Rabbit Nesting Box

DIY Wooden Rabbit Nesting Box: A Complete Guide

Materials Needed

• 1 inch sheet of plywood 4 feet x 4 feet
• 1.5″ screws
• 1/4″ hardware cloth and hardware staples if making wire bottom
• Drill
• Circular saw
• Measuring tape
• Carpenter’s square
• Impact driver or screwdriver

Step-by-Step Construction

1. Cutting the Pieces – 6 pieces total
   • Cut from a single 1 inch sheet of plywood board:
     • 1) Front: 6-inch high by 11.5 inches wide
     • 2) Top: 7-inch high by 11.5 inches wide
     • 3) Back: 10-inch high by 11.5 inches wide
     • 4) 2 Sides: 10-inch high by 20.5 inches wide
       • Once cut, measure 7 inches in on the long side top
       • Then from the bottom corner, measure 6 inches up and make a mark
       • Draw a line from the top line to the bottom line to cut a diagonal line.
       • Repeat this on the other side, creating 2 sides the same shape
     • Bottom: 11.5 inches high by 20.5 inches wide (optional, hardware cloth can also be used)
2. Preparing Side Pieces
   • Measure 6 inches up from bottom on front side
   • Mark 7 inches from back on top
   • Draw diagonal line connecting these points
   • Cut angle on both side pieces
   • Drill pilot holes to prevent wood splitting
3. Assembly
   • Attach sides to front and back pieces
   • Secure top and lip pieces
   • Attach 1/4″ hardware cloth to bottom using hardware staples

Critical Design Features

• Lip: Essential for preventing kits from falling out when mother exits
• Hardware Cloth Bottom: Allows urine drainage, reduces bacterial infection risk

Pro Tips

• Total cost: Approximately $30
• Build time: About 1-2 hours
• Recommended for standard size (up to 8 pounds) breeding rabbits
• Replace or clean between litters

Enjoy building a safe, comfortable home for your rabbit’s new family!