Cube Rabbit Cages
Cubes cages first become popular as housing for guinea pigs but their flexibility can be used to great effect for rabbit housing too. The original product (available in the US) is Neat Idea Cubes (NIC) made by Fellowes are square wire frames which, when joined together, are designed to build cheap shelving. Similar products are also available from various other companies.
These grids can also be used to build excellent rabbit cages. They are very flexible and by combining multiple packs you can build very large cages.
Building Tips
The cubes come with plastic clips to fasten the individual grids together. If you find these aren't doing the job or are difficult to clip together then use cable ties (electrical ties) instead. You can buy ties in various colours so you can match them to your cage. If you expect to take your rabbit cage apart regularly then buy reusable cable ties, they are a little extra but make taking the cubes apart and putting them together again much easier!
To make a cage door use cable ties on one side as hinges (don't fix them too tight or the door won't open) and use a bull dog clip to latch the door closed.
Flooring
There are several options for flooring depending on how messy your rabbits are. If your rabbits have impeccable litter training habits and don't chew your carpet then no flooring is necessary. The cube cage can stand straight on your room floor.
For those with less well behaved rabbits, you can place a piece of lino under the cage, cut it larger that the base of the cage to leave several inches overhang outside the cage - this prevents your rabbit accessing the edge making it hard to chew. This is particularly good for cages that are an irregular shape or very large.
You can also build a try for the cage using corrugated plastic. Cut the tray to the size of the cage plus the height of the sides you want. Then score along the folds and bend up the sides. A piece of tape on each corner will keep it in place. For extra protection you can add a line of marine sealant along the joints at each corner. If your rabbit chews then stand the cube cage inside the tray.
Shelves
A second (or third) floor is a great way to give your rabbit more space without covering your whole room in cubes. Small shelves can be made by attaching grids horizontally with cable ties. Larger shelves may need extra support (particularly for heavier rabbits). To add support thread a length of wood through one of the grid squares from one side of the cage to the other and rest the shelf on this. You may need to replace the wood supports now and then if your rabbit chews on it. You can make wooden shelves to rest on the supports if you prefer these to using the grids.
If you use grids to make shelves these MUST be covered with something solid. This can be wood, lino, carpet etc.
Ladder
Young fit rabbits should be able to jump on/off a low shelf or a box or single cube square can be used as a step. Older (or fussy) rabbits may prefer a ramp. These can be made very easily from a sheet of wood. Drill a hole or screw in a eyelet to put cable ties through to fix the shelf in place. Grips on the shelf can be made with wooden batons, cube squares or, if your rabbit doesn't chew, by fixing a piece of carpet on.
Where to Find Mesh Storage Cubes in the UK
Various brands of 'cubes' are sold and prices vary a lot. Here are some sources. The are also sometimes available from Wickes, Screwfix, B&Q or Argos.
Safco Wire Cubes Storage System from
buy-stationery.co.uk
£34.85 inc. vat & delivery (20 x 14" panels)
Wire Mini Grid Panel System from
robertmay.co.uk
£22 (+vat? minimum order £25) (17 x 14" panels)
Chrome Plated Mesh Cube System from
caranco.co.uk
£2.58 per 14" panel
£81.26 28 x 14" panels
Various size panels available
Slemcka Mesh Cube Storage System Silver Effect from
diy.com
£22.98 24 x 14" panels
Modular Wire Cube Displays from
displaysense.co.uk
£2.30 per panel buy individual panels/connectors or sets
A similar product with plastic panel instead of mesh is available. A completely plastic cage would have poor ventilation but you could mix 'n' match eg use plastic panels for the back and shelves.
