An Overview Of Various Types Of Rabbit Shelters
By Tom Seest
What Are Types Of Rabbit Houses?
There are several different types of rabbit houses available. Some are made of wood, while others are made of wire mesh. You can choose a horizontal or vertical enclosure depending on your pet’s preferences. If you don’t have much space to spare, you may want to consider getting a tiered cage. These cages are better suited for climbing animals like rabbits.
This photo was taken by Jatin Singh and is available on Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/rabbits-on-brown-grass-6387899/.
Table Of Contents
Are Wooden Hutches Good As Rabbit Houses?
If you’re planning to buy a wooden rabbit house, there are several things you should consider. For starters, it’s essential to choose a sturdy frame and supports. These supports should be at least two by four inches and the posts should be of the same length. Ideally, they should also be straight and free from large knots. In addition, they should be made of untreated pine wood, which is safe for rabbits.
Another important consideration is the flooring. Rabbits tend to chew on the edges of the floor, so you should choose a material that is easy to clean. A woven mat or rubber stable matting is a good option for the floor. You can also add a shelf, which will give the rabbits a raised platform to look out of. The shelf can be supported by shelf brackets or wood supports. Make sure to cut notches in the wooden supports so that the rabbit can’t move the shelves.
Choose a hutch that’s approximately four feet off the ground. Then, purchase shingles from a hardware store. Make sure that the shingles are the same size as the hutch’s dimensions. Using plywood for the floor and roof is another excellent choice. You can buy the material in large sheets and cut them into appropriate pieces.
Wooden rabbit hutches are a practical way to keep a rabbit. They are designed to provide shelter and comfortable living space for your bunnies. Wooden rabbit hutches are easy to build. You can even buy a plan for a commercial-style building. The LSU Ag Center website offers a variety of plans, from basic models to those with commercial potential. These hutches also include features such as a second tier, a feed hopper between two cages, and a rabbit nest box drawer.
Besides offering a safe place for your rabbit, wooden hutches also come in handy for small pets. This type of hutch is often designed specifically for rabbits, although some are also ideal for guinea pigs, chickens, and tortoises.
This photo was taken by Junior Cazangi and is available on Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-rabbit-on-green-grass-5703942/.
Are Wire Mesh Cages Good As Rabbit Houses?
Wire mesh cages for rabbits provide an effective barrier against predators. The wire must be heavy-duty and firmly attached to the wood. Wire mesh comes in two varieties: chicken wire (made of galvanized wire twisted into hexagons), and weld mesh, a square or rectangular grid with a welded joint at each point.
Wire mesh can be disinfected, and it is easily cleaned. Wood, on the other hand, is naturally antimicrobial, but it is not completely microbe-proof. It is suggested that you change the wood floor every two years, to prevent the growth of harmful microbes.
Wire mesh rabbit cages are typically made of galvanized steel wire. These cages are suitable for summer or winter climates. The wire mesh used for these cages is strong and durable, and it does not cost a lot to purchase. The last layer should be positioned twenty to thirty centimeters above the floor. They should also have a feeding board and feces board. The feeding board should be approximately 20 cm wide and about half the length of the cage.
Wire mesh rabbit cages are easy to clean and maintain. If you want to build your own cage, you should purchase plans for the cage. There are several methods to build a wire rabbit cage. One method is to purchase a set of wire mesh rabbit cage plans and follow them. If you have the time and the tools, you can build a wire rabbit cage yourself. Building a rabbit cage is not rocket science. However, it is important to choose the right materials.
A wire floor is better for your rabbit than paper bedding. Moreover, wire floors can help your rabbit’s natural foot mechanics by spreading its weight evenly over a thick bed. In theory, wood shavings or paper bedding should work, but in practice, they end up kicking and digging around.
A wire mesh rabbit cage allows you to easily observe your rabbit and notice any changes in its behavior. It is also easy to clean compared to other housing forms. Wire mesh is a great choice if you want to travel with your rabbit.
This photo was taken by Engin Akyurt and is available on Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-rabbits-on-a-mat-12194088/.
Are Suspended Cages Good As Rabbit Houses?
Suspended rabbit cages are an excellent option for a variety of reasons. They are self-contained and require little maintenance. They eliminate the need for litter boxes and offer a sanitary environment for your rabbit. A suspended cage has a welded frame and floor and is often available in square or rectangular models.
A suspended cage’s wire floor is perfect for a rabbit’s delicate feet since the floor is more pliable than a solid floor. This means that your rabbit’s weight is evenly distributed over a wider area. While paper bedding and wood shavings may appear to be sufficient for your rabbit, they often end up digging in the bedding or kicking their feet around.
Suspended cages are not appropriate for all rabbit breeds. Some breeds, such as Flemish Giant rabbits, require a solid floor and a resting mat to prevent foot health problems. Other breeds, such as large breed rabbits, may require a heavy-gauge wire floor.
Before making your own suspended cage, make sure the bottom and top mesh is the same size. A front mesh should be two-and-a-half feet wide, while the back and sides should be three feet long. Then, attach the bottom and top pieces to them using baby-saver strips. Once the mesh is in place, fasten it with C-rings or J-clips.
Suspended rabbit cages are often made of wire and suspended over a dropping tray. You can either purchase a frame kit or make one yourself. Just make sure that you use a sturdy frame and use a good size wire. A wire cage that is perforated will give the rabbit better traction than a non-perforated cage.
Suspended rabbit cages are easy to install and maintain. One disadvantage is that they are more susceptible to harsh winds. But you can mitigate this disadvantage by using a tarpaulin to cover the cage and keep the rabbits dry. You can also use a roof made of raffia or thatch palms.
Suspended cages are an excellent choice for large rabbits. They allow the rabbit to enjoy better airflow. Furthermore, they are ideal for winter temperatures and protect the rabbits from predators. Rabbits need good air ventilation to stay comfortable.
This photo was taken by Munal and is available on Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-cute-rabbits-8654359/.
Are Vertical Enclosures Good As Rabbit Houses?
Vertical enclosures for rabbits are designed to provide the smallest of pets with an environment free from cold and damp weather. These structures are made of sturdy wire mesh and have lockable doors for added security. Some models even feature a roof hatch so you can easily clean and care for your pet. There are many advantages to using vertical rabbit hutches, including their resale value.
They are also useful for those with limited floor space. They can fit into a small area and can be adapted to accommodate other animals, such as birds. The walls of a vertical hutch should be at least two feet high so that the rabbit can stand without leaning over. If space is an issue, you can combine two or more x-pen sets to create a multi-level enclosure.
In addition to being cheaper than purchasing a larger rabbit cage, vertical rabbit enclosures are also easier to transport. The enclosure can fold into a small rectangle so that you can put it in the trunk of your car. You can also bring it with you when you visit friends and family. A vertical rabbit enclosure can also be used to keep your pet safe when they’re playing outside.
Vertical rabbit enclosures can include a nesting area and an attached exercise area. Make sure the nesting area is enclosed and is made of solid, small-gauge wire mesh. Some models incorporate a raised nesting area, which maximizes nesting space while maintaining a manageable footprint. However, these types of enclosures may need extra bunny-proofing to ensure that your pet does not get harmed by predators.
Vertical rabbit cages are available in a variety of materials. Some are made of plastic while others are made of metal. While plastic is the cheapest, wood-made cages look better. However, be aware that rabbits can chew on exposed wood. Moreover, wire-grid flooring can cause sores on the rabbit’s hocks. Solid-floored vertical enclosures are better for the animal’s health.
This photo was taken by Thomas Mathew and is available on Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-rabbits-on-the-grass-8293253/.
