How long should you leave a rabbit in a cage/hutch?

Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Admin

Most rabbit owners might be uncertain about the recommended timeframe to leave a rabbit in a cage or hutch. It becomes an issue worth pondering over considering the tight schedule forcing people to leave their pets unattended for hours.

This article talks about all there is to know about how long your bunny needs to stay inside its cage and whether it’s recommendable to let it loose while you’re away.

Is it ok to leave your pet rabbit in a cage over a prolonged period?

Despite cages being effective in protecting your bunny’s well-being, a prolonged stay in them can have numerous disadvantages such as:

  • Your rabbit will become unfriendly and anti-social when it lacks exposure or proper interaction with the outside world.
  • Bunnies are social by nature, and leaving them in a cage all day is going to bore and annoy them.
  • They need regular exercise or else they become obese which might lead to health complications.
  • Rabbits are curious animals and generally love to explore, hence locking them up all day is going to affect them negatively since they will be lacking mental stimulation.

Its therefore advisable to let your bunny outside its cage at least once per day to stretch out, run and also play, if you want it to have a healthier, stress-free life.

Image result for rabbit in a cage
Photo credit https://hu.pinterest.com/pin/664914332460004979/

How Long Should a Rabbit stay in its cage?

The rule of thumb is to avoid leaving your rabbit in a cage for more than 12 hours. Regardless of how busy your schedule is, always ensure that your bunny comes out of its cage to play and exercise.

Should I purchase an Indoors or Outdoors rabbit cage?

Your choice entirely depends on your household. For instance, if you have a spacious house and would like to regularly interact with your pet, then it’s usually recommendable purchasing an indoor hutch.

On the other hand, when you have a spacious yard or garden that is safe from prey or intruders then you might consider purchasing an outdoor cage. However, it’s usually fundamental to purchase an outdoor hutch that’s going to protect your pet from predators and bad weather.

 

What type of cage is ideal for my pet rabbit?

The answer to this question depends entirely on whether your bunny will be living indoors or outdoors. However, regardless of your choice, the cage should be spacious enough and safe to live in.

For instance, a giant rabbit breed automatically requires a larger cage when compared to keeping a dwarf bunny. Having two or more rabbits living together will require a spacious hutch if you want them to live in harmony.

Avid rabbit breeders who prefer an indoor cage are always advised to choose one that blends well with your home. For instance, some of the most popular cages are usually made from metal wire having a plastic floor. It’s always recommendable to avoid purchasing cages that have a metal bottom as they will strain your bunny’s paws in the long run.

On the other hand, if you have an outdoor cage, ensure that it’s weatherproof and also safe for your pets. Never rely on a fence for protection as your bunny or even unwanted prey may dig under it.

How Long Should a Rabbit stay outside its cage?

The amount of time your bunny needs to play and exercise usually depends on the age and also the personality of your bunny. For instance, a younger and more playful rabbit may need more time to hop around as opposed to an older one which typically prefers relaxing.

Averagely, a rabbit should spend between 2 to 3 hours each day outdoors. However, there’s usually no harm in extending this timeframe. The more time bunnies get to spend outside, the merrier and healthier it is for them.

Can I Let my Rabbit roam freely inside my house?

Yes, you can, however, it’s usually recommendable to seclude a specific room to enable your rabbit to loiter and also play around in. On the other hand, if you prefer to have them roam freely inside your home, then below are some of the factors you need to consider first.

  • The first thing you should consider when you want your pet to roam freely is to rabbit-proof your entire house. Ensure that all the chords have been sealed and anything valuable is out of their reach, to prevent them from being chewed.
  • When your bunnies are roaming around the house, keep an eye on them especially if you have other pets such as dogs or cats who might have that predatory instinct, hence causing fatalities to your pet rabbit.
  • The other factor you might want to consider is litter training your bunny. A litter-trained rabbit exempts you from cleaning your pet’s poop from the floors, carpets, furniture, etc.
  • If you have toddlers around the house, always ensure that you keep close tabs on how your kids are interacting with the bunnies to avoid any misfortunes.
  • Seal off entry points that might make it harder for you to get hold of your pets. For example when they go underneath the couch or bed.
  • Make sure that essential items such as water and food bowls, litter boxes, and toys are accessible.
  • Remove products such as mouse traps, glue traps, and pest control poisons that might be hazardous to your bunny when ingested.
  • Lastly, always ensure that your bunny is kept in a well-ventilated place with proper air conditioning and heating system. For instance, you wouldn’t want your pet to get colder during summer or too hot during winter.

By following the aforementioned steps, allowing your bunny to roam freely in the house will be safer for your pet. On the other hand, not all owners like the idea of their pets roaming freely indoors. An exercise pen is therefore recommendable in such instances. Set a running area from the main cage to allow your pet to easily come out to play. An exercise pen also exempts you from worrying about where your pet is or wondering what they’re doing.

Is it advisable letting my outdoor rabbit loose in the backyard?

Let your rabbit roam freely in the backyard only when supervised, or you’ll be exposing them to lurking predators. A rabbit that’s unsupervised can be crafty enough to plot an escape either through digging underneath the yard fence.

Can I leave my rabbits to fend for themselves while am away on vacation?

Absolutely not. When going on vacation or away from home, always leave behind someone who will take care of your bunnies. Rabbits if left unattended over a prolonged period will typically die of thirst or starvation.

Final remarks

We hope this article was insightful, particularly with how long you can leave a rabbit in a cage. Lastly, it’s vital to ensure the safety and health of your bunny whether they’re inside or outside their cages.

 

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