Bunny Cages and Indoor Rabbit hutches

Bunny Hutches & Cages

So, you have decided to get yourself a rabbit to experience the warmth and companionship raising a bunny can offer. Perhaps you have been given one as a gift. What do you do first? You will need bunny cages for your new furry friends to live in and some rabbit cage supplies.

The three most important aspects to rabbit keeping:

Housing
Your selection of bunny cages depends on whether you have one rabbit for a pet or whether you are raising a few bunny pets. Obviously, the more rabbits you have, the larger their space must be. The recommended cage size for one small rabbit is 30" X 30" X 14". This will give your bunny lots of space while providing room for a nesting box when the need arises. Large adult rabbits should have at least 36" X 30" X 18" of cage space for their comfort. For dwarf bunnies, you will want dwarf rabbit cages.

Wire has always been found to be the best material for cages because it's the easiest to sanitize and keep clean. Wood cages are easily chewed and become hard to maintain. All-wire rabbit cages are better in the long run. Wooden frames, stretched with heavy wire mesh are frequently used as bunny hutches. It is best to try and keep the amount of wood accessible to the rabbit inside the cage or bunny hutch at a minimum. Bunnies do love to chew wood.

If you keep your furry friends in indoor rabbit cages or houses, try to place their homes out of drafts and away from direct sunlight. Rabbits are very susceptible to high temperatures and can become stressed if they overheat. This can cause illnesses. Be sure that you protect your bunny pets from predators, inside or in your outdoor rabbit cages. A board for sitting should be installed for the larger breeds in their bunny hutches. This is also beneficial for rabbits who have thinner hair surfaces on their feet preventing sore hocks.

Feeding
Pellets are recommended for both pet and show rabbits. They contain most of the nutrients rabbits need to stay healthy and hearty. Rabbit pellets are cheaper and easier to buy in bulk, either online, or at your local feed store. You only have to watch your consumption and keep the feed fresh. Mold growing in the pellets can sicken your rabbits and nobody wants that. The amount of feed needed is dependant upon the number and size of your bunny population. Roughage is the single most important item in the rabbit diet. Alfalfa and clover hays are true favorites, although they are too rich in protein and calcium to be fed often. More healthy hays are timothy hay, oat, coastal, brome, Bahia or wheat. These should be a steady food given daily.

Watering
The importance of adequate watering for your rabbit cannot be overstated. Unlike humans, rabbits do not absorb water from their food, so they must be provided with fresh water daily. The water container, whether a water tube, crock or dish needs to be kept clean of debris. Get a water container big enough for the number of animals you have. Be especially careful that the water will not be kicked over and be sure to check the water supply often, especially during hot summer days. Be sure to watch the temperature in your bunny hutches during long hot day. A few days of heavy heat and humidity can be fatal to lodgers in an outdoor rabbit cages.