01243 842832 Housing
Most rabbits are housed outside in a hutch with ready access to a grass run.
The hutch should be damp-free, draft-free but well ventilated and contain soft bedding such as hay. Rabbits are very susceptible to heat stroke, and so the hutch must be kept out of direct sunlight in the summer. A concealed “hiding” area in the hutch allows the rabbit to feel secure.
The hutch must be of adequate size – the rabbit should be able to lie down fully stretched in any direction and to stand on his back legs without hitting the ceiling. Minimum requirements are listed below:
- Small rabbit (e.g. Netherland Dwarf) 3′ x 2′ x 1½’ high (90cm x 60cm x 45cm)
- Medium rabbit (e.g. Dwarf Lop) 4′ x 2′ x 2′ high (120cm x 60cm x 60cm)
- Large rabbit (e.g. New Zealand) 5′ X 2′ x 2′ high (150cm x 60cm x 60cm)
- Giant rabbit (e.g. English Giant) 6′ x 2½’ x 2½’ high (180cm x 75cm x 75cm)
- Multiple rabbits Add 1′ (30cm) in width per rabbit
- Exercise pen 4′ x 8′ (120cm x 240cm) minimum
Rabbits can also make excellent indoor pets, but should never be allowed to run loose in the house unattended for fear of injury such as chewing an electric cord. Rabbits will quickly learn to use a litter tray, just like cats.
