How to Make a Hay Rack for Bunnies

Making a hay rack for a bunny can be an easy project.

A hay rack is a convenient accessory for a bunny cage to keep hay in one place from which bunnies can feed. Keeping hay in a hay rack minimizes the amount of clutter in a bunny cage, which makes cleaning easier. Making a hay rack for bunnies is an easy project for do-it-yourselfers considering the minimal amount of physical labor. The most challenging task in making a hay rack can be filing down the sharp edges of the wire mesh to ensure the bunnies do not harm themselves when pulling hay out of the rack.

Things You'll Need

• Wire cutters
• Wire cage mesh
• Measuring tape
• Metal file
• Pliers
• Leash clips

Instructions

1. Cut a rectangular piece of mesh out of the wire cage mesh using wire cutters. The dimensions of the rectangular piece of mesh will vary depending on the size of your cage, but the piece of mesh should be an extra 3 inches wider and 2 inches taller than the side of the bunny cage where it will attach to allow for bending and trimming later in the building process. The piece of mesh should be large enough to contain the necessary amount of hay for your bunnies, but small enough to be a snug fit against an empty side of your bunny cage.

2. Cut sharp edges from one long side of the rectangular piece of mesh, using wire cutters. Use a metal file to smooth the edges. The long side will be the top of the hay rack.

3. Cut a hole no larger than 2 inches in diameter in the piece of mesh on the side from which the bunnies will feed. File any sharp edges around the hole.

4. Trim the remaining three sides of the rectangular piece of wire mesh, using wire cutters so there are pieces of straight wire sticking out from the piece of mesh. These protruding wires should be no more than 1 inch long.

5. Bend and curve the protruding wires, using pliers. The protruding wires will act as hooks that will connect the hay rack to the side of the bunny cage.

6. Set the hay rack inside the bunny cage. Set the hay rack against the side of the bunny cage, where it will attach, and position it slightly higher than the backs of the bunnies.

7. Bend and close the hooks of the hay rack around the framing wires of the bunny cage on an empty side of the bunny cage away from the door and the feeder because the hay rack will utilize most of the side of the bunny cage. Crimp the hooks tightly against the framing wires, using pliers. Fasten the hooks of the hay rack to the side of the bunny cage for extra support, using leash clips.

References

• Rabbit Web: How to Make a Hay Rack
• Pet Care Tips: Making Hay Holders for Pet Rabbits
• Adopt a Rabbit: Making Hay Holders and Accessories by Barbara Ray