be an option as well. 

[BunnyFriends]

As – what’s that mat on the first level hanging of the wall called?

[Author]

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