Raised Hutches

Build or purchase individual hutches elevated 3-4 feet off the ground on sturdy legs or a frame. Use weather-resistant wood (cedar or treated lumber) for the frame and 14-gauge wire mesh for at least the front and floor. Include a fully enclosed sleeping compartment on one end for shelter and nesting.

Why It Works

Elevation deters ground-based predators such as snakes, rats, and foxes from reaching the rabbits. The raised position also improves airflow beneath and around the hutch, reducing ammonia concentration and moisture buildup. For the caretaker, waist-height access eliminates constant bending, making daily feeding, watering, and health checks significantly easier.

Tips

• Angle the roof slightly toward the back with an overhang of at least 6 inches to shed rain away from the hutch front
• Add a hinged roof or large door panel for full interior access during cleaning and nest box management
• Secure legs with cross-bracing or bolt them to a concrete pad to prevent tipping in high winds or from predator attempts