5 Ideas on Choosing a Hutch for Your Bunny

Being active, intelligent and social animals, rabbits need a suitable living environment where they can perform their normal behaviours such as running, hopping, standing on their hind legs, digging, and stretching. Otherwise, they can develop medical conditions like obesity, foot sores, gastrointestinal issues, and behavioural problems.

If you plan on buying or adopting a bunny, you will need a hutch. This type of enclosure, elevated off the ground to help keep the floor dry and protect from pests, will provide your furry friend with a safe and secure space for them to live, eat, and sleep while protecting them from predators if kept outdoors.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Hutches

In short, sturdy and durable rabbit hutches will give your fluffy friend the well-deserved heaven on earth. When looking for the best option available, one of the most important things to consider is whether you will need an outdoor or indoor enclosure.

Outdoor hutches for rabbits pose environmental and health risks, hence indoor housing is suggested for all rabbits. Because rabbits lack sweat glands and tend to overheat easily, the temperature should be kept between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. If you opt to keep your rabbit outside, please provide it with a shelter that is shielded from the heat and cold. Outdoor hutches are best placed on the shaded side of the house, away from the early and afternoon sun.

Hutches should be a few feet off the ground. A fence around the hutch will protect the cage from exterior predators such as coyotes and racoons. The frame should be the only portion of the hutch made of wood because rabbits will nibble on it. The wooden legs of the furniture should be treated to avoid decay and termites. Make sure the treatment you use is rabbit-safe. The roof should be sloped, with the edge extending 18 cm beyond the hutch’s edge for weatherproofing.

Find the Right Size

The minimum recommended size for a single rabbit is approximately one square metre. If you can go bigger, even better. Rabbits require space to jump, stretch out, and move around comfortably, so if it’s feasible, give your rabbit access to an outside run or exercise area. This allows them to move around freely outside the hutch when you’re around to supervise.

When picking the right size, consider the number of rabbits you plan to look after. For instance, for two rabbits, you should aim for at least 1.5 square metres or larger. Rabbits that dwell together require enough space to create their boundaries and avoid feeling cramped.

In addition to floor space, rabbit hutches with multiple levels or platforms can provide enrichment and allow your rabbit to explore more. This is especially beneficial if you have to deal with limited floor space.

Design Features to Look for

There are several design features to consider to make sure that your bunny is comfortable, safe, and has everything they require. The hutch’s sides should be wiring mesh, especially if it will be used outside. The mesh provides for proper airflow, which keeps the surroundings fresh and prevents overheating.

Also, make sure that the design allows for enough air circulation while preventing excessive draft, especially in colder weather. An outdoor hutch should be made of weather-resistant materials. Look for treated wood, weatherproof seals, or roofing to keep the rabbit dry and away from the sun and rain.

Consider user-friendly yet safe doors. A rabbit-proof lock will prevent escape, especially if you keep the entrance open for them to enter and exit. A tray or floor that is detachable and easy to clean is quite convenient. It makes waste removal easier and will keep the hutch clean.

Large, easy-to-open doors or side panels are essential for quickly accessing your rabbit or cleaning the hutch. On the other hand, rabbits enjoy having a hideout when they are scared or need to rest. A secluded area or a small, enclosed box inside the rabbit hutch works well for this purpose.

To keep your bunny entertained, buy chew toys or little ramps and steps for them to climb. All these are great for keeping them intellectually and physically stimulated.

Ease of Maintenance

The ease of maintenance is essential for keeping your bunny’s house clean and hygienic without too much hassle. A hutch with a removable tray on the bottom is a game changer. It enables you to quickly remove waste and soiled bedding without disturbing the remainder of the hutch. This makes the cleaning procedure quicker and less messy.

While some owners prefer wire mesh floors for easier cleaning, they can be painful for your rabbit’s feet. If possible, avoid wire flooring and replace them with a solid space for your pet to relax. A solid floor composed of wood, plastic, or metal that can be cleaned down or covered with bedding is also a terrific idea. You can easily remove soiled bedding without worrying about debris getting stuck in a mesh floor.