All pet rabbits need a place to call home. This allows them to rule their own territory - this is in their nature and make up to do so. But where should we keep them?
Indoor or Outdoor?
Before you decide to keep a rabbit as a pet, the first decision you will have to make is: whether or not you will keep it inside or outside. Some people nowadays choose to let their rabbits live indoors, but most people decide to keep their rabbit in an outdoor
rabbit hutch.
Outdoor Is Best:
Keeping your bunny outside is a great way to allow the rabbit to still live in an environment that is as natural as possible - yet still be a family pet. Our experience is that most rabbit hutches tend to lack the fundamental needs of a rabbit; and that it is better to build a custom outdoor rabbit hutch, than to purchase a pre-built hutch from a pet store.
Buying Pre-Built Hutches Verses Building Custom Hutches:
Pre-built hutches have common problems, they lack size, zoning, insulation, are difficult to clean, flimsy, and often have design flaws such as mesh wire on the floor. This is why we recommend building a custom hutch. Custom hutches also contain advantages such as the deliberate inclusion of solid walls, for those who live in areas where the temperature drops too low for the rabbits comfort. They allow the builder to add in their own personal and creative flare.
Learning how to build a on a budget would be wise, but the most important thing is to have the right rabbit hutch plans. As this will mean keeping your rabbit happy and healthy will be far easier.
This article focuses on the outdoor rabbit hutch and will give you 5 things ALL rabbit hutch plans should have.
Start with great how to build a rabbit hutch plans: You should know how to build the hutch correctly and efficiently. The common mistakes we hear about is when people just "jump in" and start without having proper rabbit hutch plans set out from the start. This can cause frustration down the track because materials and time are wasted when they have to undo or redo a particular section that was not well planned or made up "on the fly".
Size: You must take the size of your rabbit into consideration when building your rabbit hutch. Rabbits need plenty of room in which to be able to move and play, so make sure you are giving your rabbit adequate room around to move. The guide for a rabbit is that sizing is that it should be able to hop along 4 to 5 times without being impeded. By this I mean, it should be able to hop along 4 to 5 times without being forced to stop because of the wall and length of the hutch is too short. The length of the hutch is not the only issue. The height is also very important. And this is where the majority of rabbit hutches out there for sale fail to meet an adequate standard. The height should be twice (even better is 3 times) the size of the rabbit - when he/she is lying down and stretched out. Any hutch that is not sufficiently long, wide or high enough will restrict your bunny from being able to get enough exercise. One way to save space is to build a two-storey rabbit hutch.
Easy to Clean: OK, so here's one for the rabbit owner. The hutch should be built off the ground (the floor should be at least a foot up from the ground) and should be supported by four or more sturdy legs. Depending on the weight six legs may be required. Cover the floor of the hutch with material that will protect the flooring. Both these things will ensure the rabbit hutch is easy to clean. Remember when cleaning the hutch, rabbit pellets make great fertilizer for the plants in your garden!
Correct Finishing: Make sure that the hutch is free from sharp edges from nails or wood. Smooth down all rough patches on the wood with sandpaper. And any mesh wire should be inspected and file down any sharp burrs or metal splinters. As you have decided that your pet rabbit will be living outside instead of in the home with you, you should attempt to make sure the hutch is as comfortable and safe as possible for your rabbit.
Correct materials: The most appropriate Rabbit hutch plans include the correct materials. A wooden hutch is going to be the best bet, as it will be simple to build, sturdy, and easier to clean. Do not use chicken wire as rabbits can chew through it, and never, ever use the wire on the floor of the hutch, as rabbits can injure their paws on wire floors (paws can even become deformed this way). You can use thick, chew-proof wire to a wall and the doors, but make sure the openings in the wire, as well as throughout the hutch, are too small to let in predators (in particular snakes).
Rooms and Zones: You must take the year-round climate of the place you live into consideration when building your rabbit hutch. Outdoor hutches should have at least one room that is enclosed - with 4 walls and one door. Walls and should be designed so that they are sealed to protect your rabbit from weather and the elements. There also needs to be an open section where the rabbit can enjoy the warm sun and cool breeze. A hutch that is built with quality materials and weatherproofing in mind will protect your rabbit from the elements. However, be prepared to bring the rabbit indoors during extreme cold or hot temperatures, as these can kill your pet.
Conclusion: Please remember that you must know how to build a rabbit hutch properly. It is very important for the bunny to live in an environment that supports its health and well-being. If you follow these 8 things which all rabbit hutch plans should have - the result is that you will build a great rabbit hutch. Not only will it provide your pet with enough room to play and grow, but will also provide a safe home, and will keep him or her healthy for many years.
To learn how to build a rabbit hutch in less than 3 weeks click here to find out more information on DIY rabbit hutch plans
PLEASE NOTE: These rabbit hutch plans are designed to last 10 YEARS!
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