How to Select the Best Indoor Rabbit Cage

May 14, 2022

172

Here we can see, “How to Select the Best Indoor Rabbit Cage”

Pet rabbits can be kept in cages in the house with some freedom to move around—after completely rabbit-proofing, of course. Because rabbits respond well to litter training, many owners will let their bunnies run free in the house for at least part of the day. Even if your rabbit is completely toilet trained and your home is completely bunny proofed, a cage will serve as a safe haven or nest where the rabbit can rest.

However, there are many rabbit cages on the market that aren’t actually appropriate for bunny houses. Some are simply too small, and many have wire floors, which may make cleaning easier but are uncomfortable for the rabbit.

Table of Contents

What Size

As is customary, bigger is better. If your rabbit will spend the majority of its time in a cage, acquire the largest cage that will fit in your home. In general, the cage should be four times the size of the rabbit. Smaller rabbits (less than 8 lbs.) should be 24″ by 36″ and larger rabbits should be 30″ by 36″. Rabbits also seem to like a two-story condo with a ramp that connects the floors.

Design of a Cage

As a general rule, rabbits respond well to litter training, so a solid floor is fine and not too difficult to clean. Many rabbit cages still have wire floors that are positioned over pull-out pans to make cleaning easier. However, wire floors (even ones with extremely tight spacing) can be painful for your rabbit to walk on and can create hock sores, so it is preferable to choose a cage without wire floors. If your cage has wire floors, the wire should be covered with wood, grass, or sisal matting. Note that grass mats are also useful in solid-floored cages to alter the surface and give traction.

Also See: Domesticated Rabbits: Can They Survive in the Wild?

The cage door should be spacious enough to easily fit a litter pail and your rabbit through. A side door is probably preferable, because a top-opening cage makes getting the rabbit in and out more difficult, and it is preferable if the rabbit can get in and out on its own. The hole should have smooth edges or plastic protective strips around the wire edges. On August 1, 2010, this entry was published.

If you are handy, you can be creative and build your own cage. This enables the creation of a bespoke size.

Bedding/Litter

To give traction, grass or sisal mats are also a nice option for solid-floored cages. Fleece blankets are also available. As long as your rabbit does not unravel and eat the carpet or towels, they make good rugs.

Other pets should avoid cedar and pine shavings due to worries about the fragrant oils they emit. These oils have been reported to increase the levels of various liver enzymes, which can alter medication and chemical metabolism. If wood shavings are utilised at all, hardwood shavings such as aspen are preferable. Rabbit bedding can be made of straw or hay. See the litter training section for litter box options.

Also See: Lop Eared Rabbits and Their Care

Outdoors/Hutches

A rabbit living alone in an outdoor hutch is a lonely existence; however, a house rabbit given time outside will most likely enjoy the change of scenery and fresh air.Keep in mind that the outdoors can be dangerous due to predators, weather, and toxicity from herbicides, pesticides, or poisonous plants. Because predators are most active at night, keeping a rabbit outside in a hutch at night is dangerous, even in a city (city-dwelling predators may include raccoons, cats, dogs, coyotes, hawks, and more). Many animals can damage or kill a rabbit even if they do not enter the cage. If a rabbit must remain outside, it should do so in an enclosed shed, garage, or other shelter that provides complete safety.

Many rabbit owners let their rabbits out in an enclosed pen built of a wood frame with wire on all sides (including top and bottom). This allows rabbits to spend time outside and munch on the grass (as long as it hasn’t been treated with herbicides, pesticides, or other poisons!) without burrowing out and without being bothered by undesirable guests. The sun, wind, rain, and other elements must also be protected.

User Questions

What size cage do rabbits need?

A rabbit cage or hutch should be at least four times larger than the rabbit’s size. As a general guideline, larger rabbits can be 30 inches by 36 inches, while smaller rabbits can be 24 inches by 36 inches. Rabbits enjoy the two-story, condo-style hutches as well.

Can I sleep with my bunny?

It’s acceptable if your rabbit wants to sleep with you and can do so safely. Sharing a bed with a rabbit will strengthen your bond if you’re willing to risk losing sleep. Just keep in mind that rabbits enjoy routine. You cannot share your bed on some nights but not others.

Also See: How Long Do Rabbits Live As Pets?

Should I cover my rabbit cage at night?

If you keep your rabbits in a large cage or pen, they are less prone to suffering respiratory problems. However, covering the pen is pointless. Simply avoid covering the cage with a blanket if you want to keep your rabbits safe.

Do rabbits like light or dark?

Every day, rabbits require a contrast of light and darkness to regulate their circadian clock. Make a sleeping space that looks like a wild warren. This is a dark area in which your bunny feels safe. They can then spend the rest of the day in natural light.