How to Build a Rabbitat

We asked Quan Myers, founder of nonprofit Rabbitat for Humanity, questions on how to build a Rabbitat...

1. Who is a good candidate to house their rabbits in a Rabbitat?
Quan: I encourage rabbitats for strong healthy bunnies who are neutered ( no breeding), and for responsible folks who know they still need daily care. Rabbitats are best for folks who don't want to clean cages, who really enjoy seeing buns in a more natural setting, and for the bunnies health. The more space for buns to run, hop, jump, and binky the happier and healthier the rabbits.

2. What do rabbits need in the Rabbitat, with regards to weather extremes, both hot and cold?
Quan: Outdoor bunnies need heated waterbowls, a place for the buns to either burrow or hide in, like small hutches or small pitchced roof like structures stuffed with hay for warmth in the winter and food for the summer. They always need places to hide and to get cover from the weather...all kinds, including too much sun.

Bunnies can acclimate to weather as long as there is at least a month or two before the seasons change. You can not put a house bunny outside in the middle of winter cause they can not handle the transition to the cold and same with summer. Bunes donot do well in heat ever!!! So hot sun over 70+ degrees can be detrimental to bunny. Must always have shade and protection from the elements.

3. Can groups of bunnies live together in one Rabbitat?
Quan: Groups of buns can live happily together as long as they are introduced into their new home at the same time. There will always be a dominant bunny and fighting is a concern if a new bun is placed in an already established group of bunnies.

4. What tools do I need to create a Rabbitat?
Quan: The rabbitat has posts in the ground, so one would need a post hole digger, staple gun and blockade fences, along with the chicken wire and garden stakes. All of this can be purchased at Home Depot. The CHS rabbitat cost about $350-400, plus labor. It's interesting to note that some folks pay $300 for a large rabbit hutch, or cage with toys, so for just a small amount more you can build an entire rabbitat and have a much happier and healthier rabbit.

5. How do I construct the Rabbitat itself?
Quan: Sturdy wire or chicken wire needs to be stapled onto the wooden fencing a,foot up and at least a foot across the ground to keep buns from digging out.Garden staples work to keep fencing secruely on the ground. if you do not want buns to dig any holes, one must secure wire fencing on the ground with garden staples on the entire ground. Buns will always dig holes! Tall fences are best, so predators can not jump in or see the bunnies. One concern for really large rabbitats is the possiblity of owls or hawks to fly down and take bunnies.

Thank-you ...

Quan Myers (founder of nonprofit Rabbitat for Humanity) and Holly Bennett and her husband Chris and children Allyson and Zachary . In one frenetic Saturday afternoon this autumn, this hardworking crew built an enclosed Rabbitat on the Coastal Humane Society grounds. For more information on how you can help homeless rabbits and educate the public on proper care, please visit www.rabbitatsforhumanity.com.

More photos of the CHS Rabbitat ...