Rabbit Housing hutches

Housing

You don't need a lot of room to own a rabbit. Throughout the world, rabbits are becoming popular household pets with individuals of all ages. Particularly in highly congested metropolitan areas. The rabbit has even taken on the name "condominium pet" because it requires little space and compliments today's busy lifestyles.

Housing for your rabbit can vary considerably depending on your home and location, but it has one universal requirement, rabbits need good ventilation. Without good ventilation your pet can become susceptible to respiratory diseases. Keep this in mine when you build or buy a cage.

The most important feature of a cage should be its security. Would the cage withstand an unexpected predator?

Rabbits can be kept outdoors, but they require shelter from wind, sun, drafts, and rain. If protected from the elements, rabbits can withstand very cold weather. An enclosed box inside a wire cage is a popular design that affords both protection and ventilation. If you chose to house your rabbit within a cage either indoors or outdoors, the size will vary depending upon the size of the rabbit. For small breeds (under 6 lbs.) a 2-foot by 2-foot cage is fine, while the bigger breeds will need larger accommodations.

If you chose to have a self-cleaning cage where the urine and fecal matter drop through the floor, the floor should be made of wire mesh that forms squares one-half inch wide and one inch long. With self cleaning cages it is important to provide some type of tray or method of collecting the rabbit's waste. These trays can be filled with paper, shavings, or other absorbent material to help minimize offensive odors. A small amount of baking soda added to the litter will also help. If your rabbit is a big breed you should consider housing with solid floors. Solid floors will help support a large rabbit's weight better, and prevent the feet from becoming sore or irritated. Rabbits that are kept on solid floor should have a bedding material added that is cleaned and changed every day.

Your rabbit should have access to clean fresh water at all times. You will want to periodically wash and disinfect the cage. A good disinfecting agent is a solution of one tablespoon of household bleach mixed with one quart of water. Rinse thoroughly.

Indoor rabbits are often allowed to have the run of the house or at least allowed to roam free in certain rooms. Your pet rabbit will certainly enjoy frolicking in the house. There are however, precautions you should be aware of at all times. Rabbits like to chew on things and may gnaw furniture, curtains, or carpeting. Rabbits also have a tendency to chew on electric wiring, which is dangerous for the rabbit and for you since it creates a fire hazard. You should consider purchasing cord protectors, found in most mail order pet supply catalogs. If you give you're rabbit free run of a room or your house; take precautions to avoid these problems before they occur.

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