Types and rules for making DIY mesh cages for rabbits
The use of rabbit mesh cages is considered a popular solution. However, there are many types of meshes that are suitable for such products. When making a structure, it is recommended to pay attention to the choice of its dimensions. To achieve the desired results, it is worth drawing up a diagram or drawing. It is also important to properly equip the cage so that the rabbits feel as comfortable as possible and do not get sick.
Varieties of nets for cells
Rabbits are capable of damaging even strong rods. Therefore, wooden or plastic cages are not suitable for them. It is much better to use welded metal structures. They all have certain characteristics. Moreover, there are such mesh options:
- Chain-link - is considered a relatively affordable option, which is used for walls and ceilings. A floor of such a mesh is rarely made, since it creates inconvenience for rabbits.
- Solid metal - requires careful attention to the choice. Before creating the cage, it is recommended to file all protruding fragments so that the animals do not get hurt.
- Welded-galvanized is the most suitable option. It is considered to be durable, strong, and light-transmitting. This cage is easy to clean. At the same time, welded-galvanized mesh is quite expensive.
Selection rules
When choosing a material, it is worth considering some features. The best solution would be a metal mesh. It must have cells fixed by spot welding. This material is considered the most durable. In this case, rabbits require a wire mesh with a minimum thickness of 2 millimeters.
The steel mesh is coated to protect it from external factors. It is made polymer or galvanized. The second option is considered more preferable.
Aluminum mesh cannot be used for the construction of cages, since the soft material is easily deformed. When choosing a material, you should focus on the part of the structure that is planned to be made from it:
- The walls should be made of wire 2 millimeters thick. In this case, the size of the cells should be 25.
- For the floor, a grid with cells of 20 millimeters is used. For adult rabbits, you can use larger cells - 25 millimeters. The cross section of the material must be at least 2 millimeters.
- Thick material with large cells is suitable for the ceiling. Its cross-section can be 3-4 millimeters. The size of the cells is 2.5x15 centimeters.
A good mesh should have regular holes.If the wire is bent, this indicates an incorrect manufacturing technique.
How to build a cage from a grid with your own hands
Making a mesh cage is pretty easy. It has a compact size and many other advantages.
Diagrams and drawings
First of all, it is worth drawing up a drawing. For 1 large or 2 medium-sized rabbits, a cage measuring 50x60x100 centimeters is required. The size of the cells should be 2.5 centimeters. The rods should be 1.8 mm thick.
Required tools and materials
The following tools and materials will help make a cage:
- welded mesh;
- a hammer;
- plywood;
- mounting rings;
- wooden beams;
- nails and screws;
- scissors for metal;
- canopy;
- tin sheets - they are used to build a pallet;
- pliers;
- latches;
- screwdriver or screwdriver;
- hacksaw;
- roulette.
Manufacturing steps
To make a structure, it is recommended to do the following:
- Make the frame the size you want.
- Make doors from a bar and secure them with awnings. Install the latch.
- Reinforce the bottom with timber inserts. This is done at intervals of 40 centimeters.
- Cut the mesh according to the dimensions of the structure and fix it on the frame. This is done with screws.
- If a partition is needed, it is also made of mesh.
- The top can be made of plywood. It can also be made of mesh.
- Secure the feeder and drinker.
- Make pallets. They are designed to collect droppings. Fasten wooden planks on 3 sides as sides. One part should remain open.
Arrangement and care of the cage
In order for the rabbits to develop normally and not get sick, they need to properly organize drinkers, feeders, bedding.
Floor and litter
Soft hay is usually used for bedding. It is much easier to clean it. If possible, it is permissible to buy corn filler or use straw. So that the animals can lie on a flat floor, it is worth placing a sheet of plywood in the cage. It should be treated with slaked lime.
Drinking bowls and feeders
Drinking bowls and feeders are fixed taking into account the size of the animal. When choosing products, it is worth taking into account the parameters of the cell and its shape. It is also permissible to buy floor containers. However, it is important to ensure that they have a sufficiently wide bottom. Otherwise, the rabbits will constantly sprinkle food.
When choosing drinkers, it is worth giving preference to designs with a special spout. This will help prevent water spills. The kit usually contains special mounts. They make it possible to easily fix the drinker on the wall. The location of the hay is also important. The holder must be fixed as low as possible, since animals do not like to raise their head up.
Each part of the cage must be securely fixed so that animals cannot move or break it. Net products cannot be used for raising rabbits outdoors. Therefore, they should be placed indoors. It is important that rabbits are not exposed to drafts. In winter, they will need additional heating. For this, it is permissible to use special lamps.
Cleaning and disinfection
Constructions made of galvanized material are not afraid of exposure to moisture or abrasive detergents. Therefore, when cleaning the room, it is permissible to use a damp cloth moistened with a disinfectant solution. To prevent rabbits from getting sick, the cage should be cleaned at least once every 2-3 weeks. In this case, the animals should be transplanted to another place. Change the bedding and clean the feeders weekly. It is recommended to wash the drinkers every day.
For processing, it is permissible to use the following drugs:
- Virosan;
- Glutex;
- Virocide;
- Formalin.
Means have instructions for use, in accordance with which you need to prepare a working solution.A gas burner helps to cope with viruses and pathogenic bacteria. Burning rods allows you to cope even with hidden infectious foci.
Features of keeping rabbits
Such cages are considered to be the best solution for long-term keeping of rabbits in open areas. However, such structures are practical and easy to clean. To increase the comfort of the animals, they need to organize quality bedding. The cells themselves should be placed in a closed room without access to drafts.
If this is not possible, the structure should be closed on several sides with a thick cloth. It's important to do this from the windy part. It is recommended to place hay and feed exclusively in the feeders. If they hit the floor, costs will increase significantly. Rabbit cages can be made from mesh. At the same time, it is important to choose the right material and strictly follow the recommendations for the construction of this structure.