Small Animal Transport Box

This is a 2 compartment curved box that I originally designed and built for a friend, for him to transport his Ferrets to and from the fields. Here in the UK controlling wild Rabbit numbers using Ferrets is a popular method, although I understand that it is not  permitted, and is actually an illegal method in the United States. However, this box is also suitable for transporting most pet rodents such as: Guinea Pigs (Cavies), Rabbits, rats, and Chinchillas, etc. and my friend has also used his box to transport; homing and roller Pigeons, Quails, Partridge, young Pheasants, small poultry such as Bantams, and small breeds of Ducks.

Because the box is curved, it sits nicely on the hip and is easily carried moderate distances; I have carried it more than 4 miles over hilly open fields, ditches, hedges, rocks and a low cliff, containing 3 live Ferrets in one section and 30+ purse nets, pegs, cords and other required bits & pieces in the other section.

Step 1

The box is made from 9mm thick exterior plywood, and 4mm thick exterior plywood.

The ends, top, bottom, internal panel and access door are made from the 9mm thick exterior plywood.

The curved sides (inner and outer) are made from 4mm thick  plywood.

The outer curve of the box has a radius of 36 inches, and the inner curve has a radius of 24 inches. The box ends are 14 inches high X 12 inches wide.

You will also need approximately 16 feet of: planed 1 X1, or 1 inch quadrant moulding, or 1 inch Scotia moulding for the internal sub-frames ..... I used what I had to hand which were odd pieces of triangular moulding, and a pallet plank ripped down to 1 X1.

I used approximately: qty 50 of 1 inch X No6, A2 stainless countersunk wood screws, about  2 ounces of 3/4 inch copper panel pins, qty 24 off 5/8 No 4 A2 stainless steel pan-head wood screws, 18 inches of brass piano hinge, 2 brass catches, 2 large fencing staples, and Polyurethane waterproof wood glue. 

Comments

[tylerlund381]

do you think it work for guinea pigs for like vacations or travel'

[Gareth0123]

It does work extremely well for Guinea Pigs & Rabbits; since I made this box and posted this Instructable, my next door neighbours have borrowed it several times when they have bought new pets, taken them to the vets, to local and regional pet shows and the boarding place when they have gone away on holiday, etc.

[Pippikins]

I think this would be great for my husband when he is out reptile collecting. what should be modified for it to be good for reptiles?

[Gareth0123]

Hi Pipikins,

Unfortunately I do not have any experience of collecting and transporting reptiles; it's a little too cold & damp here in the United Kingdom.

All that I can suggest is that your husband makes his transport box, and then make any modifications and alterations that he sees fit.

regards

Gareth.

[Pippikins]

thanks, I think I could figure it out after a few tries.. Sadly it will probably be me who makes it... it won't get done otherwise.

[CrLz]

Nice design, nice work.