How do you build a wooden bunny hutch?

1. An All-Wooden Enclosure. This type of cage is the most common and popular. It is not, however, the best choice for your rabbit. We will cover why this is after the way to design it and build it is discussed. It is best to use sturdy dependable plywood when building your all-wooden enclosure, not particle board. This cage will be home to your rabbit for a long time so it is important to use good supplies.

This type of cage is generally designed with two different sections. One section will be completely enclosed, all except for a small opening for your rabbit to enter and exit into the larger portion of the cage. This section SHOULD have a wooden floor, and contrary to the recommendation of the previous author, it is not recommended to have a wire bottom. If your rabbit has no place to rest his feet on a solid surface, he may develop "sore hocks" which is a very painful and possibly life-threatening (if not properly treated) condition in which your bunny will develop bloody sores on his feet and will be unable to walk properly. Wire cage bottoms with no litter box or other soft resting place is unkind to your pet. (Imagine if you had no soft place to rest with only wires to sit or lay on, how uncomfortable that would be) Although some rabbits will 'go' anywhere, the majority choose a 'bathroom area' and will continue to use that one spot for their washroom. This is where you should place their littler box, rabbits can be remarkably easy to litter train.

The larger section should be approximately twice the size of the enclosed area. This section will have a bottom and a door in the front. The door should be wire as well. This will allow your rabbit to have circulation throughout the pen. Circulation is important for your rabbit to remain healthy. Make sure that your hutch has a sturdy roof, to prevent exposure to the elements. Also make sure that the cage is set high enough off of the ground to allow for circulation, and to avoid terrorization by any predator that may come by to look in at the rabbit in the cage -- at least 3 feet off the ground. Make sure the rabbit is kept out of drafts.

It should be noted that an outdoor hutch is not a good option for a pet rabbit. A better solution is to have the rabbit live indoors in in a safe, bunny proofed area. They can still have a 'hutch' or place to call their own, but should be allowed to run free at least a few hours each day. In doing this, you are more likely to have a loving, interactive pet, and you will be surprised at how cute, fun and adventurous a pet rabbit can be. Its important to keep in mind that a pet bunny well cared for can live to be at least 8+ years, so its important to consider your long term plans before adopting.

from:http://www.howtodothings.com/pets-and-animals/a2426-how-to-design-and-build-a-rabbit-hutch.html