All pets need a comfortable, safe place to rest and relax. Rabbits are no exception. For most people, having a rabbit as a pet is a new concept that requires some research and conversations with experts before purchasing your new furry friend. In a lot of ways, rabbits are similar to traditional pets, like dogs and cats. They have the same basic needs. However, unlike dogs and cats, rabbits require an enclosed habitat to feel secure and comfortable. When choosing a habitat for a rabbit, there are several considerations: size, material, accessibility, and safety.
Choosing the Right Habitat
When researching a rabbit habitat, you will come across cages and hutches. Rabbit cages are traditionally too small for a pet rabbit. As your pet gets older, most will outgrow this space. When choosing a habitat, consider the breed of rabbit and allow for size and growth.
Cages are also not a good option if you plan for your rabbit to live outside. This type of enclosure will not keep him safe from the weather and predators. Remember, rabbits are prey animals, and their natural reaction is to be on high alert. Their habitat should provide a safe haven for them to feel as relaxed as possible. The best housing option for a rabbit is a one or two-story hutch. Providing your pet rabbit with a hutch meets many of his needs.
First, if your rabbit lives outside primarily, it provides shelter from the weather. Some hutches are long-lasting and are weather resistant as they are intended for indoor or outdoor use. Next, be sure to look for a hutch that does not require maintenance, such as a composite material. Materials such as wood will deteriorate over time, and you will likely have to replace it during your rabbits’ lifetime. Some composite materials are also safe and durable for your rabbit, who loves to chew! Be sure to do your research. Lastly, a hutch keeps your rabbit safe. Regardless of if you keep your pet inside or outside the roof will keep your rabbit from easily escaping (rabbits can jump up to 4 feet high!). It will also prevent other animals from getting inside the enclosure. As a prey animal, some breeds of dogs, cats and other feral animals could attack your rabbit.
Hutches should also be easy to clean for you. You will need to wipe down the walls and clean the floors regularly. Choose a hutch that will make this regular task simple and easy for you. It is important that the hutch has a few easily accessible doors for you to clean litter and provide regular maintenance.
Creating a Space for Exercise
Depending on your home and the space you have for your rabbit, adding an area for exercise is important. To determine the size of the area for exercise, a good rule of thumb is to provide enough length space for your rabbit to hop three to four times and width space to hop at least once. If space allows, you can always go bigger or provide an entire room for your rabbit.
If you need to create a space in a room for your rabbit, an enclosure or fencing is a great option for exercise. Be sure to eliminate any wires or anything that can be chewed by your bunny. Rabbits need exercise every day, as much as you can allow. This can be in their enclosure, room or with free roam of the house. Be sure to keep an eye on your rabbit if you are allowing them to exercise anywhere in the house they’d like. They can get into trouble easily! Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk; these are great times to let them exercise. The more time they can spend with you and as a part of the family, the happier your rabbit will be!
Take some time to gain a full understanding of how to create a safe and comfortable space for your rabbit. There are a lot of other resources online or ask your vet for more tips for designing your rabbits’ home.