Mesh Size

Hi, we're currently in the process of moving our rabbits from their pen in the garage to a shed and run combo. My husband had pretty much finished the shed and we're now thinking about materials for the run.

He has come across a builders merchant that has some panels of mesh that are 6ft by 3ft which would be ideal however they are 2in squared. The mesh is really heavy duty, it's panels which would have been used for a dog kennel or similar, they are a good couple of mm thick and metal framed. I have read on this forum that the ideal size is 1in by 1/2in however was wondering if these would be suitable as they are so sturdy?

Buns are 6 year old mini lops and are both a good size if that makes any difference. They wouldn't be able to fit their heads through these gaps I wouldn't imagine.

Thanks in adance!

Hi, the mesh sounds sturdy, but the hole size is too big in my opinion, cats or other predators would easily be able to claw at the rabbits through the mesh. I think the recommended hole size is 1cm X 1/2 cm, I used 1cm X 1cm, and you need 16 or 19 gauge weldmesh. I got mine from easipet on Amazon or eBay.

We have 2 x 2 " mesh and it seems fine. In fact I would say because it is thicker it is much stronger than smaller mesh. The runaround stuff we have is made using it and we bought the same mesh for our run and haven't had a problem. I think they look nice and feel they are very safe. I think the rabbits wouldn't be poking their noses out if predators were around . My personal opinion of course. I don't think runaround have had any problems and they specialise in predator safe rabbit runs. I would say you can get varying quality and try to buy in sheets as opposed to a roll .

Thanks for the replies. We've actually found some aviary panels on Gumtree and we're going to have a look at them later today. They have 19g weld mesh on some and 16g on the other so fingers crossed they are in good condition. There enough to make a 9ft by 9ft aviary or a 12ft by 6ft I think. That in combination with the 6ft by 10ft shed should give them loads of room!

If all doesn't go to plan I may pick up the panels and put chicken wire over the inside to add an extra layer of protection. Thinking about it I could even use the panels for the base so I might get them anyway!

To add, bunnies will also get the run of the garden when we're outside with them. We do this now but have to pick them up to take then in and out of the garage, which they hate. This is part of the reason that we decided to put them outside in the first place.