Scrap lumber project for small animal friends
First I want to apologize for this post being sent prematurely several days ago. I have no idea what happened–I started writing up the post, left the computer for a bit, came back to finish it, and discovered it was published. So sorry about that–and it was blank at the time it was published as well!
I had some time recently and I needed to solve a little problem…the little problem is a Netherland dwarf rabbit named Annie. She recently moved from the basement to the dining-room-we-never-eat-in-that-is-scheduled-to-become-an-office-in-the-near-future. Her cage needed prettied up. A lot.
So today I added a new house. All scraps, so it was totally free!
I actually started out just wanting a box to contain the corn cob litter we use. It started out like this:
I even fancied it up with the small strips of 1/4″ plywood.
I didn’t have a tall enough piece of 3/4″ plywood, so I had to piece some together.
But then I got the idea of putting a roof on, and it took off from there.
Add angles for the roof
Add a support board for the roof
Cut two small rectangles of 1/4″ plywood for removable parts of roof.
Add shingles attached to the triangle. The removable parts rest against these shingles.
Add the rest of the shingles. These are only nailed through the middle part of the 1/4″ plywood, not the triangle braces. I used 18 gauge 1″ nails. They stick out through the back but…
…then I took a hammer and nailed these to the side and flattened them.
Roof completed! The top middle piece is only nailed into the right side.
Both pieces completely remove for easy cleaning. You can also just remove one for quick access.
She loves it! And the kale.
I will probably add a “door” in the front to contain the cob litter even better. I wanted to see if this would do the trick on its own, but you can see that she’s already kicked some out. I picture this painted with a fancy “A” attached to the left side someday. Once I get some decent lengths of scrap plywood again (used them up in Pip’s closet!), I’m going to build her a wood base with some legs.
If you build this for some guinea pigs, bunnies, or a smaller version for some hamsters, make sure you use untreated wood. I probably wouldn’t even use plywood for animals that chew. Annie never has, so I’m not worried about that.
Do you think she likes it?
6 Responses to “Scrap lumber project for small animal friends”
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The only plywood I use
Pink Toe Projects (click on the picture to get to the post)
Build your own crates:
Under Sink Storage:
Closet Organization:
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Pottery Barn Statton knock off in twin:
Pottery Barn Inspired Bedside Table:
Twin Storage Bed with Drawers:
Hide washer & dryer hookups:
Built-In Cabinet and Shelves:
Entryway Bench:
Board & Batten:
Laundry room cabinet & hutch:
Painting the dining room table:
Leaning wall shelves:
Thrift store lamp revamp:
Refinishing door hardware:
The $20 (or not) storage closet door:
Ruffle Flower Pillow:
Luggage Tag Tutorial:
TeePee Tutorial:
Fresh Eggs sign tutorial:
I love it–what a lucky bunny! I also like the apron you have around the cage. We have a rabbit, too, and that boy can sure kick stuff out of his cage!
It is amazing that that little of a creature can make as big a mess as she does in a matter of seconds!
Love it! You know if you come to IL you could come and help me build bigger animal houses! I would totally let you do that! You gotta love free!
Happy Building!
That would be fun!! It was liberating to be able to do a project that didn’t have to be perfect also
She clearly loves it! This is an awesome project- I’m feeling inspired. I have just recently began doing some DIY projects in my house and it can get expensive quick. It’s nice to see that some projects can be free.
Thanks Rachel! It drives my husband nuts that I keep so many of my scraps, but it is finally paying off in some of my projects. The closet project’s drawers were all scraps, the bunny house, and another project that will be posted in a few days. I love free!!