A rabbit hutch is a cage-like accomodation for your rabbit. If you'd like to build one, these do-it-yourself instructions for a 30-inch by 36-inch basic woven wire hutch, with a hardware cloth floor may be of help. This size provides ample room for one rabbit, but you can modify the size to accommodate multiple rabbits (a hutch should be at least four times the size of the rabbit).

Metal hutches are superior because they are easy to clean, they don't hold odor, and they will last a long time. When building a rabbit hutch, the House Rabbit Society recommends using hardware cloth as opposed to woven wire for the floor. Hardware cloth is more durable, and easier on your rabbits feet and mouth.

Materials Needed

All materials are available at most hardware stores.

30-inch by 36-inch piece of 0.625 by 0.625 16-gauge hardware cloth for the floor

30-inch by 36-inch piece of 1-inch by 1-inch 14-gauge woven wire for the top of the cage

18-inch by 132-inch piece of 1-inch by 1-inch 14-gauge woven wire for the sides, back and front

14-inch by 15-inch piece of 1-inch by 1-inch 14-gauge woven wire for the front door

4-inch by 10-inch piece of 1-inch by 1-inch 14-gauge woven wire for the feeder opening

Tin snips (to cut hardware cloth)

Wire cutters (to cut woven wire)

3/8 inch hog rings (buy a lot, in case you make a mistake and have to replace some!)

Hog ring pliers

Measuring tape

Ready-made door latch of your choice

Cardboard box, big enough for your rabbit to hide in

Good quality straw, to cover the cage bottom

30-inch by 36-inch piece of Formica covered with newspaper, to put under hutch to catch droppings and urine

15-inch by 15-inch piece of carpet

Litter box

Organic litter

Water bottle

Sturdy food bowl

Lots of toys

Note: Hog rings come in fasteners resembling bars or staples and are attached using special hog ring pliers.