If you keep your rabbits outside, a nesting box is an essential item so the mother can keep the babies warm. The nesting box keeps the babies contained, preventing them from crawling away from their mother. The front of the box should be lower than the sides or back, so the mother doesn't accidentally step on the kits when getting in and out of the box. Making a nesting box with a roof provides extra security and warmth for the mother and babies.
Instructions
- Cut a 14.5-by-9-inch rectangle out of pegboard using a table saw. This will become the bottom of the nesting box.
- Cut two 14-by-9-inch rectangles from scrap lumber. These will be the sides of the box.
- Measure 4.625 inches along one of the long sides and make a mark with a pencil. Measure 5 inches along the short side furthest from the mark. Draw a straight line between the two marks.
- Cut along the line and discard the triangle of lumber. Repeat for the other piece.
- Cut a 9-by-4.625-inch rectangle of scrap lumber for the top of the box. Cut a 9-by-8.5-inch rectangle for the back, and a 5-by-8.5-inch rectangle for the front.
- Cut a groove in each of the two sides of the box, about 0.5 inch up from the bottom. This will allow the pegboard bottom to slide in and out for cleaning.
- Screw the pieces together, one screw at each corner. You should end up with a box with sloped sides, a short piece of wood in front, and a roof over the back. Fill the box with straw, and you're done.
Tips & Warnings
- If you don't want to use pegboard, you can staple hardware cloth to the bottom of the box instead.
Source: ehow
Author: Mandy Slake
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