Best type of cages?

[AdventureIsOutThere]

Hello, I am a newbie and live in Houston, TX. I am thinking about getting a Mini/Holland lop or a Mini Rex. I was at first researching an outdoor hutch, but some negatives I found where the wood being gnawed/chewed on, hard to clean, and low ventilation. So I thought about getting a wire cage. I was thinking of getting two cages 30x36 and wonder how I would set them up outdoors? I've seen quite a few pictures where they're hanging from a wooden frame with roof or in a shed. I worry about them falling down or how to hang them? Thank you for your time.

 

[Piper]

Welcome to RT!
:welcomewagon:

Give me a moment, to do a search of the threads and will be back with you in a bit.

 

[Oceanrose]

I hang my cages using T-posts.

Basically, I sunk the posts into the ground, and cable tied the cages to the posts and to each other. I also happen to have an existing fence near there, that I also used for support. Lacking that, I would have added an additional T-post. In the middle, I placed a treated wood 4x4 post to prevent sagging (placing it between 2 cages with each cage on part. I then covered the cages with PVC roofing. I'll be adding more, and will try to post a tutorial when I do. It was simple and very inexpensive, and seems sturdy.

 

[Piper]

Wire cages, GAW (galvanized after weld) have been the best for me!
I currently have mine on pvc legs, and need to take pictures
Here are some links to some different set ups.
- and - you will get more feed back, with people start waking up in the morning.
Untill then, here are some pictures that you may like.

hanging-cages-in-the-new-barn-t8114.html?hilit=carport
the images taht go with that post are next two links.
gallery/album.php?album_id=8&sk=t&sd=d&st=0&start=24
gallery/image_page.php?album_id=8&image_id=874&sk=t&sd=d&st=0

Miss M's NEW New BunnyBarn! *PIC HEAVY*
miss-m-s-new-new-bunnybarn-pic-heavy-t9839.html?hilit=hanging%20cages

gallery/image_page.php?album_id=8&image_id=543

my-weekend-project-growout-cage-t9989.html
growout-pen-ii-t10247.html

post88563.html#p88563

__________ Wed Oct 24, 2012 2:53 am __________

Oceanrose - seems as if there is one other night owl, here

 

[mystang89]

I have wood framed cage. The rabbits do chew the wood and it's probably more difficult to clean than metal cages. If given a second chance and money I would probably make a wire cage. I'm not sure about the low ventilation though. It seems pretty good to me.

 

[Piper]

I have wood framed cage. The rabbits do chew the wood and it's probably more difficult to clean than metal cages. If given a second chance and money I would probably make a wire cage. I'm not sure about the low ventilation though. It seems pretty good to me.

We love to see pictures around here *hint* :twisted:

:camera:

 

[mystang89]

We love to see pictures around here *hint* :twisted:
:camera:

You all are actually going to make me buy a camera one of these days instead of using my phone aren't you. Sorry about the mess in the pictures, I just finished painting the garage and sorry bout the quality of pictures, taken by phone.
Picture one is just the layout that I have. The grow-out cages are at top. I will probably get something to put under the grow-out cage to catch the droppings....after I look through my posts and see what the person told me it was called again. Dura something or other. As you can see getting in there is a small hassle but nothing too bad. I just reach in there with some disinfectant and a scouring pad or stiff bristled brush and clean it. If the droppings don't go through the cage then I sweep them with a broken handled broom through a whole that Snow (pictured rabbit) was kind enough to make for me. Again, small hassle to clean but nothing huge.

Picture 2 is the complete layout. I just put the frame underneath that holds dirt. The dirt catches the urine and dropping and I just mix it around once a week or so. Seems a nice way to make compost. I'll clean that out completely probably twice a year...ish.

Picture 3 is a picture of the rabbits deciding they didn't like the 3 pieces of small wood I put in the cage for them to chew on and deciding the door looked better instead. :evil:

 

[AdventureIsOutThere]

As for ventilation in wooden hutches/cages I was thinking the air would be more blocked due to sides and back vs wire where there is maybe a back? I live in TX and thought it would be best for all four sides to be open for the slightest breeze. But with a wire cage being so open I worry about rain. I'll have a roof covering but imagine rain can still get in. Also, I've seen a lot of wire cages, but most don't seem to have a nest/bed etc.) while hutches have a space for hiding/sleeping. Lastly, I'm a very visual person but lack common sense when it comes to building items. I've been finding people chain their cages to frames/sheds and I'm curious do they just chain the four sides on top? or the bottom too? and how long or wide do the chains need to be and what kind of chains? Sorry about all the questions!

 

[3mina]

My all wire cage banks have a two food overhang and nothing else, nothing gets wet unless the rain is coming in sideways, which happens occasionally but not often enough for me to change my setup. The overhang is about 6" above the top of the cages so I have access without taking out an eye or fighting with the water bottles.

 

[SuburbanHomesteader]

I use all-wire pens. Built them myself but don't usually recommend that. I was trying to fit some specific spaces and maximize pen space so they're not all a "standard" size. Unless you're kinda handy and are planning to make a bunch of pens, I'd suggest buying standard pre-made / pre-cut pens. I hang them from the rafters using chain that are hooked onto the pens at the bottom...one in each corner. You may want to cut the chain a little long and use hooks in the rafters - will allow you to adjust up and down. Need to be sure that all your helpers can comfortably reach into the pens. Our doe pens all have a shelf they can jump up on and that allows for the nest box to set underneath. Gives the girls more floor space and lets them get away from the kits once the box is out of there. (By the time the kits are big enough to jump up there with mom, it's time to start weaning them.) Hope the info helps...best of luck!<br /><br />__________ Wed Oct 24, 2012 7:43 pm __________<br /><br />Will attempt to upload a photo...

 

[Piper]

here is another thread that has several photos
new-hutch-t9938.html

This is one of the posts, from that thread and he has a great way to hang the cages.
post103782.html#p103782

SuburbanHomesteader - I wish my rabbit area, looked as rabbit comfortable as yours does.
Your hallway, looks narrow. ? I like your hay idea!

 

[SuburbanHomesteader]

Thank you, Piper. Hallway is 24 inches - too narrow or - as I keep telling myself - just big enough. Side areas are larger to allow for barn doors to swing open. Barns, Garages, Decks, Patios, and Pools are never big enough! And bank accounts!

The hay thing was an idea I came up with since I built my own pens - square front and quonset back allows for hay in the middle to be shared by two pens. This method ends up with less waste - often what's on the floor just gets "dirty".