Mulling over outdoor run options...

We're fostering rabbits for our local rescue and to set us up we have been loaned a large hutch (6' x 2' I think) and also a smaller hutch (4' x 2' maybe?) which attaches to a big run. So they go in the big hutch overnight and in the smaller one with the run all day which works well. The run is on the grass and they are having lots of fun lawnmowing and fertilising! Initially I though everything would stay in one position, but after a couple of days, the grass starts looking rather bare in the run so we move the smaller hutch and run every couple of days.

Initially we were thinking we'd build a run to attach to the large hutch so we didn't have to keep switching them over.  But the big hutch is so heavy and a beast to move, so I don't think a run attached permanently to it where it is would would work well on the grass as it'd just end up being mud. We've got an area around the side of the house which has a concrete path which would work better for a fixed location. But it's not as easily viewable from the house (which I really like) and they do love having the grazing time.

Just wondering if anyone had any ideas. The current set up works well so there's no rush on changing things, I just feel that there may be a solution out there that works even better! I've seen the connecting tunnels you can get and had a vague idea that with a long one we could attach it to a run which moved around. But aside from the cost of those set ups, I also have two young kids who ride bikes etc in the garden so a tunnel going across the lawn wouldn't be very popular!

We also need to build a new run for the guinea pigs (who live indoors but go out grazing during the day in nice weather), so are trying to work out the best way to give everyone what they want/ need before we start building (or rather my husband does!). Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

Hm, that's a tricky one. Kids v rabbits!

I have a longish Runaround tunnel which connects Spring and Gabes's wendy house/run to their much larger run on the grass. They are only allowed in this when we are at home to keep an eye on them as it is not covered. We do have to disconnect the tunnel and move it when we (albeit infrequently) cut the grass.

I am not sure what is best in your situation   If moving the hutch/run is easy to do then maybe continue with this. The Runarund or Welfare Hutches pipe set ups are great but do have a habit of taking over your garden!

We brought done large paving slabs from our local reclaim yard and popped their permanent run on it. It also means they can have free access to the run all the time (apart from at night) but they can't tunnel out and foxes can't get in.

Your moveable run is a brilliant idea to get them munching the grass and to give them variety :-)

If I was you I'd get some concrete paving slabs to put under the run - as Katie said, this stops them from getting out/the foxes getting in and will obviously stop the grass from getting bare meaning the run needs to be moved

You can always move the run onto the grass for them if you want them to get some grass. You can also pick grass and if your garden is secure enough (?) then they could also free range when you're supervising which would be good. You'll get to see some spectacular binkies

Ive just noticed your picture! goodness they are a gorgeous pair!!

Whatever permanent solution you opt for make sure the run is well attached to the ground as foxes can often lift them up.

If you are only really thinking of the buns going out on the grass when you are around to supervise them then you could get a larger run and a hideout box or two to go in it. Something like one of these http://www.boylespethousing.co.uk/accessories/hideaways-hideouts.html (not the expensive one as that is huge).

Oooh lots of excellent ideas to ponder, thank you ladies!

We have a lovely big garden and I've blocked up a couple of small gaps where the fencing lines meet - just incase somebun manages to hop out of reach suddenly, not that I'm paranoid....  I'd love to be able to let them gambol around under supervision, but I fear I'd never get them back in as there are too many places they could give me the runaround! I don't know what future charges will be like, but these girls are definitely not socialised enough yet to let loose!

We also get a lot of cats hanging around (some wily hunters, not softies) and the occasional fox passes through too, so I'm definitely only having them out when they're fully protected by mesh.  

Great idea about the paving slabs in the run - we did our patio last spring and have a bunch of slabs left over too. They can still have a turn in the other run, but I think it'll be much better if they have constant access to their regular hutch for days when the weather's not so appealing to be out in.  And great if they can stay where they are so I can see them easily from the house.

Might take some designing....  I'd like to be able to open one of the front doors of the hutch rather than have dropping a ramp through the floor, or is that the best way? And I guess it'll need to come away for easy cleaning and also to cover it at night if necessary? I will spend some time looking at different options that are available to get some ideas, I think.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the advice!

Okay, so after some thought I think we're going to build a run alongside the hutch (rather than in front so it's still easy to access and clean the hutch), which the rabbits will access via a door hatch at the side end of the hutch which can be bolted at night. We plan to put slabs down under the run. It'll also work out well because against the fence, there'll always be some shade in the run.

The other moveable run, we will keep and cover up the open end to use it for grazing time shared between the buns and pigs.

I've had a look at the thread on how to make your own run panels which has been useful and I know what sort of mesh I need to get. Just wondered if eBay is still the best place to get it or if anyone who's built something recently has a top supplier tip?

My other pondering is the diameter of the hole/ door needed to go from the hutch to the run - as we're fostering I have no idea what size rabbits we will have in the future (apparently our current pair are small, but being more used to guinea pigs, I think they're quite big!), so is there a door width that should be okay for the majority of buns?

Hm, it is a long time since we bought weldmesh so I can't help you on that one, sorry.

As far as hole size goes I would aim for something cat flap sized, the size of the flap rather than the whole thing. Even Spring with her voluptuous derriere manages a cat flap with ease - and also a Runaround tunnel!

Sixer wrote:Hm, it is a long time since we bought weldmesh so I can't help you on that one, sorry.

As far as hole size goes I would aim for something cat flap sized, the size of the flap rather than the whole thing. Even Spring with her voluptuous derriere manages a cat flap with ease - and also a Runaround tunnel!

The runaround wholes are between 4.5-5 inches and fit most bunny sizes except giant breeds.
Like the sound of your outdoor accommodation.

That sounds like a good plan!

I'd agree with Sixer and c.bouldan - they sound about right for most bunnies.

Thanks! Hopefully we'll have a nice day at the weekend and we can get it sorted.

Voluptuous derriere is a lovely euphemism by the way!

Thank you   When Spring was given up to the rescue she came from (SAA, Manchester) she was very overweight. A head on a blob was how they described her - I assume she had had very little exercise and an inappropriate diet. She did slim down a lot under their care but I think, like me, she does put on weight quickly   She is by far the heaviest of my buns - Lady Spring Pudding I call her!

A head on a blob haha - Lady Spring Pudding is much more flattering!

Can rabbits get to grips with cat flaps easily? Was thinking it might be a good (and inexpensive) way to create a lockable and draught-free exit from the hutch to the run?

Yes, they can! I think I even seen runaround doors attached to cat flaps some where.
Always worth to give runaround a phone call, they were really helpful when I purchased my system, and can give advice and make things to measure to some extend!    

Thanks again for the advice - we have now attached the run to the side of the big hutch. It's on paving slabs and is accessed via a cat flap installed in the side of the hutch and they got to grips with it very quickly. Although they might miss having grass 12 hours a day, it's much better for them to have more indoor space when the weather's rubbish, which unfortunately it has been lately.

We've built another moveable run for grazing which they're currently taking turns in with the pigs, but are hopefully going to get a tunnel to join it to the rabbit run so they can use it when the guineas aren't playing out (when they we'll shut it off). We'll be able to move the run around a bit to give the grass chance to grow for them and the tunnel will work well for access if we get buns who disapprove of being handled - we've been pretty lucky so far and our current girls will hop into the carrier to be transferred to the run which makes it nice and easy.

My husband is worried they sit headbanging the cat flap all night wondering why it's not opening for them to go out, but I'm sure they're clever enough to learn the routine?!

They should learn the routine pretty fast - when my two were outside they soon learned that they got shut in at nightime