Converting 2 hutches into double tiered and hutch lining queries

B

Bunnyfan25

Warren Scout
Hi, I have 2 x 4mths old neutered brother mini lops. They have two single hutches that are attached on top of each other but can be separated if needs be. Preparing to bond them in August once hormones calm down and working out best way to connect both hutches, either with omlet tunnel connected with cat flaps or a curved plywood tunnel with steps as an external fixture that can be locked of they fight or are ill. Anyone else achieved this?

Also lining the hutches, I've been using orotec protection sheets, like a tough cardboard that's waterproof but they scratch through and chew it and concerned about digestive issues. Preparing to purchase some lino to glue down and wondered if anyone else had success with this?

I've recently put a brick in their large triangle toilets in their bed areas under sawdust straw and hay as they kept picking them up then wee would get through to the wood...
 
I use lino in the hutches. It's just cut to fit and left loose, and runs slightly up the sides to stop liquid creeping underneath. It does need the occasional clean / wipe underneath. The edges also tend to get nibbled. I tried taping the edges down but that made the chewing worse with mine.

Can you just leave the hutches stacked and cut an access hole through the 'middle' floor to join them? Removing part of a plank is probably easiest, if the floor is made of planks rather than a single sheet. Save the bit you remove, just in case you need to fill the gap in future. I don't bother with ramps as they take up too much space and the rabbits don't really use them - they prefer to just jump up and down. A wooden box or brick can be used as an access platform if needed. If you ever did need to separate them, you could just re-cover the hole and put a brick on top.
 
Good to know re; lino thanks

I have 2 x 5ft chartwell hutches and no planks, single sheets so Bigehole would be a big hole lol. Interesting about no ramps...

Thing is the separate attachment part means we can get it prepared ahead of time as opposed to rushing it along with all of the other wknd jobs we find need doing. I want to be able to simply unlock it once they're ready, if they bond fx
 
I have vinyl down in my rabbit shed, it works very well but it's good if it has a textured surface, ie it's a bit bumpy as that helps them not to slide. I think a tunnel between the hutches could be good, bunnies love tunnels. I have Runaround tunnels, they are out of business now but the tunnels can still be found on ebay. They like the 'bedroom' area being attached because then they can privately slip out the back if something scary is happening. You could attach one to a run too.
 
Thanks still working on this, arranging bonding for them in 8wks time and would like to havd this ready to connect/unlock when they return but not a carpenter and no one seems to have connected two hutches externally before...will they be able to climb the omlet tunnel if curve it round, will I need a support structure out of wood so it takes their weight? Do I make bunch of stepping stones 2 out and up, then two back in and up...plenty of ideas but all seem to be big jobs!

Lino'd the hutches with 15mm wood strips around edges working a treat!
 
Yes, they'll be able to climb the tunnel, it just needs to be not too steep, which depends a bit on how big they are (if it bends a lot there is less room inside it to manoeuvre. Whether it needs supporting depends on how much slack there is in the tunnel. Generally, I don't bother with support if a tunnel is changing heights but if I can wobble it about a lot once it's in place then I do, I have a small wire gabion type thing to prop up one tunnel (it was left hanging around, I didn't buy it especially but it's stable, can be planted up and does need anti-rotting treatment like wood).

I don't think you need to be a carpenter, but you could hire a handy man if you're not feeling confident about doing it yourself.
I don't think I can advise on the stepping stone idea as it's not something I've done.
 
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