Rabbits need to exercise and play, and it’s important for their physical and mental well-being to run, hop, and jump. The ideal way to provide this stimulation while keeping them safe is by building a rabbit run.
You can buy them, but why not learn how to build a rabbit run of your very own? It is a great weekend activity that you can do with your family, and it is an affordable option. We’ve featured five rabbit run plans with different skill levels so you can choose one that is right for you and your rabbit. One nice thing about building your own run is that you can customize the size and other features to make it your own.
The 5 DIY Rabbit Run Plans:
1. Rabbit Run by Raising Rabbits
Raising Rabbits offers a plan on how to build your own rabbit run using wire and PVC. It is light enough to move around outside or even bring indoors if you have a large enough space for it. The run offers the protection that your rabbit needs while providing a place to exercise and play. You could easily customize it to different sizes to fit your needs.
- Skill level: Beginner
- PVS
- Connectors
- PVC glue
- Galvanized wire
- J-clips
- Corrugated plastic roofing
- Wood dowel rod
- Metal washers
- Wood screws
- Drill and bit
- Wire cutters
- J-clip pliers
- PVC pipe cutter
2. Instructables Outdoor Rabbit Tractor
These plans by Instructables are for an A-frame run with an access door on the side. It’s the perfect size for two rabbits to enjoy time in the outdoors. It doesn’t have a bottom, so your rabbits can enjoy the fresh grass, but don’t leave them outside overnight because there is a chance of an attack from predators.
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Lumber (can use salvaged pallets)
- Chicken wire
- Bolts
- Wingnuts
- Washers
- Pocket hole screws
- Glue
- Pocket hole jig
- Saw
- Wire cutters
- Hammer
3. The Rabbit House Rabbit Run Plans
These plans from The Rabbit House make an ideal run for your pet rabbits. It is a simple design that uses a wood frame with chicken wire surrounding. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you could make a little house that fits inside the run. There is a door on the end to access the interior. Make sure your wood is free from chemicals and suitable for outside weather.
- Skill level: Beginner
- Lumber
- Corner posts
- Brass hinges
- Hook and eye
- Screws
- Mesh rolls
- Staples
- Paint
- Wood glue
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- Screwdrivers
- Hammer
- Wire cutters
- Paintbrush
4. Rabbit Run by Eleven Gables
Eleven Gables offers instructions on an affordable and easy guide on how to build a rabbit run. There’s no need to worry about cutting and measuring lumber — all you need is PVC and hardware cloth. It is a project that would be great to get the older kids involved with, and you can easily make it in one day.
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Skill level: Beginner
- Hardware cloth
- Cable ties
- PVC pipe
- Elbow PVC
- PVC primer
- Cement
- Wirecutter
- Pipe cutter or hacksaw
5. Self Reliance Basic Rabbit Run
This run by Self Reliance is made from wood, and you don’t need to be a master carpenter to get nice results. It’s covered with wire, and the top is hinged so you easily put your rabbits in or take them out. Since rabbits like to chew on wood, make sure to purchase untreated lumber. There is no bottom, so your rabbits can enjoy munching on grass and clover.
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Skill level: Intermediate
- Lumber
- Wire panels
- Screws
- Staples
- Hinges
- Metal handles
- Metal hardware
- Metal latch
- Corrugated metal
- Lumber saw
- Wirecutter
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
Conclusion
We hope that these five plans for rabbit runs offer inspiration and motivation to build your own. If you like to create wooden structures, a few of these plans should grab your attention. Even if you aren’t comfortable with carpentry, the runs that are built from PVC are great for beginners, and the results are nice structures that can be used for many years.
Featured Image Credit: JACLOU_DL, Pixabay
