Rabbit hutches come in many shapes and sizes. The best size is 2 feet deep, 4 feet long and 2 feet tall. The 4-foot legs will keep the hutch safely off the ground. This allows the rabbit to have plenty of space to play, roam and enjoy their time. Be sure to add some fun toys such as a wood clock or plastic golf ball for hours of play by your bunny. You will need a variety of supplies to get started.
Supply List:
Five 8-foot 2-by-4s
Two sheets of 3/8-inch or larger plywood
Circular saw
Two rolls 3/8-inch hardware cloth
Wire cutters
Precut firing strips
Drill with screws
Hammer and 2-inch nails/wood staples
Jigsaw
Finishing nails
Two 2-inch hinges
Paint
Hook and latch
Roofing material (shingles, rolled roofing, fiberglass panel)
Begin the project by gathering the materials needed to build the rabbit hutch. Next, cut 2-by-4s for the frame of the rabbit hutch. Cut four 4-foot pieces, four 2-foot pieces and two that are a bit more than 2 feet each, making sure they are even. This extra length on two will lead to a slope of the roof.
Next, attach the 2-by-4s by starting with the bottom. Lay out one 4-foot piece. Attach a 2-foot section to each end. This will be the bottom of the back of the hutch. Lay another 4-foot section and attach the two 2-by-4s that are a little longer than 2 feet each. This is the bottom of the frame front. This should resemble a U shape. With a 2-foot section of 2-by-4, attach these two assembled pieces to each other, using 2-foot 2-by-4s at each end.
The bottom of the frame is now finished. It’s time to move onto the attaching the top.To finish the frame, attach 4-foot 2-by-4s to the top, front and one to the top, back. Next, attach the last two 2-foot 2-by-4s to each side. You will now have a framed box, with the back slightly lower than the front.
Now, cut three 4-by-2-foot sections of plywood with a circular saw. These are the front, back and top. The bottom will be wire and does not require a plywood piece. Nail the plywood into place with a hammer and nails or a nail gun. Be sure the nails go firmly into the 2-by-4 frame and not beside the boards. Nails should be 2 inches long. Attach to the outside of the frame, enclosing the box, except for the bottom
Then, cut two 2-by-2-foot pieces of plywood with a slight angle on the top to compensate for the slant the roof was given. Measure the frame so there will not be a gap once attached. Attach these to the ends of the box, using a hammer and nails. The box of the hutch is complete, with the bottom open.
Now, turn the box bottom-side up. Unroll hardware cloth across the length of the hutch, using wire cutters to trim and cut the cloth to fit. Make certain that the wire is squarely in the middle of the 2-by-4’s so the small wires do not come inside the cage. Attach the hardware cloth to one end of the hutch on the 2-by-4 frame. Pull the cloth tight as you continue to staple across the length of the hutch. This will prevent a sag once you place your bunny inside.
Next, cut four 4-foot 2-by-4s. These are the legs. Attach to the outside of the hutch using screws or 2-inch nails. Level each leg, so the hutch will be sturdy and flat on the ground.
Next we need to cut the opening into the front of the hutch using a jigsaw. The placement is up to you. The middle of the cage is acceptable, or transfer it to the left or right. Lightly sand the rough edges from around the door opening. The door opening should be at least 1 foot wide and 1 foot tall. You want enough space that you can lean into the cage to get your bunny out.
Make an even square to build the door with precut firing strips. The door frame should be 1 inch larger on each side than the opening cut for the door. Cut the firing strips with the circular saw to obtain the size needed. Assemble the four pieces of wood with finishing nails. Use the remaining hardware cloth and wood staples to attach the hardware cloth to the door frame, creating a screen. Now, attach the hinges to the door frame, then to the hutch.
Twist a hook-and-eye clasp into the wood door frame and the hutch base. This will hold the door securely closed, so your furry friend does not escape. Paint the plywood on the outside and hutch legs. This will protect the wood from the elements. Finally, lay the roofing material you choose. A rolled roof is usually the easiest option.
Your bunny hutch is now complete and ready for your rabbit to enjoy for years to come. Place some toys into the cage and a plastic mat in one corner. This will allow your bunny some relief from the wire bottom of the cage.
