Rabbit cages and hutches

Submitted by Admin on 03/04/2009

If you are intending to keep a rabbit its important you buy or build a suitable hutch, you will also need to consider a portable cage this is for transportation purposes, trips the vets and such. When you are buying rabbit cages and hutches its important to consider the size of your rabbit, there should be enough space for the rabbit to comfortable lay down and sit upright, larger rabbits can sit quite tall so you will need to be certain head hieght is enough. Rabbit hutches should be divided into two areas, the first should be snug and draught-proof whilst the other area needs to have a wire mesh front and a connecting route to the snug area.

Once you have bought your rabbit hutch you need to locate it in the correct place in your garden, position the rabbit hutch in a sheltered spot but not under a tree as this can cause damage and distress to the rabbit from falling branches. Ideally you want to fence off a small area around the hutch giving the rabbit direct access to an area to exercise outdoors! You will need to provide a small ramp for the rabbit to access the run.

Security of the rabbit hutch is very important, you will need to ensure not only that the rabbit cannot nibble its way to escape but also preditors such as foxes cannot get in. You should also make sure the hutch is located on a conrete or paving base this will ensure your rabbit cannot tunnel your way out. If you are building your own hutch ensure you are using good quality thick plywood and incorporate a good sized locakable door, this will make it easier for you to access the hutch to attend to your rabbit and for cleaning. Don't foget its much easier to clean the rabbit hutch out if you incorporate a sliding tray system.

Its important to ensure you pay particular attention to the direction of the sun, rabbits are very sensitive to the heat and can die if exposed to the direct sunlight, so you should ensure the hutch is well shaded.

If you own a smaller rabbit and have decided to keep it in the house, this is fine, house rabbits do not require exercise outdoors. With a little patients you can train your rabbit to use a little tray, they can then run around the house whilst you are in and be put into a hutch or cage when yu go out. You will need to make some careful changes to your home, rabbits tend to nibble things so electrical cables need to be put well out of harms way. Rabbits also have a tendancy to nibble at carpets or funnishing, the fibres can cause fatal digestion issues, this is usually preventable by giving your rabbit special rabbit chews.

When you place your indoor hutch, be sure to avoid porch or conservatory areas where big changes in temperature may occur, instead find a comfortable and secure place.