How to Build a Rabbit Hutch? Step-by-step Instructions

How to build a rabbit hutch? Building a rabbit hutch isn’t too difficult. You could do it in a weekend with a friend or two. You can find some great free plans online that will help you with getting the right amount of materials and creating the framework.

When you build a rabbit hutch you need to provide your rabbit with protection from the sun, wind and rain as well as predators. The hutch should also have an open area covered in heavy 14 gauge wire mesh to let your rabbit see the world around him and keep him safe from predators.

Every bunny deserves a fantastic home – your rabbit’s hutch is definitely her castle!  Follow our “6 Step to Setting Up Rabbit Hutches” and you will have a healthy, happy bunny home for years to come.

how to build a rabbit hutch

The 6 Steps to Build a Rabbit Hutch

Many people have their own preferences when dealing with building a rabbit hutch. Of course, the size can be different but the materials used should be very similar. We have compiled the six main steps to properly build a rabbit hutch as follows:

Step 1: Plan and material lists

  • Beware of plans telling you to use light hardware cloth* or chicken wire… these wires are not strong enough to provide adequate support or protection for your rabbit.
  • Check feed stores and farm supply stores for 14 gauge woven wire made for rabbit cages.
  • Sides can be 1 by 2 weave while the floor, if you choose to make it of wire, needs to be 1 by ½ weave.
  • If you have more than one rabbit in mind, consider that rabbits are very territorial and most will end up fighting at some point if kept together indefinitely.
  • Rabbits of opposite sexes should not be housed together; they will breed repeatedly and you’ll end up with a litter every month that the buck will likely kill. Rabbits are happy with a place to call their own.

*In some areas the woven wire used for hutches is also called hardware cloth. In other areas hardware cloth is considered a lightweight mesh.

Step 2: Pick the right cage/hutch

  • It needs to be large enough for your rabbit to stretch and turn around easily after you have added a nesting spot (bed), litter pan and food and water dishes.
  • The bottom of the cage needs to be easily cleaned. Wire is ok but needs to be covered with cardboard or a piece of untreated pine wood so that it does not damage the soft pads of your rabbit. General purpose plastic is also a no-no as your rabbit will most likely chew right through.
  • Most commercial rabbit cages are fairly utilitarian looking so think outside the box when looking for a cage – a cat pen or guinea pig cage may be just as suitable.
  • Where you place the cage is very important. Place it where the rabbit can see what is going on with the family but is not in direct traffic. Ensure it is away from direct heat (fire, heaters, etc.) cold drafts and noise, such as the stereo or TV.

Step 3: Where’s the Bathroom? – Add a litter box/pan

  • We have found the high sided, corner variety is the best to use as rabbits urinate horizontally rather than downwards!
  • Rabbits naturally seem to like to go to the toilet in corners and tend to prefer one particular corner. If she seems to prefer a certain corner, move her litter box to that one.
  • Good choices for litter material are those made from aspen bark, newspapers (but these don’t control odors very well) or hay.
  • Always avoid the following:  pine and cedar shavings as they release aromatic phenols which could harm your rabbit’s respiratory system and cat litter as some brands can be toxic to your rabbit.

Step 4: Bedtime – Add a nesting box

  • Although there are many nesting/bedding boxes available commercially this can be as simple as a cardboard box with a hole cut in each end and filled with fresh hay. Rabbits love to burrow and snuggle in dark corners and this will keep her feeling safe. It is important that there are two exits. As a prey species, your bunny likes to have an escape route!
  • Hay keeps your precious rabbit warm as well as being great to munch on. And who doesn’t like breakfast in bed?!

Step 5: Dinner time – Food & water bowls

  • The best food bowls are heavy crockery or metal with a wider base as they stop your rabbit tipping them over. And we all know how much rabbits LOVE to try to tip their bowls over!
  • You’ll also need either another bowl for water or a bottle attached to the side of the cage. Bottles are a lot cleaner (your bun can’t bathe in it for one)! However some rabbits take a while to adjust to a bottle if they haven’t used one before. ALWAYS have an alternative supply of water in a bowl until she gets used to using the bottle.

Step 6: Work hard, play hard – Add some toys

  • Bunnies love to play so add some rabbit-safe toys to her house. They don’t need to be store bought – old phone directories are a favourite (remove the shiny cover) or even a tissue box stuffed with hay can be entertaining for your bun. This one is only limited by your imagination!
  • If you do want to buy some toys, certain cat toys like those little balls with a bell inside can also be suitable. Ensure you first remove anything that could be chewed off like eyes, buttons, etc.

So, there you are…the perfect 6 easy steps to build a rabbit hutch.

The Rabbit Hutch Building Plans

You can find plans for hutches that are suitable for indoors or out. Be sure that you have the skills needed before you choose a plan. The plans range from simple to very complex, so keep in mind your abilities and your rabbit’s needs when choosing.

1. DIY Rabbit Hutch

If you are looking for something simple, try the free DIY rabbit hutch building plans found at https://www.simplyeasydiy.com/2015/07/diy-rabbit-hutch-design-2.html. This simple hutch offers a corrugated sheet metal roof, with mainly wooden over-wire cages. The posts can be cemented into the ground to make them stable. This free plan is large enough to house two rabbits.

2. Outdoor Rabbit Hutch

If you want another simple one that has a little more to it, try a plan you can find at https://myoutdoorplans.com/animals/outdoor-rabbit-hutch-plans/. This one can be easily adapted for two rabbits or you can do a double-decker and house four rabbits. This hutch includes a roof, a large cage for each rabbit, and a feeder that divides the cages down the canter. You can also choose to mount it on two posts or four legs. For more details on the material used and building steps with graphical illustrations, visit the link.

 

3. Rabbit Hanging Cages

If you have a little shed or a barn where your rabbits will live, you may want to consider hanging cages. You can learn how to build them and hang them properly at http://thenaturetrail.com/rabbit-equipment/wire-cage-build-plans/. This page explains what materials and tools you’ll need to create roomy wire cages that will keep your rabbits safe and comfy.

 

4. Indoor Rabbit Hutch

If, on the other hand, you want an indoor hutch that is easy to clean, is portable and still gives your rabbit plenty of room, check out the free rabbit hutch building plans at https://www.buildeazy.com/indoor-rabbit-hutch/. You can find out how one person designed a cute hutch on wheels that can be moved from room to room in the house for his granddaughter’s rabbit.

The hutch comes complete with a door that turns into a ramp so the bunny can come out to play. It even has a hinged top for easy cleaning. You certainly want to keep cleaning in mind when you build a cage of any type. Since this one is made of mostly wood, you can even paint the outside so it matches the décor in your house if you want.

Once you’ve chosen your ideal rabbit hutch building plans, gather your materials and get started. Your rabbits will appreciate a secure home where they feel safe from harm. You’ll feel great that you built it yourself. Building your hutches yourself will allow you more creativity than buying one that is premade.

Rabbit Hutch Building: More Detail Explanations

Most hutches are made in the shape of a rectangle. One or two sides are covered in wire. The rest are enclosed in wood. Sturdy legs keep your rabbit safe from parasite infestation that they may pick up from the ground. Wire floors allow droppings to fall to the ground or into an attached tray for easy clean up.

The Framework

  1. Cut your framing wood into the sizes you need according to the plan you are following. (Some plans include instructions advising you how to build a rabbit hutch, others only a blueprint.)
  2. Frame your hutch using 2 x 4s and wood screws. Wood screws will form a better fastening than nails. Attach plywood that has been cut to size on all sides that you wish to be covered.
  3. Attach the wire mesh by framing it in a wooden frame or by stapling it to the wood with heavy duty construction staples. Cut off any sharp ends on the wire that may hurt your rabbit.
  4. Make sure your framework has long enough legs to keep the hutch off the ground so there is no problem with dampness getting into the hutch. Plywood can be used for the solid sides with wire for at least one open side.
  5. Once the framework has been put together, attach the wire from the inside of the frame with sturdy staples from the hardware store. Hammer any that don’t go in all the way so they don’t stick out.
  6. Cut your plywood to size and attach it to your framework. Try to avoid making gaps at the corners. You don’t want drafts coming in.
  7. Frame the door and hang it on the hutch with sturdy hinges. Attach the clasp that will keep the door securely closed. The clasp should be something that is easy for you to work with but will be hard for wild animals or your rabbit to undo.
  8. Use a latching clasp to keep your pet secure. Don’t use a loose piece of wood that you can move to keep the door closed; if you can move it, so can a raccoon or other predator.

Make sure that about a third of the hutch is somewhat enclosed so your rabbit has a private place to hide when he feels like it. Some people also put a wall separating the private area from the open area with an opening for your rabbit to use. This can make it difficult to reach in for cleaning the hutch or catching your rabbit, however.

The Roof

The roof should be made of a material that will protect your rabbit from both sun and rain. Attach the roof and make sure you install waterproof materials on top. You may opt to use shingles, corrugated fiberglass or metal.

You may want to add overhanging eaves to provide extra shade and protection from rain. The roof can be made of plywood and then covered in tar paper and roofing shingles. Alternatively, you may want to use corrugated fiberglass or metal panels on top of your plywood. Whichever you prefer, use the installation instructions for the materials you choose.

The Add-ons

When you are finished with the basic construction, you can add a feeder, water bottle, toys and a hayrack if you wish. Paint the outside if you want to decorate it. Make sure you don’t get paint on the inside where your rabbit could ingest it.

If you put in a solid floor, you’ll want to make sure your pet has a litter pan available that is full of absorbent bedding. Watch your new pet to see what corner they seem to prefer for their bathroom and put the pan in that spot. This may take a day or two. Change the bedding frequently to keep their pan clean.

After you build a rabbit hutch, you need to find a good place to locate it. Choose a spot that offers extra protection from the heat of the sun in the summer and from wind and rain in the winter. If you have a shady spot or a protected corner near your home, this may work out perfectly. Once your hutch is finished and set in place, it is ready for your rabbit.

You can introduce your rabbit to his new home. It is normal for your rabbit to explore every nook and cranny. You’ll see them rub their chins on everything. This is how they mark their area with their scent. You can step back and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Conclusion

Discovering how to build a rabbit hutch really isn’t too difficult. If you are handy, you can probably design and build one yourself without any problem. If you are not used to working with construction materials, you may want to look at some of the free plans suggested in the above section to guide you.

After all, if you follow the step-by-step plan outlined in any plan mentioned above, you should be able to build a rabbit hutch at your own convenience. Hope that this article can help you build an ideal house for your bunnies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. How much does it cost to build your own rabbit hutch?

It depends on how big you want to build your hutch. While most wooden rabbit hutches are priced between $100 to $200, so the cost of building your own rabbit hutch is slightly cheaper than buying a cage.

  1. Can you make your own rabbit hutch?

Yes, the custom makes rabbit hutch let you build the cage size and height and choose the ideal color for your bunnies.

  1. What is the best wood to build a rabbit hutch?

To make the frame, you can use untreated pine 2×4’s to make it solid while safe for rabbits (nontoxic). For top and bottom of the hutch, you can use plywood.