At Garden Woodcraft, our Predator-Resistant and Fox-Resistant Design sets us apart from mass-produced, flat-pack hutches. This isn’t just a label—it’s a carefully thought-out system of features that protects your pets and ensures lasting durability. Here’s what makes our designs worth the investment:
Why It Matters:
Domestic rabbits and other small pets are highly vulnerable to predators, especially foxes, which are the main apex predator for rabbits in the UK. Many budget flat-pack hutches lack critical safety features, leaving gaps for predators to exploit. Our bespoke designs aim to minimise these risks.
What Makes Our Design Special?
1. Premium Predator-Resistant Mesh
- Galvanised and welded mesh for exceptional durability.
- Smaller mesh spacing (e.g., 12mm x 24mm) prevents foxes, rats, and other predators from getting a grip or entering.
- Secured on the inside of the hutch frame to prevent chewing and weakening over time.
2. Heavy-Duty Timber Construction
- Built using thicker, high-quality, UK-sourced timber (e.g., Scandinavian redwood or cedar) that resists chewing and warping.
- Unlike cheaper imported fir wood, our materials are robust and built for UK weather conditions.
3. Structural Strength and Longevity
- All panels are delivered pre-assembled for better integrity, avoiding weak points caused by bolted panels found in flat-pack kits.
- Enhanced structural stability means your hutch withstands both predator pressure and seasonal weather changes.
4. Weatherproofing as Standard
- Fully weatherproof designs with roof overhangs to keep rain away from sides and internal areas.
- Pressure-treated timber and additional insulation options protect against dampness, ensuring the hutch lasts longer than cheaper alternatives.
5. Secure Hinges and Locks
- Heavy-duty “plant-on” Tee hinges and lockable bolts designed for outdoor use, resistant to seasonal timber movement.
- Secondary fasteners for extra security.
6. Customisation Options
- Bespoke features like reinforced panels, predator-resistant runs, and built-in winter-proofing offer extra layers of safety and convenience.
Why We Charge a Premium
Unlike cheaper imports that prioritise weight reduction and low transport costs, our focus is on quality, durability, and peace of mind. A predator-resistant hutch is not just about keeping your pets safe today—it’s about investing in a long-lasting home that delivers superior protection and comfort for years to come.
Our designs are backed by 40 years of craftsmanship, so you can trust that every detail, from the materials to the finishes, has been carefully considered.
For a deeper dive into the details, check out our Secrets of the Trade PDF and discover what makes our products stand out in a market full of compromises.
Handmade Rabbit Hutches
- Extremely robust and long lasting
- 1st class build quality and materials
- Weatherproof, waterproof membrane
- Typically 10+ years maintenance free*
- Handmade in UK
- Assembled for you at your home
- Removable or hinged roofs for cleaning
- We sell every part individually
- We use reinforced weld mesh wire
- We have excellent reviews and personal service
- Nothing to pay until delivered
Flat-Pack Hutches
- Factory made with cheap wood, glue required!
- Rabbits eat soft appetising wood (often toxic)
- Do not withstand weather, only usable indoors
- Typically have to replace every 1-2 years
- Cheaply made in China for flat pack construction
- Soft cheap wood typically cracks on assembly
- Fixed roofs with flimsy pull out trays
- Spare parts option is to replace entire hutch
- Wire mesh easily compromised by predators
- Amazon full of 1 star reviews for flat-pack
- Upfront payment (before your refund!)