Last Updated on June 15, 2023 by Admin
There are different types of housing for rabbits currently on the market. It can be a daunting task trying to choose the most suitable one for you especially if you’re a first-time rabbit owner.
There are quite a number of rabbit housing that come in different shapes and sizes. For instance, we have rabbit pens, runs, wheeled hutches, and cages that are stacked and suspended.
Depending on the number of bunnies you intend to adopt or keep, an ideal housing should averagely measure 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. In addition, it should be conducive enough to shield them from harsh weather or extreme temperature and also secure to shield them from predators.
What housing does a rabbit need?
For indoor bunnies, a cage or hutch made of metal or wood is the most preferred. On the other hand, an outdoor cage should have a solid base regardless of material. An ideal rabbit housing should also be able to accommodate their litter box, toys, food, and water bowl. Lastly, it should also make it easier for your pets to turn or hop around. Another alternative housing for rabbits is a rabbit run and pen.
What are the different types of rabbit cages?
A rabbit cage is an enclosure typically made of metal bars, wire mesh, or a combination of both using sturdy materials. This rabbit housing can either be temporary or permanent and it’s most suitable for indoors. On average, an indoor rabbit cage should measure 40 x 20 x 20 inches. Below are the different types of cage housing for rabbits, and their pros and cons.
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Wooden rabbit cage
This particular cage comes with a wood base structure and wire mesh attached to its side. A cage made from hardwood is usually the best choice in terms of durability. The best thing about this cage type is that it has good thermal properties.
It keeps heat during cold weather, and unlike metal, wood doesn’t heat up quickly in excess heat. In short, it’s ideal for both indoors and outdoors. The main downside is that it’s not chew-proof.
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Stacked rabbit cage
Stacked cages are typically multi-layered housing or indoor cages with two or more layers that are on top of each other. Each floor or layer normally has a ramp that helps your bunny to move across different floors.
The best part is that each level can be for a specific purpose such as feeding, playing, or relaxing. Each floor can have either a bed, toys, or a food /water dish. In addition, this particular rabbit cage is also great if you have less indoor floor space and you intend to keep more than one bunny. The cons with stacked cages are that they’re expensive and quite difficult to clean compared to other cages.
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Hanging rabbit cage
This type of rabbit housing is designed to suspend or hang from the ceiling or wall corners. This cage is ideal for breeders who keep their bunnies’ outdoors, probably in a barn with a grass floor.
If you intend to free-range your rabbits always hang the cage closer to the ground to make it easier for them to get in and out using a semi-permanent ramp.
The main advantages of a hanging cage with a wired floor are that it’s easier to clean and it’s also secure from predators. The main disadvantage is that it causes discomfort and sore hocks for your rabbits in the long run.
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Folding rabbit cage
Another type of housing for rabbits that are light and portable is a folding cage. It’s easy to detach making it convenient if you’re on the move. In addition, it’s also a great choice if you have limited space whether it’s indoor or outdoor.
A folding cage is basically constructed using screws and metal clips that are attached semi-permanently. The only disadvantage is that over time the moving folds undergo wear and tear thus making them less durable in the long run, when compared to other cages.
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Plastic rabbit cage
These types of cages are usually designed with a detachable plastic structured base and wired sides. This rabbit housing is light and quite convenient for keeping and also transporting your rabbits.
Plastic cages are essentially poor heat conductors hence making them one of the most preferred housings in extreme temperatures. The main disadvantage is that plastic material is toxic when ingested.
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Metal rabbit cage
This particular rabbit cage is designed with metals such as aluminum and iron which are fixed at base bars. The main advantage of metal rabbit cages is that they are made from durable material that’s also secure.
In simpler terms, bunnies cannot chew their way out of them. The main disadvantage particularly when it comes to metal cages is that most floorings tend to be uncomfortable for rabbit feet.
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Wire mesh cage
This type of cage is designed using wire mesh that has been twisted and connected. Wire rabbit cages can come in circular, triangular, or rectangular shapes. This rabbit housing is convenient since it’s lighter to carry and easier to clean. The downside of a wire mesh cage is that besides the cage surface causing sore hocks, it’s not weatherproof.
What are the different types of rabbit hutches?
A rabbit hutch is an enclosure basically made of wood and wire mesh on the sides. Compared to cages, this type of rabbit housing is generally bigger and mainly ideal for the outdoors. The recommended hutch size should measure 6 ft. x 2 ft. x 2 ft. Below are the different types of rabbit hutch housing.
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Traditional rabbit hutch
One of the common hutches is one with a traditional layout. It comes with hinged door access, a waterproof house area, and a front run area that’s also accessible. Traditional rabbit hutch can come either with a raised floor (standing hutch) or a lower-leveled one. The downside of a rabbit-standing hutch is that it’s slightly costlier than its counterpart. On the other hand, the lower-leveled floor hutch’s disadvantage is that its surface can easily get wet from stormwater.
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Stackable rabbit hutch
Multi-story or stacked rabbit hutches are another type of rabbit housing that’s ideal especially if you want to utilize space. This multi-story rabbit housing can come in two or three-floor levels and is suitable for indoors and outdoors. The con is that the more stacked this hutch is, the costlier the price in addition to being high maintenance in the long run.
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Wheeled Hutches
This type of rabbit hutch is essentially designed with its base slightly raised above the ground. Wheeled hutches are ideal when it comes to movement and keeping the floor underneath it dry. In other words, the wheels on this hutch make it easier to move and also keeps its floor dry since it’s slightly above the ground. Additionally, this rabbit housing also comes with a pull-out tray that’s leakproof. The downside of wheeled hutches is that it tends to be unstable when one of the wheels is faulty.
Rabbit pens
A rabbit pen is basically a secluded partitioned area with all the essentials your pet may need. It’s mainly used indoors since it’s spacious compared to an average cage. For smaller rabbits, the ideal size should measure 2 ft. x 3 ft., while for larger rabbits it should be 3 ft. x 4 ft. The disadvantage with rabbit pens is that some bunnies tend to climb over them and escape if the pen is close to an item they can use as a step.
Rabbit run
A Rabbit Run is a mobile enclosure where rabbits can safely play or exercise. They’re mainly used outdoors and are usually attached to a hutch. A run often comes with open mazes that your rabbits can hop in and out of while playing. The downside with runs is that rabbits can easily dig their way out under the layered wire if left unsupervised.
What is the best house for a rabbit?
An ideal rabbit house should be spacious enough for your bunnies to exercise or play in. Therefore, a cage or hutch connected to a playpen is the best house for a rabbit.
Do rabbits like multi-level cages?
Yes, bunnies prefer this type of cage however it’s not a necessity for them to live comfortably. The main thing is to keep your pets in a spacious cage.
What flooring is best for rabbits?
The best rabbit flooring is made with vinyl material. It essentially provides your bunnies with traction and it’s also affordable when you intend to use it for large enclosures.
How much space do 2 rabbits need?
Two rabbits need on average 10 ft. x 6 ft. x 3 ft. enclosure or living setup. In other words, they need around 12 square feet of space combined with a run that’s at least 27 square feet.
Should a rabbit hutch be on grass or concrete?
Both options are okay. If your preference is grass, just ensure that you place wire mesh underneath the perimeter of the hutch to prevent your rabbits from escaping. On the other hand, if your option is concrete, adding bedding such as Aspen shreds, hay, or straw is recommended.
What do you put in a bunny cage?
Some of the basic items to place in a rabbit cage include a litter box, toys, and a food/ water bowl. In addition, ensure that their hay or straw bedding is always clean and dry.
Conclusion
Although there are several rabbit housing for indoors and outdoors, your choice will entirely depend on three main things: the number of bunnies you keep, the cost, and most importantly the comfort it provides your pets.
