Types and rules for making do-it-yourself mesh cages for rabbits

The use of mesh cages for rabbits is considered a popular solution. However, there are many types of mesh that are suitable for such products. When making a structure, it is recommended to pay attention to the choice of its dimensions. To achieve the desired results, it is worth drawing up a diagram or drawing. It is also important to properly arrange the cage so that the rabbits feel as comfortable as possible and do not get sick.

Types of mesh for cages

Rabbits can damage even strong rods. Therefore, wooden or plastic cages are not suitable for them. It is much better to use welded metal structures. They all have certain characteristics. There are the following grid options:

1. Chain-link is considered a relatively affordable option, which is used for walls and ceilings. Floors made from this kind of mesh are rarely made because it creates inconvenience for rabbits.
2. All-metal - requires careful attention to choice. Before creating the cage, it is recommended to remove all protruding fragments with a file so that the animals do not get hurt.
3. Welded galvanized is the most suitable option. It is considered durable, durable, and translucent. This cage is easy to clean. At the same time, welded galvanized mesh is quite expensive.

Selection rules

When choosing a material, it is worth considering some features. The optimal solution would be a metal mesh. It must have cells fixed by spot welding. This material is considered the most durable. In this case, rabbits require a wire mesh with a minimum thickness of 2 millimeters.

The steel mesh is coated to protect against external factors. It is made of polymer or galvanized. The second option is considered more preferable.

Aluminum mesh cannot be used to construct cages, since the soft material is easily deformed. When choosing a material, you should focus on the part of the structure that you plan to make from it:

1. The walls should be made of wire 2 millimeters thick. In this case, the cell size should be 25.
2. For the floor, a mesh with cells of 20 millimeters is used. Adult rabbits can use larger cells - 25 millimeters. The cross-section of the material must be at least 2 millimeters.
3. Thick material with large cells is suitable for the ceiling. Its cross-section can be 3-4 millimeters. The cell size is 2.5x15 centimeters.

A good mesh should have holes of the correct shape. If the wire is bent, this indicates an incorrect manufacturing technology.

How to build a cage from a mesh with your own hands

Making a cage from mesh is quite easy. It has compact dimensions and many other advantages.

Schemes and drawings

First of all, it’s worth making a drawing. For 1 large or 2 medium rabbits, a cage measuring 50x60x100 centimeters is required. The cell size should be 2.5 centimeters. The rods should be 1.8 millimeters thick.

Required tools and materials

The following tools and materials will help you make a cage:

• welded mesh;
• hammer;
• plywood;
• rings for fastening;
• wooden beams;
• nails and screws;
• metal scissors;
• canopy;
• tin sheets - they are used to construct a pallet;
• pliers;
• bolts;
• screwdriver or screwdriver;
• hacksaw;
• roulette.

Manufacturing stages

To make the design, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Make a frame of the required size.
2. Make doors from timber and secure them with awnings. Install bolts.
3. Reinforce the bottom with timber inserts. This is done at intervals of 40 centimeters.
4. Cut the mesh according to the dimensions of the structure and fix it on the frame. This is done with screws.
5. If a partition is needed, it is also made from mesh.
6. The top can be made of plywood. It can also be made of mesh.
7. Secure the feeder and drinker.
8. Make pallets. They are designed to collect droppings. Secure wooden planks on 3 sides as sides.One part should remain open.

Arrangement and care of the cage

In order for rabbits to develop normally and not get sick, they need to properly organize drinking bowls, feeders, and bedding.

Floor and bedding

Soft hay is usually used for bedding. It is much easier to clean. If possible, it is permissible to buy corn filler or use straw. To ensure that animals can lie on a flat floor, it is worth placing a sheet of plywood in the cage. It should be treated with slaked lime.

Drinkers and feeders

Drinkers and feeders are fixed taking into account the size of the animal. When choosing products, you should take into account the parameters of the cell and its shape. It is also possible to buy floor containers. However, it is important to ensure that they have a wide enough bottom. Otherwise, the rabbits will constantly spill the food.

When choosing drinking bowls, you should give preference to designs with a special spout. This will help avoid water spillage. The kit usually contains special fasteners. They make it possible to easily fix the drinking bowl on the wall. The location of the hay is of no small importance. The holder must be fixed extremely low, since animals do not like to raise their heads up.

Each part of the cage must be securely fastened so that animals cannot move or break it. Mesh products cannot be used for raising rabbits outdoors. Therefore, they should be placed indoors. It is important that rabbits are not exposed to drafts. In winter they will need additional heating. For this, it is permissible to use special lamps.

Cleaning and disinfection

Structures made of galvanized material are not afraid of exposure to moisture or abrasive components of detergents. Therefore, when cleaning a room, it is permissible to use a damp cloth, soaking it in a disinfectant solution. To prevent rabbits from getting sick, the cage should be cleaned at least once every 2-3 weeks. In this case, the animals should be transplanted to another place. Bedding should be changed and feeders should be cleaned weekly. It is recommended to wash drinking bowls every day.

For processing it is permissible to use the following drugs:

• Virosan;
• Glutex;
• Virocide;
• Formalin.

The products have instructions for use, in accordance with which you need to prepare a working solution. A gas burner helps to cope with viruses and pathogenic bacteria. Burning the rods allows you to cope even with hidden infectious foci.

Features of keeping rabbits

Such cages are considered the best solution for long-term keeping of rabbits in open areas. However, such structures are practical and easy to clean. To increase the comfort of animals, they need to provide high-quality bedding. The cages themselves should be placed indoors without access to drafts.

If this is not possible, the structure should be covered on several sides with thick fabric. It is important to do this from the windy part. It is recommended to place hay and feed exclusively in feeders. If they end up on the floor, costs will increase significantly. It is quite acceptable to make cages for rabbits from mesh. It is important to choose the right material and strictly follow the recommendations for the construction of this structure.