Questions about building NIC cage

[lalliger]

Over the weekend I built a cage for my bunnies out of NIC cubes. I’m having a hard time finding something to use for the bottom of the cage. I tried looking for the stuff you make signs out of, but couldnt find any. I want to put something down on the bottom and on the levels that wouldnt hurt their feet and could be easily cleaned. Any suggestions or ideas?? Let me know what you have used and what works for you. Im’ greatful for any ideas!!! Want to get them in their cage ASAP! Thanks so much.

[LoveChaCha]

I use this plastic thing. It sticks to the ground (not permanently) and I put a towel over it.

You can get it at hardware stores

[Eepster]

I used carpet protectors for the floor covering on the levels of our house. It is similar to the thing LoveChacha is showing, but it came in rolls. Our bunny found it too slippery especially on the ramps, so I put cardboard over it.

We don’t have grids on our bottom layer, so I put down a carpet chair mat I got at Ikea for $19.99. It is basically a very large and thick sheet of plastic with a slightly bumpy texture. It’s purpose is to keep the wheels on office chairs from sinking into carpeting and getting stuck. You can find them at most office supply stores that sell chairs.

[LizzyBunny]

I made mine out of cheapish linoleum, the peel and stick kind with sea grass mats and blankets. My bun is a chewer and likes to chew the linoleum so I take that piece off as soon as she starts to chew. Other then that its easy to clean and replace

[jerseygirl]

One member used an indoor/outdoor mat and had it placed upside down. That might be an option as it’s wipeable and non-slip. Or you could use vinyl off the roll or remnants.

[OhBellaBunBun]

I put a big area rug under buns cage. She loved to dig up the small carpets I tried using in the past. Then I got one of those big plastic sheets that people put under their computer chairs… She found ways to chew that. Tried cardboard, she kept eating it lol… So… finally, I tried a big area rug (what we use now) and this has worked. Also, for her levels, I measured out soft fabric to fit the boards. I layered the fabric, then sewed it like a pillowcase kind of. I did that so I could take them off to wash. I just slip it over the boards. She does get up there to dig, but she hasn’t made it through the layers yet, so I haven’t had to replace it yet.

I used a fleece material that is made out of a synthetic fiber. It’s sooo soft! Nice for little bunny feet.

[lashkay]

I use a sheet of linoleum as the floor of my bunnies’ pens, but if you do, I recommend you lie it out upsidedown away from the pen, to get any buckles or tendency to roll, out of it then lie it out right side up in bunny’s area, where it’s well anchored. Bunnies will chew raised, bent or buckled linoleum, but in my experience, not if it lies compeltely flat and it’s a breeze to keep clean. In places where the linoleum did bend upward in my bunnies’ pen, I laid mats – seagrass and coconut fibers mats, over it, and it does the trick, keeps them from chewing it.

[LucyTwoBunz]

We use foam pads.  The first ones we got looked like puzzle pieces.  Alot of people use them on cement surfaces for cushion.  IF we put a box over the edges, Lainey tends to chew the edges…always spits the pieces out but we have a few chewed up corners.  Then we found the same type at Big Lots that was one piece.  That one is now in their room and of course, the fleece and other fabrics for their enjoyment. We recently put old jeans in their entryway and it drives them nuts!  They rearrange, pick it up in their mouths, push it with their paws, etc. until they get it entirely out of “their” area!  Also, the foam pads wash easily

[lashkay]

Just a friendly reminder: Foam is dangerous around bunnies. They invariably ingest some of it and it is a painful experience and death if it comes to that. I wouldn’t take chances with any kind of foam. Also foam in beds and toys is harmful, as well. I know you just want what’s best for your bunnies. Unfortunately, some of the most comfortable materials are also the most harmful.

[OskarAnnie]

I use carpet for all of the levels because that’s what my rabbits mainly run on while they’re in the house. I think it makes them feel comfortable and likewise it’s very easy to replace, it just has to be fitted.

[armynurse]

We used shower liner (you can get it at home depot or lowe’s for like 5 bucks a yard). it’s a heavy gray plastic. We just used the NIC panals to enclose the bottom then put the shower liner on top of that and secured the edges with paperclips. works really well and it’s easy to clean too (i have to place mine every 4 mths or so because meg likes to chew on the edges of it).

[Misskaruhl]

So Carpets and upside down welcome/outside mats are ok and safe to use?

I’m building a NIC this weekend for my new bunnies.

Thanks!

[jerseygirl]

Hi Misskaruhl. That really depends on your rabbits. If they are big chewers then those options might not be best. Carpets vary, so you can find some with an ultra short pile and hard wearing that are less likely to be pulled at. Also, consider the edging of the carpet. Some binding might prove too tempting to bunny teeth.

Just wanted to add… I tend to do a smell test with anything I plan to use for flooring. Some vinyls, plastics and rubber-backed items can be strong smelling to me and rabbit have a keener sense of smell.

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