Attaching Chicken Wire To Rabbit Cages: A Step-By-Step Guide

Chicken wire is a popular choice for rabbit cages due to its low cost and ease of use. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks before deciding to use chicken wire. Rabbits can chew through chicken wire, and it may not effectively protect your rabbits from predators. Chicken wire can also be uncomfortable for rabbits to walk on, causing sore hocks and other issues. To build a safe and comfortable rabbit cage, it is recommended to use stronger materials such as hardware cloth or welded wire with a suitable gauge to prevent predators from reaching through and provide a comfortable surface for your rabbits to rest on. Additionally, factors such as temperature regulation, ventilation, and protection from the elements should be considered when designing an outdoor rabbit cage.

Chicken wire is not recommended for rabbit cage walls

Chicken wire is also not economical for rabbit cages. While it may be cheaper upfront, it will end up costing more in the long run when it needs to be constantly repaired or replaced due to damage caused by rabbits or predators. It is better to invest in stronger and more secure materials, such as hardware cloth, to protect your rabbits and save money in the long term.

Hardware cloth, made of metal, is a more expensive but more durable option that can better protect your rabbits from predators. It is important to use the correct materials to ensure the safety and well-being of your rabbits and avoid the stress and injury that can result from incorrect wiring.

When building a rabbit cage, it is crucial to consider not only the walls but also the floor. Rabbits kept on wire floors can develop sore hocks and other issues, such as digestion problems, from not being able to consume their cecal pellets properly. It is recommended to provide a resting board or box inside the cage to allow rabbits to get off the wire floor and rest comfortably.

Overall, chicken wire is not a suitable option for rabbit cage walls due to its lack of strength, durability, and inability to protect rabbits from predators and other dangers. It is essential to prioritize the safety and comfort of your rabbits by investing in more secure and appropriate materials.

Chicken wire is not suitable for rabbit cage floors

Rabbits are most comfortable at 50 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit, but in hot climates, airflow is important. Chicken wire is not suitable for keeping out strong winds or precipitation, and a secure roof is needed to keep rain and snow out.

If you are constructing a rabbit cage, it is recommended that you use 1x2" hardware cloth for the walls and floor. This is more expensive, but it is safer and more durable. Rabbit cages should also be galvanised to prevent rust.

Rabbits can be litter box trained, so wire bottoms are not necessary. Rabbits also prefer to have a burrow-like "safe" area with bedding, and wire bottoms are not comfortable for them. Wire bottoms can also cause bacterial infections and irritate rabbit feet.

Chicken wire is cheaper and easier to work with than hardware cloth

Chicken wire is a cheaper and more readily available option than hardware cloth, and it is also easier to work with. Chicken wire is also the perfect size for both poop to fall out of the cage and to keep predators out.

However, it is important to note that chicken wire may not be the best option for rabbit cages. Rabbits can chew through chicken wire, even on the side walls. Therefore, it is recommended to use something heavier, especially on the floor. Rabbit cages are commonly made with 1"x2" welded wire sides and 1/2"x1" welded wire flooring. The floor should be galvanized after welding to prevent rusting.

If you are set on using chicken wire, it is important to ensure that the cage is well-protected from predators. This can be done by attaching plastic sheeting around three sides of the cage to protect against strong winds or precipitation. Additionally, a secure roof will keep rain and snow out. In cold climates, it is important to give access to winter sunshine with a wire ceiling.

It may also be cheaper to buy prefabricated wire rabbit cages and assemble them yourself, rather than building a cage from scratch. Manufacturers can buy bulk material at a lower price than individuals, and prefabricated hutches allow you to buy the exact amount of material needed without any waste.

Chicken wire is not predator-proof

In addition, rabbits can chew through chicken wire, and their legs may slip through the gaps. Chicken wire is also not economical for rabbit cages. While it may be cheaper upfront, it will cost several times more in the long run due to the stress and injuries it can cause to rabbits, exposing them to a host of dangers.

To predator-proof a rabbit cage, it is recommended to use hardware cloth or heavy-gauge galvanized wire. The wire should be no larger than 1/2″ x 1/2″ to prevent weasels from entering. The wire should also be buried a couple of feet underground to prevent predators from digging underneath. A secure roof is also necessary to keep out rain and snow and protect rabbits from predators that attack from above, such as hawks.

Overall, while chicken wire may be cheaper and more accessible, it is not a safe option for rabbit cages. Investing in the correct wire from the start will help protect your rabbits from predators and provide them with a comfortable and safe living environment.

Chicken wire is not durable

Chicken wire is flexible and easy to manipulate, making it a good option for DIYers and gardeners. However, its malleability and flexibility make it less durable and less secure than other options for rabbit cages.

Chicken wire is typically made of galvanised steel, which is strong and durable. The wire is usually coated with a zinc layer to prevent rusting. However, chicken wire is not always galvanised, and if it is not, it is more prone to corrosion and rust. Chicken wire is also available in stainless steel, which is inherently rust-resistant. The thickness of the wire, measured in gauge, is a factor in its strength—thicker wires are generally stronger. The spacing of the holes in the mesh also affects its strength: chicken wire with smaller holes will be stronger than wire with larger holes, assuming the wire gauge remains the same.

Chicken wire is flexible, and while this makes it easy to form and fit to varied landscapes, it also means that it can be less secure. Predators like bobcats, coons, and possums can tear holes in chicken wire or reach through and grab at rabbits. Rabbits can even chew through chicken wire themselves. For this reason, rabbit cages are usually made with welded wire sides, which provide a more uniform and durable barrier, making them better suited to animal enclosures.

Chicken wire is also not the most comfortable option for rabbits. Rabbits kept on wire floors can develop sore hocks and bumblefoot issues. They may also struggle to get enough of their cecal pellets, which they need to eat, as these can slip through the wire. For these reasons, it is important to include a resting board inside the cage for the rabbits to lie on and get off the wire.

Frequently asked questions