nest box design?

[tfb4me]

I want to build plywood nest boxes for my Cali and NZW. Their set to kindle in 10 or so days. Anyway what are the best design for wood boxes? Room is limited in their hutches so i was wondering what sixe box do they actually need? would 6x14 be big enough?
Thanks for your much valued information....Again.

 

[ladysown]

normally you measure about 2 inches around each doe to get the size needed. At least that's what I've been told. I find that different rabbits need different sized boxes.

 

[MaggieJ]

These seem a bit small to me for meat rabbits, but the method and shape may be helpful to you. The hood is very useful both as a place for rabbits to perch and as protection for the kits when momma jumps into the box. Most does will put the kits as far under the overhang as they can.

http://www.thenaturetrail.com/BuildingNestBoxes.htm

 

[ottersatin]

I build a nestbox two inches longer and two inches wider
than the Doe who will be using it. I build them 10" high.
Never build them larger than the cage door.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[tfb4me]

Ok thanks to all for the usefull info!!

 

[hoodat]

I build a nestbox two inches longer and two inches wider
than the Doe who will be using it. I build them 10" high.
Never build them larger than the cage door.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

NOW you tell me. :shock: BTW I still have that boat in my basement that I can't get out.

 

[eco2pia]

I actually did have to make the door bigger...

 

[xlt]

when I built my first cages I just kind of winged it on the door openings, didn't have any nestboxes yet. I made the door openings to fit scraps of wire I had left...

Found out I couldn't get the nest box in one of them after I built them... fortunately I needed a buck cage

 

[tfb4me]

Well im now having a problem with my hutch design..I have wood boxes attached to thier cages and the boxes are not big enough to put in the nest boxes. So im thinking I can use the existing box as a nest box? I was going to add styrofoam to the floor then add either cardboard or plywood on top. Then adding wood chips and straw..Is that acceptable?

 

[xlt]

I would never put styrofoam in a rabbit's cage personally. They will scratch and chew right through cardboard, so if you insist on styrofoam, at least put the plywood over it. otherwise, should work

 

[MaggieJ]

I agree with not having styrofoam in direct contact with the rabbits. They might chew on it and ingest some. It has a texture that some critters find irresistable. (On the other hand, the rats chewed up a lot of styrofoam insulation in the chicken house and it didn't seem to hurt them. )

 

[PulpFaction]

Well im now having a problem with my hutch design..I have wood boxes attached to thier cages and the boxes are not big enough to put in the nest boxes. So im thinking I can use the existing box as a nest box? I was going to add styrofoam to the floor then add either cardboard or plywood on top. Then adding wood chips and straw..Is that acceptable?

I think if the styrofoam fit snug and so did anything you might use to cover it, it would be fine. I've considered trying to figure out some kind of box design with a sort of false floor so I could put styrofoam or other insulation, or even a heating pad of some sort, in there and keep it protected from the rabbits.

I've also personally had very good luck using cardboard boxes as liners for my nest boxes, but I haven't had any particularly fussy rabbits to try it on that chew and get a big kick out of destroying stuff. Mine have all been remarkably clean and respectful of the box lately. (Of course, now that I say that....!)

 

[Dogwoodrabbits]

we were going to make boxs, but my hubby was taking hs sweet time with it, so on day 28 and no boxes, i rushed to walmart and got a kitty litter box. which seemed to work just fine, got 2 of them, had two does kindle. then a week later had to get another, even tho my husband kept saying yes yes ill do it... never did and still hasnt. so bought a bunch, for all our does. and they like them just fine. never had kits get out of them untill they could get back in. i just cleaned it out as soon as they opened their eyes nd put more stuff in. and it works great. i get to clean them well so they are clean and sanitary<br /><br />__________ Fri Mar 25, 2011 8:55 pm __________<br /><br />we were going to make boxs, but my hubby was taking hs sweet time with it, so on day 28 and no boxes, i rushed to walmart and got a kitty litter box. which seemed to work just fine, got 2 of them, had two does kindle. then a week later had to get another, even tho my husband kept saying yes yes ill do it... never did and still hasnt. so bought a bunch, for all our does. and they like them just fine. never had kits get out of them untill they could get back in. i just cleaned it out as soon as they opened their eyes nd put more stuff in. and it works great. i get to clean them well so they are clean and sanitary

 

[mountainrabbits]

You used kitty litter boxes? What did you put in them? I've thought about trying one of the lower ones that aren't covered for my doe when she kindles (if she does it's her first time) but with how she likes to scoot and pack things around I didn't know if I could keep any bedding/insulation in there with how active she normally is. I live in oregon so we aren't freezing but it does get chilly with the excess moisture in the air (and rains constantly)/

 

[rittert3]

Any suggestions on lips, my doe keeps dragging out babies and they freeze. This is my first live litter, they're only 4 days old and I'm down to 5 from 8.

 

[SatinsRule]

BTW I still have that boat in my basement that I can't get out.

Look at the bright side. If your basement ever floods, at least now you'll have the means to get around while you're down there. <br /><br />__________ Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:37 pm __________<br /><br />I've begun taking the "roof" off. I went thru a streak of losing 4 straight litters. Made the decision to remove the top or "roof" from my wooden boxes, and it's worked like a champ!!! I've now had 2 consecutive successful litters with the same boxes I'd used all along, minus the tops.

As Otter said, be sure not to make the nest box higher or wider than the cage door.