Raising rabbits near a large community is a profitable industry, and it is an enterprise that many schoolboys in America have embarked upon, with returns in money that are indeed out of proportion to the small amount of time and energy necessary for the proper care of the little animals.

The construction of clean, comfortable homes for rabbits, as recommended by the Department of Agriculture, is as follows:

The hutches, as they are called, should be built of good, sound lumber, and should have tight floors, providing at least 12 sq. ft. of floor space. The best plan for building hutches in quantity is that used in building sectional bookcases. The bottom section has short, stout legs, while the others are placed upon it until the desired height is reached. A convenient size for an outdoor hutch is one measuring 6 ft. in length, 1 1/2 ft. in height, and 2 ft. in

rabbit hutch dimensions2 story rabbit hutch plan
wood, and the other of wire mesh similar to that used in enclosing poultry runways. The screen door should be provided with a sliding wood cover, as a protection against severe cold weather.

Outdoor hutches, which are desirable for most of the climates found in America, are best, and should be fitted with sloping roofs and made otherwise watertight. Holes for ventilation should be bored in the side walls near the ceiling. Several layers of waterproof paint should be applied.

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When looking at rabbit hutch plans, you may wonder if a wooden hutch is better than a rabbit cage.  Let’s take a look at some comparisons to that you can get a feel for what each will provide for your bunny.

There are several styles in each kind of home for your rabbit.  You will see that there is a range that goes from very simple to veritable bunny mansions.  Most of the time, when the word “cage” is used it conjures up pictures of tiny wire cages where the bunny is cramped up inside it.  You may be surprised to know that you can purchase sprawling two story cages that come with detachable runs available.

Cages are often made of small gauge wire.  While this makes them easy to clean, they also do not usually have bottoms to them.  This is not best for the rabbit.  Some do have flooring and some two story cages have solid flooring on the upper half, and this is a step in the right direction.

In order to protect your rabbit’s feet, you will still need to cover the floor.  It does not matter if the cage comes with a hard metal bottom, or if the bottom is wire – they still need something comfortable to lie on.

Other attractive features of wire cages are that the bottom can separate from the rest of the cage, making it easier to clean.  They are also easy to disassemble and transport if you have to travel or if you move.

Wooden rabbit hutches offer similar shelter as a rabbit cage.  There are also wooden two story homes with plenty of space and easy access to the bunny.  Many also come with pull out trays below the hutch for easy cleaning as well.

These wooden structures are not easily disassembled, though.  When looking at wooden rabbit hutch plans, know that they offer an excellent home for your bunny.  There are luxury models that look similar to miniature homes, including a bunny walkway and raised sleeping quarters.  They also have spacious runs included.

Regardless of being wire or wooden, both homes can be positioned so that they open out into a run where the rabbit can have space to move and get some exercise.  You should also have adequate space for more than one rabbit in either a cage or a wooden home, if you actually have more than one rabbit.

Beyond that, either a hutch or a cage can have enough room for the pet to sleep and eat in.  In the past, cages were generally considered an ineffective and unattractive way to keep a rabbit, but with the changes that have been made to recent models, this is no longer true.

As you look at rabbit hutch plans, you can feel good knowing that both wooden hutches and wire cages can both be options that will benefit your rabbit.  In fact, you may want to build a wooden hutch for the outdoors and keep a wire cage inside for your pet.

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If you happen to like woodworking, it can be the ideal hobby or skill for creating your own custom rabbit hutch.  With your own rabbit hutch plans, you can build a home for your bunny that will make everyone happy.

With custom plans, you will be able to pamper your pet and provide him with a house fit for the little king or queen that they are.  Constructing the rabbit home should not take more than a weekend and even less if you have ever built anything similar.

Expert skill is not required, though.  If you have the desire, you can find easy beginner books that will walk you through the project step by step.  To get a better idea of the kind of hutch you want to build, you might want to start by taking a trip to the local pet store and look around at what is available.  You can also look online to see what kind of home is possible.  Then, you can either buy a book that has the same design or you can go with rabbit hutch plans where you make a few modifications to suit your needs.

Keep in mind that not all rabbit hutch plans are elaborate works of art.  Some are not attractive at all and end up as just a plain square box when it’s all said and done.

The plans that you find should have a preview of the contents before you actually buy it.  If you happen to be a novice builder, it is a good idea to seek the advice of other small pet owners regarding what they would do differently with their hutches.  Ask about improvements they recommend or other helpful tips.

A hutch is supposed to give your rabbit a place to eat, sleep and a spot where they can use the bathroom.  Regardless of that your plans may say about the kind of flooring you should install, you will want to use material that can be washed and disinfected.

If you are absolutely sure that your bunny will have plenty of time to roam free of the hutch and ample time outdoors, you do not need to build the largest hutch imaginable.  A smaller home will be enough.  Do not build your rabbit’s hutch based on the size of a baby rabbit.  You will need to construct it for the adult sized bunny your baby will become.

When you have selected your rabbit hutch plans, begin by making a list of the items you will need to buy.  Make this list before you head to the store.  Include bedding and a litter box that is specifically for rabbits on your list as well.

Other needed items for your rabbit hutch include a food dish and water bottle.  If your rabbit hutch plans include constructing it of wood, you may also want to get a rug to place under it inside the house.  This will prevent the legs of the hutch from scratching your floors.

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