Hay Racks

So, I've been messing around with ways to do hay racks on my rabbit cages. I don't like the wire ones - they're too small, for one thing, and they are messy for another. I've tried the metal hopper ones - they're *OK*, but they don't fasten to the cage that well, and tend to get knocked off easily.

Plus they are also small, requiring me to bend longer bits and try to stuff them in. Sometimes they pop out. I also don't like obstructing the view into the cage - the metal ones, combined with the feeder and water bottle make it so I can't easily see inside the cage.

Pictured is what I am trying now - so far, it's working out well. I'm using a panel from one of those cube-style shelf kits - the ones with the circular plastic do-dads that hold the panels together. The panel is fastened to the door using 4 bulldog clips at the bottom edge of the door. I've also got a metal shower-curtain ring at each side that attaches the panel to the door. They make sure I don't pull the panels too far out - if I do, they can pop right off. The bulldog clips hold the panel against the door like springs.

Yes, my view is obstructed when the hopper is full, but I can easily tell when it's empty - which it usually is when I first go out to do chores. AND my view is ONLY obstructed when the hopper is full.

Also, when it's empty it sits flat against the door.

It's wide enough that I can easily stuff long bits of hay into it, and since there are no sides, the hay can stick out the sides too.

The fine mesh of the panels means that very little falls through to the floor. The spring action of the bulldog clips means the hay is always pushed against the door, making it easy for the rabbit to get at it. There are no sharp edges for me to catch my clothes or skin on.