Why not just make a frame for the cages you have now, with a nice overhang on the roof to keep everyone dry?
That would leave two holes for five current outdoor rabbits, which will soon be six or seven (depending on negotiations with a breeder I'm currently having). My other cages (the outdated ones I've been wanting to replace) are just not gonna cut it. I really want a nicer, more useful setup.
The plans I've been working on would leave eight holes for regular living quarters, and two HUGE hutches for does to raise litters in, so in a pinch, ten holes...though I'd like to keep the huge hutches as grow-out pens after weaning.
I also prefer using 1/2X1 wire even though it is more expensive per foot. It's hard for cats and other predators to reach through the wire and snatch a kit. A well made GAW wire cage can last ten years with perhaps a new floor at 5 years so spending a few extra dollars to get them right is better than skimping and having to replace more often.
I do prefer the 1/2 x 1 wire...I have other cages that aren't that size and I really hate them. The rabbits I have on the 1/2 x 1 wire flooring hop around a lot more so I assume they prefer it.
Plus as you say, less predator issues. In my basement that hasn't been a problem, but...my dad's place has the occasional raccoon.
I was actually considering that, since the back of the hutch would be solid, it wouldn't be too hard to add a shelf or something. I saw somewhere where someone tacked a bucket in their cages and the rabbits could chill out in the raised bucket, I kinda like that too...like a little hidey-hole. But yeah, I like the idea of a shelf or hidey-thing for the rabbits. Plus having a shelf or bucket off the flooring would allow escape if a raccoon did try to grab their feet.
So 20"w and 36" DEEP? Where will the door be? if on the front, that will make it hard to reach the back unless you are Stretch Armstrong!
I'm actually a pretty short fellow, I already have a few (outdated, need-to-replace) cages where I have to shove my whole upper body in to reach a bun in the back. :lol: I'm used to it, though...had the same issue at the salon I worked at, tiny dog, deep kennel, I'd have to stick half my body in to get 'em out.
Plus I have the nice advantage that half my rabbits practically hop right into my hands when I open the cage!
I agree with 3Mina, use the wood you have to make a covered area for the cages you already have and hang them.
Well...first of all, most of my cages are NOT the same size. They are all individual, freestanding and not even remotely compatible with each other. Two of them are solid-floor monstrosities that I honestly cannot wait to retire and throw the heck out. The test-block I made during this thread? Is only two holes. Five rabbits cannot comfortably live in two holes, lol.
I also have to be mindful of the actual floorspace. I'm going to have to be able to stick this thing in a corner of the yard that isn't just open ground.
If I finished the other ten holes I was planning to make with the same template as the two-hole test block...the whole thing would not fit in the corner of the yard it needs to go in.
Those cage setups are all really nice........but won't work for the cages I have except the two-hole block.
So here's my thing: either I give up all but three rabbits (the lop will live in an indoor cage), or I make something that will work well in the limited space I have for the next two to three years. Since I have a few months to plan this beast before I have to build it, here's my next question:
Feeders. I would rather have them attached to the outside of each cage, but I'm gonna need the majority of the front for a door. I'm considering tacking them to the inside wall...it will mean more time spent feeding since I'll have to open each one but I already do that anyways (hey, I like to pet them) so it should be okay. This would solve the concern of rain or snow getting in their feed and making it gross...has anyone tried this and how well did it work?
It would also be great if someone could answer my other questions above instead of just telling me to hang my pre-existing cages.
I'm really keen to get these planned out as best I can before I build.
