Rabbit hutches and cages

Your bunny's home is his castle – or multi-level condo, as the case may be. As a responsible caretaker, it's up to you to make sure it is as clean and cozy, spacious and sturdy as possible. A well-made, multi-story cage can be expensive, but it's one of the most important investments you'll make for your rabbit.

The size of the rabbit hutch matters

Always buy the largest, most well-constructed cage you can afford. A typical enclosure for a rabbit of a small to medium breed should be at least four feet wide, two feet deep and two feet tall – and larger, of course, for bigger buns. If you have more than one rabbit, consider a multi-level bunny condo, in which the floors are connected by a ramp.

Many caretakers have found that dog and cat cages work great, but just make sure the spacing between the bars is small enough that your pet can't get his limbs stuck between them. Please note that although wire-bottom cages are commonly available, experts do not recommend their use. Since rabbits don't have pads on their feet like dogs and cats do, wire flooring can cause red, swollen skin on their hind legs. If you already have a hutch with a wire bottom, cover the bottom with a piece of wood or thick, corrugated cardboard.

Setting up indoor rabbit cages

Ready to set up your pet's digs? Selecting the appropriate indoor location is crucial. Yes, we said indoors! Although pet rabbits may have been traditionally kept in backyard hutches, these days responsible caretakers know better. A domestic rabbit will be happiest and healthiest living in the home with you, his human family.

Outdoors, a rabbit can die of fright at the mere approach of a predator, and is also susceptible to a variety of diseases spread by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. And all too often, rabbits who are kept outside are forgotten about once the novelty wears off, their needs neglected. Instead, please make your pet part of the family and set up his cage in an area of the house that'll allow him to be close to where the action is but not be disturbed by it, away from drafts and out of direct sunlight. Dampness and a high level of humidity can make rabbits sick, so avoid putting the cage in a bathroom or basement. A room temperature maintained at about 70 degrees is perfect for your pet.

Bedding for rabbit hutches

Now it's time to make your rabbit's house feel like a home. Put down plenty of straw, hay or aspen shavings so he can make a nest. Never use cedar or pine shavings, even in a pinch, as the fumes can cause respiratory damage. You'll also want to make sure there are always a few toys in the cage, including one to satisfy your bunny's urge to chew, and a cozy rug or blanket.

Your pet's food bowls should be as sturdy as possible; try weighted metal or ceramic. We recommend a water bottle that attaches to the side of the cage. Just be sure to fill it daily. You'll also need to put a small litter box in the cage.

And now's as good a time as any to mention that rabbits can be very messy. To be a good bunny housekeeper, you'll need to clean your pet's cage at least once or twice a week. When your rabbit is in a safe room, sweep out the cage and scrub the floor with warm, soapy water and disinfectant. Empty, wash, and refill the litter box. When everything's dry, add new bedding and return your rabbit to his castle.