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Last edited by Elena; 02-07-2017 at 04:29 PM.
Playhouses:
What are they?
A playhouse is similar to a shed but designed for children. They tend to have less head room than sheds.
(Image from www.thewoodengarden.com)
What are the advantages?
Like sheds they provide a large area, tend to be cheaper and available secondhand. They are pretty looking as well so reduce the unsightliness of a large building. They are taller than hutches so give plenty of height for toys and levels.
What are the disadvantages?
As with sheds they don't work so well for smaller gardens. They also tend to have less head height than sheds so can be a bit awkward for human visitors!
OK, so I want to go for a playhouse, what do I do now?
As with sheds look for something that will last. You might want to insulate to help keep it cool in summer and warm in winter. Boarding the inside stops the rabbits from chewing the edges. Many of our members have made second levels with shelves or a hutch. A low hutch with a flat roof can easily be used by putting a smaller stool next to it for a jump up or a ramp to the top. A hutch on legs can also be used by building a ramp up to the smaller doorway.
It's also a good idea to have some space outside so the rabbits can have some fresh air, runs and aviaries can be connected with a cat flap or tunnel. If there are windows in the playhouse it can be a good idea to mesh these, especially if there are a lot as the playhouse may get quite hot. You may also want to make a low down barrier that you can step over when you open the door otherwise they may run out!!
Please note that plastic and metal playhouses are not suitable as they get too hot in summer and too cold in winter.
This is a fab step by step conversion of a playhouse into a rabbit home by The Duchess
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
Last edited by Elena; 02-07-2017 at 04:32 PM.
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Last edited by Elena; 02-07-2017 at 04:37 PM.
Runs:
What are they?
A run is an enclosed meshed area for rabbits. They usually have four sides and a top. Usually they are made from panels that have a wood frame with mesh inside. There are also metal runs with metal tops and metal runs without tops.
(Image from www.gardencentreonline.co.uk)
(Image from www.trixie.de)
(Image from www.trixie.de)
What are the advantages?
Runs offer a ready made extension to a hutch, shed or playhouse. They are usually easy to find.
What are the disadvantages?
Runs often need extra protection added such as mesh underneath to stop a rabbit from digging out. They also don't offer shelter. They don't usually allow the owner to be able to get in with the rabbits.
Please be aware of a safety hazard with some kinds of runs as detailed in this link.
OK, so I want to go for a run, what do I do now?
Runs should be at least 8 foot long, 4 foot deep and 2 foot high. Taller runs are preferred as rabbits can easily reach 2 foot in the air binkying, some can reach 3 foot plus.
Runs should be meshed underneath, either to the bottom of the run or under turf. It is advisable to connect them to a hutch or similar so that the rabbit has a place of shelter in case of inclement weather or predators which can scare the rabbit to death. Cat flaps and runaround tunnels can be used for this. If making a run make sure to use galvanised mesh and NOT chicken wire as chicken wire can be easily bitten through by rabbits and predators alike.
If using a run without a secure lid make sure the rabbits are supervised at all times in case of a predator knocking the lid off and being able to get to the rabbits.
THIS LINK shows one method of building a run (Please note that in the photos chicken wire is used, please use galvanised mesh instead of chicken wire!)
And another step-by-step of how to make a run by snaisby
Last edited by Elena; 02-07-2017 at 04:39 PM.
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Last edited by Elena; 02-07-2017 at 04:40 PM.
Aviaries:
What are they?
A aviary is like a tall run. They are mainly designed for birds. You can buy them ready made or buy pre-made panels and put them together.
(Image from www.aviaries4u.co.uk)
(Image from www.manorfarmwoodcraft.co.uk)
What are the advantages?
Aviaries have an advantage over runs as they are taller which means they have more head height for owners. This also gives scope for adding in levels and taller toys. As they also come in panels they can be quite flexible. The panels can also be used for building a run.
What are the disadvantages?
In a small garden an aviary may feel imposing and take up space. Aviaries also cannot be moved around like runs can.
OK, so I want to go for a aviary, what do I do now?
Decide whether you want to buy a ready made aviary or panels. There are some sellers on Ebay as well as websites that sell both the panels and the built aviaries. As with runs make sure the panels are built using galvanised mesh and NOT chicken wire. The best runs use 19G mesh or better.
As with runs aviaries should be meshed underneath, either to the bottom of the run or under turf. It is advisable to connect them to a hutch or similar so that the rabbit has a place of shelter in case of inclement weather or predators which can scare the rabbit to death. Cat flaps and runaround tunnels can be used for this. It can be a good idea to create a roof over the aviary with corrugated plastic slightly raised one side to drain water away so that it does not become flooded.
Last edited by Elena; 02-07-2017 at 04:41 PM.
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Last edited by Elena; 02-07-2017 at 04:43 PM.
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