Buy Or Build ? Hutch

[yorkshirenath 2]

Im gonna need to sort a new cage soon mines hanging in bits now repaired it enough times but its gonna get chucked!

i dont know weather to go for it and build on my self ive looked about and there bit of a small fortune to buy and most seconed hand ones will be the same as mine in 12 month, i wanna build one my self but want to make it look decent would be gratefull for advicce and pictures of some hutches

thanks nathan

[seany 54]

Build one mate, use some 2x2'' timber for the frame then get some good quality shiplap to clad it. But if I was to buy one I would go for one of those chicken coops and runs off e-bay

 

ATB Seany

[mollski 16]

buy one ive just bought one from ebay for my boys ferrets,it comes today flat-packed,i could have built one ,but ive never got the time with my two young boys,the new one we are getting,has a pull out plastic tray to save the wood from rotting,but the hutch is going in our massive log store ,once in there we shall open the doors for them to run around all day,and that's 5x7 so it will be great for them,post you some photos when I get the hutch,have a look on ebay hope you get it sorted,nice and big keep them happy

[bobcullen79 1,495]

Build it!! It`ll cost you around the same as a dodgy bought one, but last a lifetime. And you can build it to any shape or space.

[pie-eater 377]

I made my own it doesn't look amazing but its solid and keeps the weather out. I made it from the wood that I had laying around which was 18mm shuttering ply and 2x4 baton.

[rob190364 2,594]

I wouldn't dream of buying a hutch from a shop, they're so expensive and such shite quality. Easy enough to build and like Bob says, you can make it any size and it'll last years.

[air gun ant 1,666]

just build one mate, its not hard and much better quality. just dont use chicken wire for gods sake! if you can use 1" weld mesh thats what i use

[Bosun11 537]

It's ferrets for me this year after a 16 year absence. I kept em for 20+ years before and always built my own cages, they were a damn sight better than anything you could buy back then and if your half decent with wood you can really put as much in as you like and make 'em a bit special. they certainly would last a fair bit longer too.

I first started off with old wardrobe carcasses and built fronts and sleeping compartments in 'em (anyone else do the same?), then when money was available after I started work I built from scratch using good new wood BUT lets not forget, these days wood ain't cheap, add felt, mesh, stain, locks, time, effort etc and it all adds up..!!

 

So before my kits arrive I thought it best to have a look at whats on the market, hutch wise... Oh brother, have they moved on... Some cracking hutches and cages, two story, plastic lined, plastic drop down fronts etc... So in the short term I've gone for one of these, maybe later I'll build sommat good but for now shop bought is a great starting point.

[The one 8,482]

I alway used to go for old floor boards last a life time but heavy as feck and build my own

[sikastag_1 689]

The hutches that are made are shit, that's the best way to describe them. Unless you get a joiner to build you one from good gear its not going to last, maybe the ship lap etc will be decent but the floors etc are made from wafer thin wood. Iv built all my hutches and my court myself at least that way I know its built well and will last. You'll build a good court out good framing and weatherboard and ply for the price of a shit made bought court.

[yorkshirenath 2]

thanks for reply lads gonna build my own for what its worth i know it isnt gonna look as good but i know it will last.

[joe14 98]

Well I have a court for mine but two of them live in this, its a cheap hutch I bought with a run attached. Its quite good actually, it unclips off the hutch so i can get the litter trays out the bottom. I made the run & if i can do it most will be able to lol. But i would go for a chicken coop if not.

Edited July 11, 2013 by joe14