Housing

Most cages sold in pet stores are too small for a rabbit to be healthy and happy. A rabbit should have an enclosure that’s at least 3 hops wide, 2 hops deep and tall enough for the bunny to sit up on his back legs. Measuring like this ensures that no matter the size of the rabbit, the cage is suitable! Click here for our brochure on rabbit housing.

What makes a good rabbit house?

• Smooth floor to prevent injury or wear to furry feet
• A door wide enough to allow a large litterbox and easy cleaning
• At least six times the size of your rabbit with sufficient height to accommodate your rabbit being able to stand up on their hind legs.

Housing Ideas

Cube Bunny Condo  - The more time you plan to have the bun stay inside, the bigger the cage/enclosure should be. We recommend as much “out” time as possible (at LEAST four hours per day) and regular play and interaction with you every day for the rabbit’s health and happiness. Play areas must be bun-proofed: safe from electrical cords, houseplants, and other hazards to the rabbit and with possessions you’d like to keep intact out of reach. Don’t forget plenty of bun-safe toys.


Dog Crates – ones for large dog breeds work well, are foldable, inexpensive, rust-proof, easy to clean and sturdy. These are great when used with lots of free range time because they aren’t very big. Be careful with small rabbits that they can not get their heads through the bars and get stuck.


Store-bought Condos - There have been several variations on this popular theme, and you can order different widths and one, two or three levels depending on your needs. The condos can be pricey, but are a nice option. One of our favorites can be found here:www.leithpetwerks.com


Neat Idea Cube Condos - These are made from wire panels assembled to the needs of your rabbit. Not only can you customize your rabbit’s home, it is a lot less expensive. You can find “how-to” instructions here: http://breyfamily.net/bunnycage.html and Neat Idea Cube Condos information at www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/NIC.shtml. In Canada, they are sold under brand names Closetmaid and Rubbermaid. For less than the cost of a tiny cage from the store, you can build a palace for your rabbits to lounge and play in. They can be found in many stores such as Costco, Canadian Tire, grocery stores etc..

MAKE YOUR OWN BUNNY CONDO

Exercise Pens – a series of metal fencing panels connected by hinges. This allows your rabbit to have more space while still confined to a safe area when you aren’t around. The exercise pens are versatile, allowing you to shape a circle, divide a room in half for two rabbits to share, or set up a rabbit corner. When rabbit’s out, the pen can be used to protect a zone you want to keep off limits. You can also easily take it to other people’s houses for bunny sitting, or go outside on a nice day and let your rabbits play while you supervise. Make sure you get one that is high enough as rabbits can jump at least 1.5 times their own height.

Proper Housing: X-pen Setup

Proper Housing: X-pen Setup

Free Run – Most altered rabbits become neat enough with their litterbox to be out loose all day with a designated litterbox corner. This is where rabbit proofing is very important. Remember that some rabbits climb onto chairs, sofas and tables and can snack on fruit and plants you thought were safe. Protect cords and wires. Get down on their level to see what they could get into and if they could hurt themselves on anything. Free run is very rewarding for you and your rabbit but if this is your goal, work up to it one room at a time to make sure you can accomplish this safely.