rabbits and chicken wire

[tobyerick]

i need some input here. I'm building a large colony rabbit pen for doe's. I plan on using pallets for the structure I priced .5x.5 inch wire mesh and it's pretty high, so I was wondering if I used chicken wire just for the walls would it be a problem. To be clear the walls will be pallets with the chicken wire stapled over it to keep the rabbits in. I have read all over the place that you shouldn't use chicken wire with rabbits and some times by some people that berate the poster of the question about how you should only use wire mesh, but i never see why? I get that obviously it would injure there feet if they were walking on it but in this case they are going to have a solid floor with deep bedding that gets changed. so after all that rambling. Will chicken wire on the walls only and backed by pallets be a problem in a rabbit pen and if so, why? Thanks in advance.

 

[DuckyGurl]

I don't know where you live, but I would never use chicken wire for walls. I had a mink chew through stuff that was stronger than chicken wire. And a raccoon could probably stick their paw in and grab a leg. Personally, after all my experience with predators, the cost of the mesh/hardware wire is always worth it.

 

[Bunnylady]

Rabbits can chew through chicken wire. Also, the wire is pretty small gauge, with only a thin layer of galvanizing on it. Rabbit urine causes it to rust out very quickly, so it would need to be replaced frequently. The biggest problem with chicken wire has to do with the way the strands are connected to each other. The wire isn't woven or even welded, it is just twisted together. It is surprisingly easy to untwist, which would allow an even moderately interested predator an easy way to make a hole large enough to get in.

 

[tobyerick]

Thank you.for replying.Ok all good facts the only predators I worry about can fly. My dogs run the yard and won't put up with anything I don't want in my yard. So I'm hoping it works out, the wire won't be on the floor so hopefully will last a while and I'm putting up a roof on it to keep hawks out and provide some shade. I'm going go post some pictures in a couple days of my coop and my rabbit pen because eventually they will be joined. Rabbits running on the floor and chickens in nesting boxes on the wall. And of it don't work out I'm flexable ha.

 

[tobyerick]

I re read that this morning. I dont want you to think I'm discounting your information. I think I'm just hoping with my eyes closed. Living in central Texas where it gets 110 in the summer i wanted to make sure i have good breeze and shade to help cool them and figured a pallet pen would accomplish that. and since its quite large i am just really hoping it works out. i thought about using a mister system and a fan to help cool them in the summer but im worried about there respiratory systems and them getting drenched if something goes wrong. I really do appreciate the help.

 

[Bunnylady]

You asked for reasons, I gave you the reasons that I'm aware of - what you do with the information is entirely your business.

I think every choice is some sort of compromise, and I am well aware of how large a part economics can play in the decision making process. Most of the time, we do the best we can with what we have at the time, and hope it's enough.

You mentioned that you have dogs - I assume they are good with rabbits? Having lost a few rabbits to dogs over the years (including my own dogs, grrr!), I can tell you that a determined dog can get through welded wire; chicken wire wouldn't even slow one down.

Dogs that protect the space without endangering the livestock are a major asset!

 

[tobyerick]

Yes my dogs are very well trained my big girl is trained in personal protection. I work nites so I needed her to watch the house so I trained her. The average dog won't even bat at an eye at an intruder muchless stop one lol. As soon as I got my daughter some rabbits (pets) I introduced them and made sure they all understood they were accepted parts of the family and I also won't let them chase wild rabbits in my yard just other dogs coyotes and people basicly. I have been training and rasing dogs for twenty years so I'm confident on that front (but things do happen). I think eventually I will put up the mesh but I have so much going on I'm sure my wife would blow a gasket if I spend to much on the meat rabbit's. I'm in a whole $12.50 for an 8x10 pen with a roof! So I'm just trying to keep her happy. Thanks again

 

[SavageDestiny]

Thank you.for replying.Ok all good facts the only predators I worry about can fly. My dogs run the yard and won't put up with anything I don't want in my yard. So I'm hoping it works out, the wire won't be on the floor so hopefully will last a while and I'm putting up a roof on it to keep hawks out and provide some shade. I'm going go post some pictures in a couple days of my coop and my rabbit pen because eventually they will be joined. Rabbits running on the floor and chickens in nesting boxes on the wall. And of it don't work out I'm flexable ha.

Be aware that chickens are well known for killing and eating baby rabbits. Not a good idea to combine them if you plan on breeding the rabbits. I even talked to someone whose chickens ate the legs off her baby rabbits that were caged by pulling their legs through the wire bottom of the cage.

 

[tobyerick]

Wow that I didn't know .......may need to rethink combining lol I guess I could just build another coop just like this......now my wife is really going to be mad ......not really I just like blaming her on me being cheap

 

[chiklee]

I used chicken wire and had a kit get his head stuck in it and he did die. so don't use chicken wire towards the bottom of the cage or on the floor it rust and they fall out the kits that is.
mesh wire is best