Plans for a Homemade Rabbit Cage
These plans are for building a rabbit cage from PVC piping and mesh panels. It should be easy to build even if you don't have any DIY experience. This cage is designed for indoor use only.
Building your own rabbit cage generally works out cheaper than buying a cage and it is a good way to get exactly what you want. Buying the materials will cost approximately £70 from a DIY chain but you may be able to get them cheaper if you shop around or try asking your friends if they have any spare plumping parts in their shed. You can also reduce the cost by using lighter mesh or plywood.
If you follow these cage plans exactly you will end up with a cage that is 6' (180cm) x 2' (60cm) but you can easily adapt the design to any shape or size you like - even add a second level.
Materials Required
PVC Pipe
The main frame for the cage will be made from PVC piping, 1" diameter pipe is ideal but you can use a different size. Just make sure the pipe and the joints are the same size so they fit together. You will need 12 x 3' (90cm) lengths and 15 x 2' (60cm) lengths.
Pipe Joints
For this cage design you will need the following pipe joints:
Mesh
Cable Ties
Building the Cage
If you haven't already the first stage is to cut the pvc pipe into the correct lengths. It's easy to cut with a hack saw and don't worry if the cut isn't perfect as it will be hidden by the joints. You may want to use sand paper on the ends if they are very rough to make it easier to fit them into the joint.
Use the diagram below to fit the pipes together to form the structure of the cage.
Next attach the mesh to fill in the cage frame (excluding the front where to doors go) with cable ties. If possible fit the mesh on the inside of the frame, this will protect the PVC piping and give a nicer finish.
If you are using 2'x3' mesh panels and following the design exactly you will need to shorten the mesh panels for the two ends. Hold the panel against the end and use a marker pen to mark where to cut then cut the panel to size with a hack saw.
Once the mesh is attached you can neaten up the cable ties by cutting the excess off with scissors or a craft knife.
The final stage is to make and attach the two doors. The doors and frames are made with the same technique as the main cage strcuture (see diagram right)). To attach the doors, use several cable ties, left lose enough to allow the door to pivot, as hinges.
There are various options of securing the doors; reusable cable ties are probably the simplest but you could also screw eyelets into the pipe and use a padlock.
These cage plans do not include a base; you could add a tray made from wood or corrugated plastic or simply stand the cage on a piece of lino flooring.
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