New Hutch

Hi, I’m new here.

I wanted to get some feedback on my hutch I’ve designed and built. It’s built to show what I can do, the care, the quality and it’s built to last 25 years with the right care.

People have said in the past that it’s better value to buy a shed but I disagree as sheds are not built for people or animals to live in. You can convert them but every shed I’ve had bought from a shop has leaked at some point, damp in areas and the felt is not built to last years as its usually cheap felt. The roof have blown off more than once so I fail to see how they are more value than a hutch that is built to last a 25 years.

Sorry to go on but rabbit welfare is something i care about, here is my hutch:

Hi Daniel and welcome to HH Rabbit welfare is something we care a lot about too!

Your accommodation is a work of art,well done! Whilst I see the sentiment of what you're saying, not everyone has the skills you clearly have, so buying a shed is the only optoion.

We've been talking a fair bit about buidling hutches etc in here recently, so your post couldn't have come at a better time.

Could you give us the dimensions, as some people are planning things like this at the mo, and it would really help.

The only thing I woudl 'nit-pick' (and it really is only that!) is the vinyl floor. I realise it's a lot easier to keep clean, but rabbits can injure their legs and/or back on a slippy surface, if they get spooked and bolt. Some buns refuse to move on vinyl/polished wood floors. My last bun had arthritis in his back, and wouldn't go on slippy floors. I dont' know what the solution is though - we put carpet tracks down, but if the base has lots of hay in it, then I guess that would protect them.

You've done a brilliant job there

Jay wrote:Hi Daniel and welcome to HH Rabbit welfare is something we care a lot about too!

Your accommodation is a work of art,well done! Whilst I see the sentiment of what you're saying, not everyone has the skills you clearly have, so buying a shed is the only optoion.

We've been talking a fair bit about buidling hutches etc in here recently, so your post couldn't have come at a better time.

Could you give us the dimensions, as some people are planning things like this at the mo, and it would really help.

The only thing I woudl 'nit-pick' (and it really is only that!) is the vinyl floor. I realise it's a lot easier to keep clean, but rabbits can injure their legs and/or back on a slippy surface, if they get spooked and bolt. Some buns refuse to move on vinyl/polished wood floors. My last bun had arthritis in his back, and wouldn't go on slippy floors. I dont' know what the solution is though - we put carpet tracks down, but if the base has lots of hay in it, then I guess that would protect them.

You've done a brilliant job there

To cut a long story short, my wife took our rabbit of her old school friend as she wanted a hamster and was moaning, posting like mad over facebook for some one to take Daisy of her. So we took him, he came in a small 3ft hutch not big enough to stand, just enough room for one small hop.

We thought then it was to small so did some research, every where we looked we couldn't find a hutch decent enough or built the right way. As a joiner i thought i would create pet housing so spent the last 3 years doing research. Like you said about vinyl floors above, others on another forum and other welfare charities told me that it’s the best type so again it’s not easy to please all.

Dimensions: well since design and building its all changed but it’s just under 9ft long inside and is around 3ft wide and is around 2.6ft high on both ends and at the centre it must be around 3ft again.

I hope to change the fact that a shed is the only option. I can also offer any advice on building any type of hutch, shed or playhouse.

Brilliant, thank-you. I'm so impressed, and I'm sure it'll be helpful to others.
Re: vinyl floor, it was really just an aside, and just sharing my experience. I've been to behaviour consultations where the rabbit won't leave the rug in the mmiddle of the room., because the rug is on a slippy floor. Put carpet down, and rabbit suddenly hops around. But you can't please everyone, as you say and it wasn't meant as a criticism, but you may find that some buns don't like it, was all I meant to say.

Thanks for posting this, what lucky rabbits!

Hi Daniel

Good job with the hutch

My OH is also a joiner but refused to make a hutch for thumper when she was an outside bun because he knew his like wouldn't be worth living if anything happened to my little lady because of the hutch

I'm sure it would have been fine though

Impressive

Its a lovely hutch, but can I ask why you're so against sheds?
I have my 4 rabbits in a big shed, loads of head height for me to stand in and clean them out, feed them etc etc. lots of shelf space for storage....cant do that in a hutch.
To be honest id rather clean out and feed in a shed rather than bending down and having to reach into a hutch.
Also the price. You can get a nice big shed for about £200 and iv just bought a 3 teir hutch for my guinea pigs, 5ft x 2ft and it was about £190.

Kate7590 wrote:Its a lovely hutch, but can I ask why you're so against sheds?
I have my 4 rabbits in a big shed, loads of head height for me to stand in and clean them out, feed them etc etc. lots of shelf space for storage....cant do that in a hutch.
To be honest id rather clean out and feed in a shed rather than bending down and having to reach into a hutch.
Also the price. You can get a nice big shed for about £200 and iv just bought a 3 teir hutch for my guinea pigs, 5ft x 2ft and it was about £190.

I guess it comes down to if you want something to last long time or a few years. It’s easy for me to make hutches and sheds like the others you buy for cheap but it won’t improve the welfare of rabbits, it won’t make there house nice and warm or last a long time.

Some sheds are better than others but most aren’t built to last. Sheds are not built to last 15 or so years but built so they last a while and then you replace them. I’m not against them but at times i do feel like I’ve wasted my time in trying to improve hutches because sheds are cheaper.

ive seen your hutch on another forum,its very good,was going to ask if you was a joiner,my hubbie is a joiner by trade,hes worked his way up and is now a site manager,hubbie also altered my cage,weather permitting,hes going to be altering it tom' cant wait

Can I add something, not being nasty, just thought might be worth saying (bet someone else said it and I just didnt read right) its only really big enough for one. Also have you added ventilation holes etc. It could be worth adding a level so you can put hides under them and gives him a ramp to add more floor space. The beading aswell might be an issue bunnies would probs eat it.
I will say it looks fab, well made and sturdy just little changes to your over all design and you will have supper quility hutch.

Your saying sheds wont last 15 years, but rabbits only live mostly 8 years max, however if its well maintained and checked regularly it can last a long time, mines is 6 years old and only this last year its been bad (hubbys fault he didnt maintain it) my charlie is in a play hut, which has been lined for extra insulation, and has had a level added inside to give extra floor space, all I have to do is sort a cosey box for the winter so can fill it with hay to keep him warm incase we get really bad weather.

dizzylynn wrote:Can I add something, not being nasty, just thought might be worth saying (bet someone else said it and I just didnt read right) its only really big enough for one. Also have you added ventilation holes etc. It could be worth adding a level so you can put hides under them and gives him a ramp to add more floor space. The beading aswell might be an issue bunnies would probs eat it.
I will say it looks fab, well made and sturdy just little changes to your over all design and you will have supper quility hutch.

I do plan on having a level in there with a tunnel thing under, your telling me that at 9ft long hutch is only bigger enough for one rabbit yet RWAF say that a 6ft by 2ft by 2ft is okay for two rabbits? The beading is there to stop the rabbits eating the floor which is what the MMC and RWAF advised me to do.

dizzylynn wrote:Your saying sheds wont last 15 years, but rabbits only live mostly 8 years max, however if its well maintained and checked regularly it can last a long time, mines is 6 years old and only this last year its been bad (hubbys fault he didnt maintain it) my charlie is in a play hut, which has been lined for extra insulation, and has had a level added inside to give extra floor space, all I have to do is sort a cosey box for the winter so can fill it with hay to keep him warm incase we get really bad weather.

I'm staying sheds are not built to last 15 years doesn't mean they can not with the right care. I've been informed that rabbits can live for 12 years. What is wrong with building a hutch that can last more than one rabbits life? Isn't that better value?

fall3n-ang3l wrote:ive seen your hutch on another forum,its very good,was going to ask if you was a joiner,my hubbie is a joiner by trade,hes worked his way up and is now a site manager,hubbie also altered my cage,weather permitting,hes going to be altering it tom' cant wait

Yes i'm a Joiner and Carpenter by trade.

I must admit ive not known them to last past 9 years, never seen any information stating 12 years.
Can I say you seem very aggressive to our opinions. We are not being nasty or personal but you seem to be reacting like we are offending you.
Also its not only about the housing you build them its about the care you give them and the outer run is another job in itself.

dizzylynn wrote:I must admit ive not known them to last past 9 years, never seen any information stating 12 years.
Can I say you seem very aggressive to our opinions. We are not being nasty or personal but you seem to be reacting like we are offending you.
Also its not only about the housing you build them its about the care you give them and the outer run is another job in itself.

I do apologize if it comes across that way but I do not see where I’ve been aggressive.

It could be the way I am reading it, its hard to tell when your typing or reading online isnt it. I would deffo do some test runs, offer a discount to 1st buyer if they are willing to keep you posted on the hutch, if something turns out not to be suitable in the long run or maybe slight change. things that could be changed to the over all design, or if folks have a preference offer them the choise of custom measurements layout. also access to runs when your not about to let them out, like a cat flap drawn into the design, then an outer run thats enclosed and sturdy. just some thoughts

Jay wrote:Brilliant, thank-you. I'm so impressed, and I'm sure it'll be helpful to others.
Re: vinyl floor, it was really just an aside, and just sharing my experience. I've been to behaviour consultations where the rabbit won't leave the rug in the mmiddle of the room., because the rug is on a slippy floor. Put carpet down, and rabbit suddenly hops around. But you can't please everyone, as you say and it wasn't meant as a criticism, but you may find that some buns don't like it, was all I meant to say.

Thanks for posting this, what lucky rabbits!

I know exactly what your saying, Jay. It does depend on the type of vinyl floor though. Marley is one of those buns who refuse to move off a mat of fleece if the floor is smooth. He hated the cheap vinyl tiles i bought originally but now they have a textured vinyl floor and hes much happier. ... its a lot more "cushiony" too.

I love the hutch, its fantastic. Have you ever built a playhouse? Id be interested to see more of your work

dizzylynn wrote:I must admit ive not known them to last past 9 years, never seen any information stating 12 years.

I've had my little lady 10 1/2 years and she was a stray so she must be nearer 11 than 10.

I think it is a lovely hutch and plenty big enough for 2 rabbits or with a run attached 3 dwarf buns
I love building stuff for my buns, I've been making avairies, no where near the standard of your hutch though I have been thinking of doing a carpentry course just for personal achievement as I really enjoy making things. If someone doesn't like your design, they won't buy it, if they do, they will. I like it

I think the hutch looks great in principle Daniel - it is always hard to get the complete idea from a photo. I guess my critical feedback would be that it seems quite low to the ground (it may just be the way it looks in the photo) I would be wanting to get my buns as far off the ground as posible overnight - but a shelf would do this. I also wonder about light levels - I know rabbits are burrow dwellers but in my experience they like a nice bit of sunlight as much as the next animal, and owners like to be able to see their buns. Not to mention the need to hang water bottles on the wire sections which also block the light coming in. The other thing that I wonder about is attaching a run. Have you made a run for it? (the RWAF recommendation is a 6ft hutch plus a 8ftx4ft run minimum) The buns will want some outside time and having some flexibility in when they can take this time seems to suit them best. I am simply wondering how you intend to attach a run to the hutch (I have been thinking with the rise of the runaround system that it would be good if you could order hutches with a tube door/fitting already fitted).

However it has much to be positive about as well. It looks really sturdy and well made. I like the lino - I have always lined my hutches but I used the textured industrial stuff for the rabbits and smooth lino for the g.pigs. Smooth for the pigs as they are messy and even with newspaper lining they need something very wipeable whereas the buns are cleaner and my Flo won't move and inch if she thinks the floor is slippy but won't tolerate newspaper lining to the hutch. And the interior space to the hutch is brilliant.

Do I think it will last 15 years? It depends on whether the inhabitants are chewers! Even in the smoothest interior buns seem to find something to chew that we would never spot.

BTW I am also really jealous as I cannot saw the smallest piece of wood in a straight line - even with a jigsaw. Doesn't stop me trying though.

marleyNfriends wrote:
I love the hutch, its fantastic. Have you ever built a playhouse? Id be interested to see more of your work

No I’ve not, the above is my first hutch so a playhouse would be built very similar to the above. Just taller and wider than 3ft and with different style doors.

I do intend on creating pre made products but I have to start somewhere smaller.

Vince the bunny wrote:I think it is a lovely hutch and plenty big enough for 2 rabbits or with a run attached 3 dwarf buns
I love building stuff for my buns, I've been making avairies, no where near the standard of your hutch though I have been thinking of doing a carpentry course just for personal achievement as I really enjoy making things. If someone doesn't like your design, they won't buy it, if they do, they will. I like it

If you enjoy it then why not take a course, you could do basic woodworking which is where you learn about timber and joints.

Yes, I think I will look into this. I would like to build a play house for my kids as I have pinched theirs for a rabbit that came to me in a box.

Can I move in? It looks amazing!

cheryl'n'bruce'flo wrote:I think the hutch looks great in principle Daniel - it is always hard to get the complete idea from a photo. I guess my critical feedback would be that it seems quite low to the ground (it may just be the way it looks in the photo) I would be wanting to get my buns as far off the ground as posible overnight - but a shelf would do this. I also wonder about light levels - I know rabbits are burrow dwellers but in my experience they like a nice bit of sunlight as much as the next animal, and owners like to be able to see their buns. Not to mention the need to hang water bottles on the wire sections which also block the light coming in. The other thing that I wonder about is attaching a run. Have you made a run for it? (the RWAF recommendation is a 6ft hutch plus a 8ftx4ft run minimum) The buns will want some outside time and having some flexibility in when they can take this time seems to suit them best. I am simply wondering how you intend to attach a run to the hutch (I have been thinking with the rise of the runaround system that it would be good if you could order hutches with a tube door/fitting already fitted).

However it has much to be positive about as well. It looks really sturdy and well made. I like the lino - I have always lined my hutches but I used the textured industrial stuff for the rabbits and smooth lino for the g.pigs. Smooth for the pigs as they are messy and even with newspaper lining they need something very wipeable whereas the buns are cleaner and my Flo won't move and inch if she thinks the floor is slippy but won't tolerate newspaper lining to the hutch. And the interior space to the hutch is brilliant.

Do I think it will last 15 years? It depends on whether the inhabitants are chewers! Even in the smoothest interior buns seem to find something to chew that we would never spot.

BTW I am also really jealous as I cannot saw the smallest piece of wood in a straight line - even with a jigsaw. Doesn't stop me trying though.

It is low to the ground i've gone with my joinery teaching here, i was told that if something is above 13cm form the ground then damp wouldn't be an issue with good airflow. The floor is 17cm of the ground and there is 3.2cm gap all the way around the hutch which gives good airflow to dry out the timber. It was built that way as this hutch is for me but that doesn't mean i can not and will not make the stand taller.

I do intend on making something inside the hutch to hang the water bottle on, yes i've got a run designed just awaiting to build it and it will be attached to the hutch via a tunnel i'll make for it. I can cut the holes in the hutch any time that is not an issue. As for how long will it last for, well the inside is plywood lined so if they chew, can be replaced. The beading can be replaced as it’s to stop rabbits chewing the floor and the buns won’t have access to chew any other timber on the hutch.

It’s a modular design, was designed to be shipped easy in small panels and then joined together to make the hutch but I made the door panels to heavy. But saying that the design does work and it only just needs more funds which I’ve got no more to use to get a design that isn’t so heavy.

After these replies I’m, worried I picked the wrong lino and I thank you all for your input and feedback as that is what I wanted.
As for sawing in a straight line, you need a guide, that could be one bought from a shop or a piece of timber clamped down to use as a straight edge.

No I am so talented that I can go wonky even then! I believe it is called adding the personal touch.