Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[pagesguineas]

I am currently in the process of building a 9ft by 5ft run for my two buns.

 

I'm not putting it on grass as they will have access to it all the time so I want it to be easy to clean out. I have their hutch and underneath run (which it will be attached to) on paving stones but to pave the area for the new run would be very expensive and time consuming - and backbreaking!!!

 

I have been searching around for alternative floorings and have found rubber stable mats for horses. They would lay straight down and have grooves on the bottom for efficient drainage, plus are very easy to sweep out. Also they are

much cheaper and would be easier to lay down, and move is we ever decide to move the setup.

 

I'd love to get a second opinion on this idea please!!? I don't imagine the bunnies would notice much difference, apart from the fact they can run around easily as the floor isn't so slippy.

 

Thanks in advance

Catherine

[franklyrabbit]

Well I think your idea is a good one. We have the Omlet run on the terrace and for warmth have a cut to measure piece of thick ply on the floor of the run. We figured that it would be warmer than the cobbles in the cold months. The reason I mention this is that while it is relatively easy to sweep and scrub down, we are thinking of laying lino on top of it for the same reason as your idea of rubber mats. Pics when you're able

[pagesguineas]

Hi

Thanks for your reply!

 

After much deliberation we've decided to lay a base of paving stones spaced out from the stock we have left after having the patio redone, then lay the stable mats on top. This was because we figured if the mats were just on mud the drainage system wouldn't work efficiently and also the water might settle underneath the mats and create 'sunken parts' which would be uneven when walking on it.

 

Less work than just paving, but more than expected. Those little buns better appreciate it!!

 

Pictures will come, but perhaps may be a little delayed.

[franklyrabbit]

I shall look forward to the pics!

[Jodie1975]

Sounds like a great idea and I'd love to see pics also. I have been thinking what to do with one of my runs. The female rabbit I have eats all the grass and then poos right in the top corner so I have to climb right in to clean it (good thing my butt isn't too big!!). My husband is fed up with all the lawn being ruined so I'm now not allowed to move it round the garden. I have to use a scoop to get the poo out but don't feel it's hygenic in that corner, so a rubber washable base sounds like a great idea. Luckily my male rabbit uses his eglu as a toilet which is much easier to clean. Good luck with it!