My bargain & help please!

[cattbird]

Hello,

I found a great bargain, a large rabbit hutch 2.6 x 2 ft for £5 (not sure what that is in dollars, but very cheap anyway!) pic hopefully attatched.

I'm going to use it to build a run with. But not sure how best to do it. I thought either, out or up. Maybe putting legs on it and and making a run at the bottom, like a tractor. And that way I can make a removable extention run. Also ripping a door out and fitting a nest box.

Problem is.. i'm stuck!! I've never made anything before and just don't know where to start with the frame. Do I need to cut grooves in to the wood and slot pieces in before screwing/nailing? or can I just nail/screw? The hutch is quite heavy. Has anyone got any pics of their base framing they could show me? Ive searched the internet, but not really found much help

I'm determined to build this! Then when it's done I'm moving on to the propper coop!!

Thanks in advance.

Edited to add.. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Highlander]

Sorry I can't help with the design, but I just wanted to say what a great find for a fiver!!!! ($8.20). I'm jealous!

 

[taxus812]

You can look at my page (link under my avatar). I have a lot of pictures.

I think basicly you can build each side and cover it with harware cloth or fencing of choice. leave an inch or two of fence overhanging one side to attach to the coop when you put the sides together.

Join the sides together

now attach the run to the sides of the coop using the overhang of fence . If you want to make the connection to the coop stronger, you can nail a strip of wood over the fencing that way there are no places for critters to push into.


I hope that helps. I am sure other will have losts to add (ther ideas too).

 

[cattbird]

Thanks, your pics were really helpful.

 

[CityChook]

Oh my gosh that's cute!

Put it up on a new base with legs. This will make it easier to clean as you won't have to get down on your hands and knees to get inside. Decide how high you want to make it, and the store will cut it if you don't have the proper tools.

You could build a run underneath it, but it won't be very big. If it were me, I'd build a larger run and then place the coop fully inside the run.

Put a window in it, or cut out the wood at the top gables and screw hardware wire into it. You will get ventilation and sunlight. Save the triangle piece of wood and use it to close up the vents in case of rain or bad weather. You could use little turn screws for this as long as there is sufficient framing inside.

It's cute. Tiny, but cute. It will make a sweet little brooder or hospital coop when you are ready to move on to something bigger.

Good luck!