Kim's garden bed with her sketch of what she was thinking.
To keep the rabbits in and ground predators out I suggest you enclose the bed with 2 sections of 25 ' long 48 inch high electric fence from Premier 1. I like this fencing a lot. I use it with my chickens and it keeps everything but the hawks out. It is easy to set up, take down, move, etc. If you have a lot of aerial predators you can bridge between the posts across the bed with some fiberglass fence posts and cover it with plastic bird netting. This fencing could also be setup in other places (like on the lawn) and still protect the rabbits. It is a very flexibly option that I use a lot.
For the rabbits housing I would build a light weight frame out of 3/4 inch pvc pipe and cover three sides and the roof with opaque corrugated polycarbonate. You can get all those bits at Lowe's or some other building supply store. I'm not sure I would put a permanent floor in it. Rabbits tend to dig under things, and a floor is an invitation. I'd probably put in a box like a nest box that they could go in to sleep and hide. I would use plastic as much as possible. You will get less chewing and less rot than if you used wood. It will also be quite lite weight. You may need to anchor it with some tent stakes if you have a lot of wind.
This wouldn't be a year round rabbit shelter, but it would be a way to have them out for a good part of the year. I have been told that allowing rabbits to graze outside will make them sick. This hasn't been my experience, but you may want to check with your vet. I know wild rabbits seem to do well enough grazing year round.
Kim, let me know if this was what you were looking for. If not we can try something else. Anyone else who has ideas along these lines, I'd like to hear from you too.
3 comments:
WhooHoo...I knew you would come up with something fabulous! I never thought of plactic for the roof and sides of the shelter. That makes perfect sense since it is flexible, lightweight, and won't rot....perfect!
As far as varmits getting the rabbit(s) I won't have to worry about that because the whole garden is protected by electrical fencing to protect the chickens that I let run free a lot of the year, and of course there are two wires at the top to protect the garden from one ornery camel.
I really like the curved top idea, very cool! How would I attach the corrugated ploy to the pipes? If I had a wooden frame I would just screw it on. I don't have much experience with pvc pipes...well except for using it for plumbing.
Thanks so much Allen love it! Kim
Kim, If you don't need the varmint protection you may be able to use the shorter fence from Premier 1. It dosen't come in the same lengths, so it may not work with your beds.
I would pre-drill the corrugated poly while it was clamped to the pipe and then use a sheet-metal screw to attach it.
Can't wait to see if it works.
I've been considering pasturing rabbits for a while now but have been dissuaded by the concern that they're serious diggers. In this case I suppose the electric fencing serves dual duty by keeping them away from the fence.
I may have to try this this spring...
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