Housing Your Rabbit

What type of cage does my rabbit require?

Many rabbits are housed outside in a hutch with ready access to a grass run. They must have a well-sheltered warm hutch during winter and a cool area during the summer months. Some people like to house their rabbit inside and they can make good household pets. If they are allowed loose this should be supervised or items that are dangerous to the rabbit or precious to the owner should be moved out of harm’s way - they love to chew and can be very destructive to housing and furniture. There is always a chance of injury, such as chewing on an electrical cord. Like cats, they quickly learn to use a litterbox. 

A small dog or cat kennel can be used as an indoor hutch. Wire floored cages are not recommended as the floor may cause foot damage. A concealed "hiding" area in the cage allows the rabbit to feel secure. Height is also important as the rabbit must be able to stand upright. Whether kept in or out, the rabbit must have a lot of space and free space to exercise each day.

Does my rabbit need bedding in his cage?

The floor should be covered in a thick layer of paper (newspaper, shredded paper or recycled pet bedding paper), hay or straw. Sawdust or shavings should be avoided as they may contain chemicals that react with urine. The sleeping chamber should be lined with large amounts of hay, straw or (preferably) shredded paper. Wire floors should be avoided.

What else do I need in the cage?

Place the litterbox and ceramic or steel food and water bowls in the hutch. Alternatively the water may be provided in a bottle – this may reduce contamination of the water.

Anything else I need to know?

Rabbits are very sensitive to heat stroke. It is critical to keep their environmental temperature at or below 26°C (80°F), and make sure their "house" is well ventilated.