best timber for a rabbit hutch

LUFC · Post by **LUFC** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 5:45 pm

whats best timber to get for rabbit hutch coz am gonna make one at weekend for our lass. like the sides would have to be sheet but which is best I haventa clue

joiner_uk · Post by **joiner_uk** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 5:49 pm

In construction, marine plywood is a specially treated plywood that is designed to resist rotting in a high-moisture environment. Marine plywood is frequently used in the construction of docks and boats.

LUFC · Post by **LUFC** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 5:55 pm

does treated wood affect the rabbit in the cage though, ive been told it can be harmful?

jay81 · Post by **jay81** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 5:56 pm

i made one last here using CLS timber lengths for the frame and then used shiplap cladding for the sides
i will try and post a picture of it when i have a couple of minutes

joiner_uk · Post by **joiner_uk** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:57 pm

I do not have no clue what is harmful to a rabbit other than ferrets

Bludall · Post by **Bludall** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:55 pm

LUFC

You don't make pet houses with CCA treated wood because it has chromium, copper and arsenic in it which is not good for bunnies, the little devils chew everything. Marine ply just has a special waterproof glue in it.

Mooncat · Post by **Mooncat** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:03 pm

Whatever you use, the little blighters will chew it. Cast iron might stop 'em though!

I kept mine in wire mesh cages within a wooden box they couldn't get at. As they have to keep their incisors under control, you may have to give them something tasty to bite so they leave the hutch alone. Any ideas?

fin · Post by **fin** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:59 pm

i made a rabbit hutch for my gcse woodwork project about 13 years ago. i had 3d mortice and tennon joints to make up the frame work then just used normal ply to make it up. i used non pet harmfull wood preservative. it ended up in a skip about 3 years ago lol.

i would say that shiplap cladding would probably be fine and look nicer. but make sure its well treated with the corect wood preservative

Telmay · Post by **Telmay** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 10:02 am

Marine ply is good as it poison them and deals with their corrosive wee quite well. Used to have rabbits that learned to use a litter tray. My old man years ago used to bread them and made a massive multi story hutch out of ply - worked a treat.

Just make sure its fox proof - which is easier said then done!

jane28 · Post by **jane28** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:04 am

Having had rabbits all my life i can advise that your bog standard wood from your local diy shop will be fine (tongue and groove is better)...
You can get waterproof paint for the outside that is not harmful to pets and also stainer on the inside that is not harmful (it iwll say on the tin)...

WIth regards to them chewing everything, they will only tend to chew if you dont give them anything else to chew... Give them a cardboard box to play with, some apple branches are great, straw tunnels etc...

Also due to welfare guidelines they reccommend rabbits need a 6ft wide hutch (with a run attached) to be able to live a nice life...
I would not reccommend to have your rabbits living on wire as it is not comfortable for them but if you want to save the floor of your hutch then lino is great and if you dont want them chewing the wood supports then pop some wire over those bits only and they wont chew them (dont put wire everywhere!)

Failing that get them a second hand wendyhouse like i did!

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:45 am

I made this one from marine ply-

Rabbits will chew anything they can get their teeth around, they love electrical cables and can bite right through one in less than a second.