Build a Rabbit House From an Old TV Cabinet

Chad Mikell
by Chad Mikell
5 Materials
$45
3 Days
Medium
If you have a rabbit that has outgrown it's cage, or you simply want to provide a larger habitat for them to live in comfortably, this is an easy & inexpensive way to accomplish that. We used our old tv armoire cabinet that was sitting in our garage. Now that everyone has large flat screen TVs, these are really easy to find in thrift stores and garage sales for very little or sometimes free.

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Before you start you might want to make sure you have a few necessary tools.I
would recommend at the very least these:
a drill with assorted bits and screws
a circular saw or jigsaw
a heavy duty staple gun
a sander
some wire cutters


Get all the materials you need here:


The first thing you want to do is to remove the back panel and the front doors.Remove any existing hinges or metal hardware. I kept the door locking mechanism, hinges, and door latches to reattach later.
Now it's time to remove the inside of the door panels. This can be achieved easiest by using a jigsaw.


Next, I created a framework of 2x2s in order to create 3 different levels within the home. The lower level will have the most headspace in order to accommodate bedding and a litter box.
I cut out some thin plywood I had laying around to provide the flooring for the 2nd and 3rd levels. I also used some of this plywood to cut out some ramps that I will later use for the bunny to climb up to each one. I then attached the flooring with screws to each level leaving space on each for entry points and ramps.I also cut out what will later become the back side panel out of the same thin plywood.
I created what will later become a base for the home out of 2x4s. I also attached some legs to the bottom. These are actually outdoor decking post caps sold at your local hardware store. I secured them with extra screws for stability.
Next, I added some traction to the ramps I cut out with 1/2 inch round wood dowels that I cut in half on my bandsaw. I attached them with some wood glue and secured them with a headless pin nailer. If you don't have this equipment, you can buy some 1/2 inch square dowels and attach them similarly with wood glue and secure them with a hammer and tack nails.
I attached the wire fencing material I got from the hardware store with an air stapler, but this can be done with a heavy duty hand held staple gun. It's not a bad idea to use some gloves here because this stuff will cut you.After securing the fencing to the door panels, I used a wire cutter to cut away the excess fencing. I then used a sander with coarse grit paper to soften the edges I had cut off. We don't want the bunny getting hurt from the sharp edges.
Next comes the paint job. It's important to use a non-toxic water based acrylic paint. Bunnies like to chew away at things and we don't want it to be poisonous.
We then used some inexpensive peel and stick tiles to create a more water resistant barrier to the floor.
I decided to make the home mobile so we could move it around and clean behind it when needed, so I picked up some cheap casters to attach to the feet.
Then, I attached the ramps with some screws to the framework.
I then attached the back panel I had cut out earlier with my air stapler and some screws.
I reattached the doors with the hinges and reinstalled the front latches and door locking mechanism.That's it. Put that bunny inside and let them re-acclimate to the new surroundings.For a full video build of this project go to - https://youtu.be/jHzBf5Gmjzk
That it. Let your rabbit check out their new home.
Check out the video for a full tutorial
That it. Let your rabbit check out their new home.


Check out this video for a full tutorial
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Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Debbie Debbie on Sep 10, 2017

    Such a good dad, building an indoor bunny hutch! Your repurpose turned out beautifully. Does the bunny use the ramps easily?

  • Donna Donna on Sep 10, 2017

    You are correct when you say rabbits are chewers. I would be VERY cautious about using plywood or composite wood of any type around rabbits. I have heard the woods often have toxic chemicals used as preservatives and glues. How did you prevent against that? And your Lop is adorable!

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