Rabbit proof floor in colony

[ohiogoatgirl]

How rabbit proof would you consider concrete pavers to be? I was considering using 12x12x2in pavers, probably with some gravel for drainage then pavers on top. The walls would be metal roofing. This seems to be the most economic set up at the moment.

Each pen 3x8ft (24 sq ft) with doors for each on one wall. Building 8x15ft. 5 pens. Buck pen, 2 grow out pens, 2 doe pens. I could do grow out pen for each litter or male/female pens depending on how old I'm feeding them to. I'm also not against making a hutch on an outside wall for buck(s) to give me another pen for a third doe, etc.

 

[CedarRidge]

Wish I could help but I’ve not tried colony set ups yet. I’m sure someone here will chime in.

 

[tambayo]

30 x 30 cm should keep them in if everything is lined up flush en level. But rats can fairly easily dig under and move them to get in. I had a chicken coop like that. Revamp of the coop not only made it twice as big, but also gave it a double layer of pavers, bottom layer 40 x 60 cm and 50 x 50 cm (had enough of both) that mix lined up even with the 30 x 30 cm layer on top. Also added row of 30 x 30 cm upright as a border over halfway in the ground to make digging under less attractive to try. That floor stayed solid for 5 years, after that i left.

 

[ohiogoatgirl]

Not ideal (money wise) but I've looked at these kennel flooring before. I could build a raised floor, with these kennel flooring, then lay the pavers on top. This should be fairly rodent proof? And the pavers should fit in pretty closely.

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It would mean.. 20 panels of flooring.. $619 ouch..

Plus $1.38 pavers.. x120.. $166..

Plus lumber.. Dang maybe not..

 

[ohiogoatgirl]

I'm looking at another option...

Soil cement base.
Gravel/sand drainage/leveling.
Pavers.

Soil cement is basically some cement with lots of soil. Getting the most coverage for cement investment. About 160# in cement bags for my 120 sq ft area.

 

[eco2pia]

has anyone tried a solid rodent wall (2 foot vertical buried perimeter wall) and a simple wire over soil floor? I guess the wire would eventually rust out...I have considered the rodent wall for my chicken coop run, but I was worried about destabilizing an existing structure. Our soil is basically sand, so it is too too easy to dig in and a cement slab becomes a rodent roof near as I can tell.

 

[ohiogoatgirl]

has anyone tried a solid rodent wall (2 foot vertical buried perimeter wall) and a simple wire over soil floor? I guess the wire would eventually rust out...I have considered the rodent wall for my chicken coop run, but I was worried about destabilizing an existing structure. Our soil is basically sand, so it is too too easy to dig in and a cement slab becomes a rodent roof near as I can tell.

I don't know about a rodent wall. Rats dig. I think it would slow them but not stop them?
Ya wire on the ground is pointless. It'll rust away faster than it's worth laying it down, let alone the cost of the wire.

 

[dlynn]

We

has anyone tried a solid rodent wall (2 foot vertical buried perimeter wall) and a simple wire over soil floor? I guess the wire would eventually rust out...I have considered the rodent wall for my chicken coop run, but I was worried about destabilizing an existing structure. Our soil is basically sand, so it is too too easy to dig in and a cement slab becomes a rodent roof near as I can tell.

We also live in sand country. My first colony shelter was my sister in laws chicken tractor repurposed. It had galvanized fencing on the bottom. I noticed when winter approached mice started burrowing in. I added 1/2 x 1" mesh coated wire on floor.its covered with hay. Same in quail aviary. Where it's covered with deep litter of wood shavings ( I add chopped leaves to shavings in winter they decompose and add heat)I have read info from galvanized fence manufacturers that claim should last 20 to 50 years depending on soil, acidity, climate. PVC coating is an additional protection. Seems to work well. New shelters I made elevated with solid floor padded with hay. Also works. My rabbits have free run of shelters and their yard during the day. Closed in at night for added preditor protection.

 

[eco2pia]

I have always run fence wire into the ground to keep dogs from digging under. It lasts for at least a few years, long enough for the dog to accept that there is no way out that way, but I discovered that in this area a rat will tunnel deeper than 1 foot and the 1X2 wire I chose for the dogs lets them go right thru anyway. In reading up on it vertical cement walls in the ground were recommended to keep them out...I am not sure I am motivated enough to do it to be honest.