Housing a rabbit can be easy; however, potential rabbit owners would be wise to consider a few factors about housing to keep their rabbit companions healthy and content. Rabbits can be kept indoors, outdoors or a combination of both. The variety and combinations of keeping areas individual as the owner and rabbit, which is wonderful for the rabbit but at times confusing for new owners.

Regardless of how or in what a rabbit is housed, ensure the animal's health with housing that is draft-free, dry, not too cold or too hot, safe, easy to clean and sanitize, and appropriate in size.

Outdoor Hutches

Many manufacturers offer a variety of quality, ready-made hutches made of wood and wire or wire only. Some handy rabbit owners may also build their own. What you choose to do will depend on your talent, time and budget.

Make sure your hutch has a roof, preferably pitched to shed rain, and a wire bottom with mesh large enough to allow the rabbit's droppings and urine to pass through, but not so large that the rabbit could catch its foot. The hutch also should have a way to be enclosed on the open wire sides during bad weather or drafts, and a way to block direct sunlight.

To further protect your rabbit from cold or damp weather, place a nest box in the hutch. Not only will such an enclosure keep the rabbit cozy in bad weather, but rabbits like having a place to burrow.

A hutch with a wire bottom is easy to clean, but the wire can be cold on the rabbit's feet during winter. Place a few boards on the cage bottom so your rabbit has a place to hop off the wire, but be sure to place the boards where the rabbit doesn't defecate or urinate.

Another consideration is where you place your hutch. While the hutch may be well-constructed and able to withstand rain or other elements, it's often a good idea to place the hutch in a shed or garage to protect it from wind, severe weather or other animals. If you can place the hutch in an out building with some type of heat source, that's even better. Although all-wire cages last for years, they tend to heat up quickly during summer. Make sure at least a part of the hutch is in shade at all times.

Indoor Cages

A wire cage with a wire bottom and drop pan is an excellent housing choice for rabbits kept indoors. Make sure the cage is made for rabbits. A rabbit cage should open from the top or have a large side opening for easy access. Put the cage where cleanup is easiest. Place it on a piece of linoleum or a concrete floor if possible. The cage should be kept in an area free from drafts and other household animals with less-than-friendly intentions.

Author(s): Virginia Parker Guidry, 1996 Rabbits

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