Bought a second-hand hen house or rabbit hutch? How to get it home in one piece

Wooden hen houses, rabbit hutches and runs come up second-hand all the time, when people move house, downsize the garden or stop keeping pets. They're often a real bargain, but they're bulky, usually sold already built, and they almost never fit in the car. Here's a calm way to get yours home.

1. Ask the seller the right questions

Roughly how long, wide and tall is it? Does the roof lift off, or does the run come away from the house? Is it on the ground floor of the garden, or behind a gate and down a side path? Could they help carry it to the front? A photo with a tape measure in it really helps.

2. Empty and clean it before collection day

Take out bedding, trays and any feeders or drinkers. A clean, dry hutch is lighter and nicer for whoever carries it. It's also worth a quick check for red mite in a hen house, so you don't bring them home.

3. Take off the loose bits

Remove pull-out trays, perches, ramps and nest-box lids if they come off. Put screws, hinges and catches in one labelled bag and tape it to the main frame so nothing goes missing.

4. Check access at both ends

Measure gates, side paths and any steps at the seller's house and at yours. Decide where it's going in your garden before it arrives, so it can go straight to its spot.

5. Getting it there

If it won't fit in the car, you can post the job free on Pink Pumpkin Logistics at pinkpumpkinlogistics.co.uk, a UK site where local drivers send quotes and you choose the one you're happy with. There's no obligation to accept. Give rough sizes, say whether it's one piece or comes apart, and mention access at each end. We move the hen house or hutch itself, never the animals, so your hens or rabbits travel separately with you.

Here's to happy hens and contented bunnies in their new home.