How to Build a Two-Story Indoor Rabbit Cage

Cages that you can purchase for rabbits at the pet store seem too small for a pet to spend entire days in without the ability to get much exercise. If you are not able to get your rabbit out very often because of work or school schedules, you may want to consider building something larger, like a two-story indoor rabbit cage. Then you can have food, water and a litter box on one level, and a nesting box on another level. Your rabbit can travel up and down the ramp between the levels, getting needed exercise. How do you build a two-story indoor rabbit cage?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 pieces 24-by-20-inch, 14-gauge woven wire
• 1 piece 20-by-18-by-1/4-inch plywood
• 4 pieces 18-by-18-by-1/4-inch plywood
• 3 24-by-18-by-1/4-inch plywood
• 100 1 1/2-inch nails
• 20 1/2-inch screws
• 4 1-inch hinges
• 6 1-by-1-by-18-inch boards
• 2 1-by-1-by-16-inch boards
• 4 1-by-2-by-24-inch boards
• 1 1-by-4-by-20-inch boards
• 6 1-by-1-by-4-inch boards
• 4 1-by-2-by-16-inch boards
• 4 eyehooks
• Staple gun and staples
• Hammer

Making the First Story

1. Frame four of the 1-by-2-inch boards into a square. Place two of the 24-inch boards parallel to each other, 16 inches apart standing on edge. Then place two of the 16- inch boards in between to create a rectangle that is 24-by-18 inches. Repeat this step, making a second rectangle.

2. Hammer these together, using two of the 1 ½-inch nails through the 24-inch boards into the 16-inch boards on each corner.

3. Place the two rectangular frames parallel to each other so that you can place a 1-inch-by-1-inch-by-18-inch board into the inside corners and nail it into place. Repeat this step with each corner until you have a cube made that is 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 18 inches tall.

4. Start at the top of one side of the frame, wrap one inch of the woven wire over the inside of the top board and staple it into place. Then stretch the woven wire over and down the side to the bottom of the frame, wrap it around the board and staple it into place. Repeat this on the other side.

5. Attach the piece of 1/4-inch plywood that is 24-by-18-inches to the bottom of the cage using the nails.

6. Nail the one piece of 1/4-inch plywood 18-by-18-inches on one end and connect the other piece on the other end, using two 1-inch hinges on one side and two eyehooks on the other side.

7. Attach the piece of 1/4-inch plywood that is 20-by-18-inches to the top of the cage using the nails. It should be flush with one end, leaving a 4-inch gap at the other end.

8. Nail one board that is 1-by-1-by-4-inches at the base of the board that is 1-by-4-by-20-inches. Then nail another 1-inch board every 3 inches ,working your way up the board. Place this board diagonally in the 4-inch gap left open. This is a ladder for your rabbit to get to the second story.

Adding the Second Story

9. Build two square frames using the boards that are 1-by-1-by-18-inches and the ones that are 16 inches long. Place two 18-inch boards parallel and place the 16-inch boards in between them. Nail them together hammering the nails through the 18-inch boards into the 16-inch boards.

10. Nail these two frames onto the top of the first story, one on each end, flush with the end.

11. Attach the three pieces of plywood that are 24-by-18-inches, one to each side, and one to the top.

12. Nail one of the plywood pieces 18-by-18-inches onto one end of the second story. Attach the other piece of plywood 18--by-18-inches, using the 1-inch hinges and screws on one side and the eyehooks on the other side.

Tips & Warnings

• Use newspaper in the bottom of the cage, and aspen or pine bedding.
• Apply a non-toxic finish if desired.

Resources

• How to Build a Rabbit Hutch
• How to Build a Rabbit Cage
• How to Make a Reptile Cage