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Rabbit Housing
Rabbits can be kept in a variety of homes, but there are some basics that apply to all hutches. No matter which style you choose, a hutch must be safe for the rabbit it houses. In addition to keeping the rabbit inside the enclosure, it must also keep out other animals (dogs, cats, birds, etc.). The hutch should keep predators away from the rabbit, while providing a safe environment for the rabbit and allowing easy accessibility for daily chores. Some hutches are located inside of houses, barns, garages or sheds, while some are located outside.
Another aspect applying to all hutches is location. The hutch, and rabbit in general, should be kept in shade and out of direct sun. Heat and the sun will cause dehydration and stress. Hutches should also be placed out of the wind, especially the cold drafts of winter. Rabbits can handle cold temperatures, but need protection from drafts. The roof must protect from rain, snow, and sun. Rabbits can live outside in hutches, however, they do need some protection from the environment and predators.
Types: Wooden vs. Wire Hutch
An all-wire hutch is the most commonly used today. It is easy to clean because waste is allowed to fall through the wire. It allows for good ventilation and easy airflow.
There are other options available for sale or that can be built. It is quite common to use a combination of wire and wood to build a rabbit hutch. There are drawbacks with using wood. Rabbits have front teeth, and they like to chew. Eventually, the wood will need to be replaced due to chewing and deterioration.
Another disadvantage of using wood is that it will soak up urine and waste. This will lead to dirty and unsanitary hutches. A hutch with a solid wood floor will need to be cleaned more frequently since the waste will have no place to fall.
Size of Hutch
Size
Hutches, whether wire or wood, come in many sizes. The proper size depends on the size and activity of the breed. Larger breeds of rabbits will need larger hutches. Smaller breeds can be housed in these larger hutches, but it is advised to put them in a smaller hutch. A rabbit needs enough room to hop and stretch.
Proper/adequate hutch sizes are:
-Small breeds (2 - 4 lbs): 18 x 24 inches
-Medium breeds (4 - 8 lbs): 24 x 30 inches
-Large breeds (8 - 15 lbs): 36 x 36 inches
Wire Hutch
An all-wire hutch allows waste to drop below the hutch into a pit or pan. Some hutches come equipped with a dropping pan, which can be metal or plastic. These pans can be pulled out and easily cleaned. Thus, waste is easily managed. You simply pull out the pan, empty the waste into a trash can or designated spot, refill with pine shavings, and return the pan underneath the hutch. Pine shavings absorb the urine to minimize odor for the rabbit.
Another advantage with wire hutches is they are usually easy to find. Wire hutches can be purchased at multiple places. Local farm and feed stores often carry (or can order) wire hutches. Since wire hutches are pieced together by joining the sides, roof, and bottom with metal clips, they have the benefit of shipping flat. Local rabbit shows are another place to purchase hutches. Local rabbit equipment and supply dealers offer many options for hutches.
Some dealers will even custom build hutches for your specific needs.
Traveling Hutches
Smaller Traveling Hutch
Smaller Traveling Hutch
Smaller Traveling Hutch
Eventually, you will probably need to travel with your rabbit. Hopefully, the reason is a positive one, like a rabbit show, but you may also need a traveling hutch for a visit to the veterinarian. It is not advised to use the normal hutch. Most of the time the normal hutch is secured, so it cannot be easily moved. A travel kennel commonly used for cats and dogs can be used, but better options are available. A traveling hutch, or carrying cage as it is more commonly called, is a smaller hutch that restricts and secures the rabbit when moving or traveling.
Choose the proper size traveling hutch for your rabbit. The proper size is determined by the size of the rabbit. A traveling hutch secures the rabbit when moving.
Larger Traveling Hutch
Smaller Traveling Hutch
Smaller Traveling Hutch
There are various sizes and options available for purchase. You should decide on one that fits your individual needs. If you only have one rabbit or you expect to only use the carrying cage for trips to the veterinarian, a single-hole carrying cage would probably be sufficient.
Make sure you select the proper size. There is a big difference between a single hole hutch for a Netherland Dwarf and one for a French Lop. A traveling hutch intended for a French Lop (or any large breed) would allow too much space and increased potential injury for a Netherland Dwarf (or any small breed). On the other hand, a carrying cage designed for a Netherland Dwarf would not provide enough space for a Flemish Giant to feel comfortable. The carrying cage should be large enough for the rabbit to move around, but not allow too much movement. Just like humans, a rabbit needs to stay in place during car rides.