Rabbits are delightful, inquisitive creatures and make perfect pets but due to their relatively long life span (4-15 years), special care must be taken to provide proper housing for your pet rabbit.
It's important to invest in the best rabbit hutch you can afford to ensure that your rabbit leads a happy and healthy life.
Rabbit hutches come in a variety of sizes, materials and options so it can be a daunting task to decide which one to choose.
Here are a few simple tips to help you with that decision: 1.
Size - A good rule of thumb is to get a hutch that is at least 4 times the size of your bunny.
Your rabbit should be able to hop around, turn easily and stand on its hind feet comfortably without hitting its head on the ceiling.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty recommends a minimum size of 5'x2'x2'.
Choosing a hutch that is too small for your pet may result in long term damage to the animal.
Because rabbits are naturally inquisitive and love exploring, you should always try to get the biggest hutch possible.
Some rabbit hutches come with a rabbit run to allow your bunny some safe outdoor time.
If space is a problem you can opt for a multi level rabbit hutch to ensure your rabbit has enough space to move around and explore.
Rabbits can be kept indoors as well as out and this should be a consideration when deciding what sort of enclosure to buy for your pet.
Wooden outdoor rabbit hutches are ideal for exterior use.
Wood provides insulation and warmth and if extra weatherproofing is required then you can buy a rabbit hutch cover for your hutch.
2.
Security - Your rabbit must have an enclosed, sheltered space to help it feel safe from any perceived threats.
Because rabbits are prey animals, they can feel easily threatened by predators such as cats, dogs and even foxes.
A rabbit can literally be scared to death by the attentions of a predator.
Your rabbit hutch must include a section where they can hide and feel safe.
Your rabbit hutch should also provide warmth and protection from the weather if it is to be kept outdoors.
Be sure to provide plenty of straw or hay for your bunny to burrow in to keep warm, sometimes a hot water bottle can be helpful in cold weather.
3.
Practicality - Rabbits can be litter trained so try to choose a hutch that has enough space for you to include a litter box.
Most hutches are equipped with a pull out tray to enable easy cleaning.
If your rabbit hutch includes a wire rabbit run then be sure to cover any wire flooring with sods of grass for the comfort of your bunny.
Some wooden rabbit hutches are designed with storage in mind.
You can use the extra storage space to conveniently keep all your rabbit related items such as food, straw and toys in an easy to reach place.
Providing the proper housing for your pet rabbit requires some common sense and proper planning.
If you invest in a good rabbit hutch, you should receive many years of enjoyment from new pet.