Making a run burrowing proof

N

natna

New Kit

• Aug 20, 2015

• #1

I did post this before but put it in entirely the wrong section. We are buying a new hutch with large run attached fr our two Dutch bunnies. It will be on grass (don't have an option for slabs). Obviously we don't want them to scape. Was thinning of mesh on the floor pressed down into the earth so the grass can grow through. Not sure about the type of mesh though and if this is ok for the bunnies.

 

Kermit

Wise Old Thumper

• Aug 20, 2015

• #2

Yes, this is what a few people do. It is wire weld mesh that you need, not chicken wire. I can't remember what inch squares it should have, but pretty small anyways.

Someone should pop along with more details.

 

keletkezes

Wise Old Thumper

• Aug 20, 2015

• #3

Kermit said:

I can't remember what inch squares it should have, but pretty small anyways.

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If it's just for the floor, the squares can be bigger, but I wouldn't want to go bigger than 2" square. The best way is to take the lawn up: sounds drastic but isn't too bad really! That way they can only scrape off the first inch or so and then just find mesh and dirt

 

N

natna

New Kit

• Aug 20, 2015

• #4

Thanks for your replies. Taking the lawn up does sound drastic, it is quite a large area. I was thinking of trying to press the mesh into the grass as far as possible. It is a new lawn area so it should not be too difficult as it has not been walked on and compacted down.

 

T

tonibun

Wise Old Thumper

• Aug 20, 2015

• #5

I did this sort of thing years ago the trouble is rabbits can pull it up somehow and even bite through it if it's chicken wire, so it has to be mesh, an inch sq will do. The problem with this is after about 2 weeks the grass has been over grazed and all you have left is er, well, mud! So, If you can't regularly move the run and mesh then your best option is paving slabs and maybe have a bigger enclosure where the rabbits can free range for small periods of time and don't decimate the grass.

 

N

natna

New Kit

• Aug 20, 2015

• #6

It is a good sized run so I am hoping that they will not concentrate their eating in one place!

 

xGemmaa

Alpha Buck

• Aug 21, 2015

• #7

For those who are suggesting slabs, do you put anything down to make it softer for the bunnies feet?

 

keletkezes

Wise Old Thumper

• Aug 21, 2015

• #8

xGemmaa said:

For those who are suggesting slabs, do you put anything down to make it softer for the bunnies feet?

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Mine are 24-7 on concrete and I don't: Lopsy has superfluffy feet and Aboleth doesn't seem to mind. The only time I see pain is when they stand on a bramble branch they haven't chewed to death yet! They have lino in their playhouse, carpet on the windowsill in there as well as a rope-woven stool and soft cat tree, and hay in the little mini-hutch upper area, so they've plenty of respite should they want it

 

xGemmaa

Alpha Buck

• Aug 21, 2015

• #9

Thank you, we don't have the luxuries of a playhouse. We've just bought a 7ft hutch and run

 

keletkezes

Wise Old Thumper

• Aug 21, 2015

• #10

xGemmaa said:

Thank you, we don't have the luxuries of a playhouse. We've just bought a 7ft hutch and run

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We are lucky to have space for one We still don't have a proper run but I'm assured it's on its way (my Dad's building it)!

 

xGemmaa

Alpha Buck

• Aug 21, 2015

• #11

This is our new 7ft hutch