Hi AJ,

I have been following along on both your post, and I'm glad you have headed Timber Wrestlers guidance of tackling something less challenging as your first timber frame project besides a roof structure which can be very daunting for anyone.

As this is a "timber frame forum" I won't bore our readers with "animal enclosure designs" but there are many issues with the hutch that are well beyond timber framing challenges. So on that note, I would offer that you can freely email me anytime to discuss the needs of Leporids and other small rodent species enclosure requirements/systems.

My last suggestion is that learning timber framing from just books, conversations (and worse...what is just on the internet) may be frustrating for some students...If not just a bad idea in general. Timber framers, as a generic group of folks, love to talk and look at publications (including forums) about this wonderful craft. Unfortunately most of our kind are also kinesthetic (aka hands on) learners and fail miserably at actually internalizing what is need to be known from verbal (written or speech) information alone. As such, I would strongly recommending finding a local Timberwright and introducing yourself, while also joining the TFG and attending the programs/conferences it has to offer...This is going to be the best way perhaps to get all your questions efficiently and thoroughly answered...

Regards,

j