Rabbit Shed?

[Helene190]

Hi Everyone,

I bought this metal shed for $100. It is 7.5x 10 and the frame is in good condition. It is hotter than the outside air and I was wondering how to get it cooler for the rabbits. What sort of low-cost things can I do (ventilation holes to cut, etc.)? Its only 6 feet high so I am going to put the base on blocks. We have lots of predators here so I can't leave the doors open. Any help or comments are greatly appreciated! I can add pictures of the inside too if you'd like to see it.

Thank you so much!
Helene

 

[Pepperoni]

There are ventilation fans that run off of solar power that you could install. If it were me I'd also put some windows on the side walls. Is there any way to put a screen door on the front? What types of predators are you worried about?

 

[ottersatin]

I have an idea for you, I don't know if it will work,
but it's certainly worth a try.
I have a side door on my rabbit barn, I leave it open
but have fashioned a gate of sorts from cage wire.
I close that but it is only half way up the door opening.
Perhaps you could fashion a full cage wire door, or
frame out a section with wood.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[Lastfling]

If possible I would also try and find someway to insulate the roof. Sun hitting on that will really radiate into the interior making it an oven.

 

[grumpy]

Insulate....make openings for cross-ventilation.

In direct sunlight...the interior will exceed 120 degrees..FAST.

Those little buildings are great once you put in the time to make them that way.

grumpy.

 

[DonnerSurvivor]

I would make a wire gate that goes in front of the doors and cut a hole in the back wall and place a fan in it that is pointed to the outside as to pull air through the doors and out the fan (you may need a couple fans). I would also set up a sprinkler on hot days that keeps the roof wet.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Wow! What a great deal!

I am afraid that cutting enough holes in the shed to provide adequate ventilation would compromise the structural integrity of the building.

To limit the amount of openings needed, I would build a raised foundation out of 4" x 4" posts, making a frame that you could screen in. Since you have predators there, I would face it with 2" x 4" woven wire fencing, and use 1/4" hardware cloth on the inside face. Alternatively, you could use 1/2" x 1" rabbit cage floor wire- whichever would be most cost effective. This will allow airflow from the bottom perimeter of the building.

You also need to place vents along the upper edge of the side walls near where they meet the roof to allow for the rising hot air to escape. Finally, I would install a roof turbine.

http://www.ehelpfultips.com/do_whirlybi ... s_work.htm

I also like the idea of screening the doors, and installing a fan and misting system for the roof, in addition to insulating the building.

 

[Marinea]

If I remember right, those sheds are basically panels screwed together in sections. It would take a LOT of work, but I think it could be turned in to a rabbit-safe shed. I am not sure it's going to be an easy cheap fix though. A lot of it will depend on how handy you are.

Insulate. A few ventilation holes along the roof line (not too many or it won't be structurally sound). Replace the doors with wooden framed wire sections. Maybe unscrew the two sections beside the doors and do the same thing. A roof turbine.

Make sure to place the shed in a shady area that gets some breezes.

 

[Miss M]

Can you place it so that it would be shaded most of the day? That would be a huge help, as well.