DIY Wire Hay Racks
Our rabbits have access to hay at all times to reduce boredom, prevent intestinal blockages, and keep their teeth trim. We used to put a handful of hay in their cages each night. However, the rabbits wasted a lot and soiled the rest leading to a dirty cage.
The solution... Homemade hay racks! These racks keep the hay clean and sanitary and reduce waste. They are very easy to make with scraps of cage wire.
The solution... Homemade hay racks! These racks keep the hay clean and sanitary and reduce waste. They are very easy to make with scraps of cage wire.
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You will need:
Scrap of 1"x 2" welded cage wire: Medium rack: 10"x 14" piece Large rack: 12 x 16" piece Wire cutters Pliers Metal file Piece of board about 24" long |
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Medium Hay Rack:
1. Use wire cutters to cut a 10" x 14" piece of cage wire as shown. The wires sticking out will be used to attach the rack to the cage.
2. Place a piece of board over the bottom 3" of wire. Stand on the board and bend the wire up at a right angle.
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3. Pull the center bottom piece out a bit so it is slightly wider than 90 degrees. Bend the sides in on the 3" line using the board.
4. Move board to the opposite side and bend it up at a 90 degree angle
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5. Your rack should now look like this. Bend the lower wires sticking out with pliers to form hooks.
6. Hook the bottom of the rack on the cage then bend the top wires down to secure the top. Fill with hay!
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Large Hay Rack:
1. Use wire cutters to cut a 12"x 16" piece of cage wire as shown. The wires sticking out will be used to attach the rack to the cage or cut them off to attach the rack to the cage with zip ties. Smooth sharp edges with a metal file.
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2. Place a piece of board over the bottom 3" of wire. Stand on the board and bend the wire up at a right angle. The center piece will be bent at the 3" mark (horizontal) and the bottom of the two side pieces will be bent 1".
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3. Fold the side pieces in at the 3" mark. Bend the lower wire extensions down with pliers to form a V. Hook the rack on cage about 5" from the bottom. Bend the top two wires down with pliers to secure the rack in place. Fill with hay!
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Click to learn how to make on a Mini Fodder Rack!
Brick House Acres Rabbitry - Frankfort, NY 13340 - (315) 737-5635