Last Updated on May 6, 2022 by The Rabbit Smarties Team

To Build or Buy: A Breeder’s Dilemma

Do you remember your start in rabbits? (Most people do; I’ve only heard of one breeder that didn’t, and wasn’t born into it.) When you started, which did you pay more for: your rabbit or its cage? A decent pedigreed rabbit costs around $30.00. An average single-hole cage with a sliding tray can run more like $35.00..and up. Thus a question arises in the mind of many breeders: should I buy or build my show rabbit cages?

I’ve had experience with both buying and building rabbit cages. Building your own cages can be cost effective, but is it worth it? I think the answer depends on three things: how handy you are with the tools, how much time you have for the project, and how many cages you plan to make.

Buying and Rabbit Building Cages: Pro’s and Con’s

Pro’s to Buying Rabbit Cages:

Cages purchased from a rabbit supply dealer are solidly built and won’t pop apart when you aren’t expecting them to, which can be sad reality of homemade cages! The freestanding stacking units are a marvel, really, and very space efficient. Plus—you’re saved a lot of time and hassle!

Con’s to Buying Rabbit Cages:

Cages purchased from dealers tend to be quite expensive. Also, they may not have just the size and shape you want in stock. However, most local suppliers are happy to custom-build cages to fit your barn.

Pro’s to Building Your Own Rabbit Cages:

One of the advantages to building your own cages is that they are completely customizable—if you’re handy enough to accomplish it! I would say, based, on my experience, that it is cost-effective to buy wire and build your own cages if you are going to build at least 20-25 holes. The time spent building cages can be a great chance to have some fun with Dad, and it gives you a real sense of pride (and relief) when you’re finally done!

Con’s to Building Your Own Rabbit Cages:

Building your own cages is a clumsy process, and there is plenty of room for errors, such as cutting a side too short, or putting a floor on upside-down. Personally , I think the hardest part about building your own cages is cutting the wire with manual clippers. The project is very time consuming, and in the end you have a product that will probably need a hutch or shelf to support it and may have rough edges.

Overall, I think it’s better to buy your rabbit cages. The local dealers need your support, and buying cages gives you more time to focus on the bunnies. But the choice is yours, and if you are still considering building cages, here are 5 tips that will make your job much easier!