This is the final post of my rabbit hutch project. With the project fully built, I needed to find a spot on our property to place the hutch and prepare the ground.
You can see the earlier posts in this series here:
- The Rabbit Hutch – Part 1 (Front frames and doors)
- The Rabbit Hutch – Part 2 (Sidewalls)
- The Rabbit Hutch – Part 3 (Carcase assembly)
- The Rabbit Hutch – Part 4 (Floor frames)
- The Rabbit Hutch – Part 5 (General Assembly)
- The Rabbit Hutch – Part 6 (Poop Drawers)
- The Rabbit Hutch – Part 7 (The Roof)
- The Rabbit Hutch – Part 8 (Insulated Box)
I picked out a spot that was close to the house and well positioned. There was a small rock wall that I had built there some years ago that would have to be removed and reinstalled.
This is where I chose to install the hutch.
Time to go to work with the pick axe and rake. Once the ground was more-or-less level, I tamped it down.
Clearing the ground.
The one setback to the site I selected, was that it was on a slight slope. Since the hutch has drawers that pull out forwards, this means that the hutch needed to be lifted up enough to clear the rock wall and the slightly sloping ground.
Raising it up on some paving slabs.
Not what you might think of as “checking for wind” on a woodworking blog.
Checking for level.
The hutch is really heavy thanks to me and my every expanding projects… Why can’t I ever build small stuff? You may remember waaaay back when I made the carcass sides, I used long galvanized lag bolts to serve as the feet of the hutch. These can be screwed in or out to adjust the level, but their main purpose it to keep the wood away from the ground and hopefully prevent rot. They are screwed into the end grain of the legs and I was careful not to stress them laterally as I didn’t want to split out the bottom of the legs.
Moving this heavy ass hutch outside.
My neighbor gave me a hand lifting the hutch up onto the paving slab platform. We then lifted the roof (which is nearly as heavy as the hutch) and placed it on top.
Once it was in place, I rebuilt the rock wall using all the rocks I removed earlier.
So, with everything done, here’s a bunch of final photos:
In place, and the roof installed.
From behind.
Viewed from further back.
I’m guessing it won’t stay looking this nice for long.
The upper ramp.
Upper area.
Lower area.
I’m happy with how this turned out.
Feeder and water installed.
Is it just me, or does that rabbit look pissed off?
Thanks for reading and bearing with me. I finished this project in April and it has taken me until now (December) to get these remaining posts written.
I hope to have some other posts in the near future, we’ll see.
– Jonathan White
Awesome work. Waited a long time to see that bunny. He does look a bit perturbed…
Hi Daniel,
Thanks. Sorry that it took so long to put the posts together. I think the rabbit has cheered up a bit by now though.
All the best,
Jonathan
Looking great, as expected of all your projects. That rabbit face is priceless 🙂
Love that special touch you added, the Satelitte dish, truly it is the Traj Mahal of rabbit hutch isn’t 🙂
Bob, running and ducking snow balls
Hey Bob,
Yeah that rabbit must have thought he was getting DirecTV. The pissed off look was when he realized that there were too many trees on the property for the dish to get a clear view of the sky. I really should remove that dish…
All the best,
Jonathan
Great project from start to finish. Enjoy the clean pics that you have. It won’t stay clean for long! It’s definitely built to last though. Great job.
Hi Jay,
Thanks for your kind comments, it’s great to hear from you again. You’re right it sure didn’t stay clean for long. It now has two rabbits and three guinea pigs in residence, so my kids are having to clean frequently.
All the best,
Jonathan
It looks very nice in that location. Instead of the satellite dish couldn’t you get by with “rabbit ears”..hehe
Stephen,
Very punny! Thanks. I guess I should remove that satellite dish. I haven’t had any service with it for a couple of years (Too many trees).
All the best,
Jonathan
Jonathan, you are a true craftsman who has a real attention to detail. Beautiful Work!
Eric
Thanks Eric
Great build and great job with the pics and write ups. I’ve really enjoyed following you on this one.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff