NIC Cage or XPen

[BunnyRabbitMania]

As I only have 6 weeks until I get my 2 bunnies, I need to start getting ready. As always, the first step will be bunny proofing which we’ll be doing this weekend and next. That leaving only 4 weeks until I get my bunnies, I will need to start thinking about supplies and housing since there not free ranged house bunnies. Please read below and help me decide whats best for us!

Our Other Pets

Currently, I own 3 cats, 2 chickens (there outside so that shouldn’t be a problem) and 4 gerbils (caged) So, the real problem is the cats. I know everyone says cats and rabbits get along fine, but I still need a cage that will keep those cats out! The bunnies will be housed in the bonus room of my house so they’ll have plenty of floor room when its floor time, but what about when its not floor time… they’ll need a cage! with a top, because cats and bunnies may not always get along, and cats might need to stay out!

Options

Since I have to pay with everything with my own money, I’d prefer something that’s around $20-30. (unless NIC cages are the way to go and I need to buy 2 sets of grids) Obviously, NIC cages do have build-able tops while X-pens don’t. As this cage is either going to be kept on top of a kids wooden play table, or a nook/corner of the room, it can’t be huge but still needs to allow plenty of bunny room.. Also needs to be high enough for me to reach! (table is about 2ft High, I’m about 5’3) As I was thinking about the ways I could build my NIC cage, I was thinking I could do 4 blocks length (on the back and front) 2 blocks width, (sides) and 3 blocks high with a upper level thats about 4-6 grids… How exactly do I go about building this? especially the second level, how does bunny get up easily? I want something that opens in the front, with NIC cages you can control that easily… I guess I just need to know more about the construction and placement that is easiest for me and bunnies.

What size bunnies and how many (bonded) could fit comfortably in these cages? what sizes would I need for 2 bunnies? 

[Tessie]

Hey,

I notice that you’ve posted this to the House Rabbit Q&A section too – it isn’t necessary to post a question more than once

If you want a cage with a roof then yes, it sounds like NIC is the way to go.
You can find lots of ideas for different layouts and how to construct NIC in the habitat section.

I know the minimum cage size for one rabbit is 4ft by 2ft so I’m guessing the size for two is twice that, although it depends on the size of the rabbit.

Just worth mentioning, that it’s really advisable to have the bun’s cage on the floor (not on a table) so that they can get in and out without you having to pick them up

[DaisyBunz]

I use an X-Pen and it works REALLY well. It’s also really high so it’s almost impossible for a cat to get in. GuineaPigCages.com has add ons like flip-tops that latch open and you can attach these to an X-Pen. The X-Pen we have for one of the rabbit cages is not as fun because there is no way you could attach ramps, platforms, etc., but it’s large enough for two rabbits to live very comfortably and it cost us only $25. 

[BunnyRabbitMania]

Anyone else have a answer? This is still unanswered.

[Tessie]

What exactly would you like to know?

[MoveDiagonally]

Hey BunnyRabbitMania! Have you checked out our habitat gallery? Link below:
https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/GreatHabitats/tabid/229/Default.aspx

It should give you some great ideas on NIC and pen set ups and help you decide.

Tessie is spot on about 4’X2′ being recommended for a single rabbit for two you want 4’X4′ (16 sq ft). An X-pen is exactly 4′ X 4′ when fully extended and you’ll want one that’s 3-4′ tall if you go that route. If you have carpet or want to protect the flooring in you bonus room you can make a base for the pen with plywood, vinyl flooring, and some small pieces of wood for a border. I believe there is an example of this in the habitat gallery. You can buy a commercial top to an X-pen for $20-30 dollars or you can make one.

For NIC, they require assembly but can also be wonderful. For two rabbits you would need to build something that is at least 4 X 3 grids. That comes out to about 16.3 sq ft. You would need 40 grids to accomplish a 4 X 3 grids with a top.

I found some on Amazon for $19.79:
http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-6070-1723-Storage-Cubes-Black/dp/B000LRBSFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388889009&sr=8-1&keywords=whitmore+grid+shelves
This contains about 16 grids. You would need at least 3 sets of a 4 cube set and you would have left overs for bunny proofing.

[MoveDiagonally]

I wanted to add something else. Please take a look at and show your parents our bunny info pages:
https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/tabid/53/Default.aspx

In particular the Habitats, Bunny Proofing, Diet, Monthly Maintenance, and Cost articles. 

[Author]

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