| Outdoor rabbits | Indoor rabbits | ||
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The hutch should be sited in a sheltered spot, out of direct sunlight and facing away from the prevailing wind. Ensure that the hutch is secure to prevent foxes breaking in. Placing the hutch in an outhouse is ideal but do not put in a garage exposed to car exhaust fumes. For small rabbits, the hutch should be a minimum size of 4'x2'x2'. |
There are various options for housing indoor rabbits, from giant 'hamster cages' to puppy crates. A comprehensive review of the different options was carried out by the Rabbit Welfare Fund. Please click here for the article.
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 118x61x87cm with pen |
 120x60x90cm |
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| Medium sized rabbits should have a hutch with a minimum size of 6'x2'x2'. | |||
 160x80x97cm |
 177x52x60cm |
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| Large and giant rabbits would be better off with a garden shed or playhouse adapted for their use. | |||
Your rabbits should be allowed access to a wider area than their hutch or cage to exercise their muscles.
| Outdoor rabbits | Indoor rabbits |
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Permanent enclosure - needs fence buried into ground to prevent burrowing out. Free access to garden - ensure poisonous plants are fenced off. Movable run - cover in bad weather. |
Free run of house - ensure wires and poisonous plants are inaccessible. Gated off areas - put mesh over bottoms of stairgates as rabbits can squeeze through small gaps! Indoor run - this can be made out of a puppy play pen or even an outdoor wooden run |
To line the cage or hutch, you can choose wood shavings or straw. Both of these are renowed as being messy and get everywhere, so be prepared for cleaning the surrounding area! Do not use sawdust as this can irritate eyes.
Hay should be placed in a hay rack to prevent it being soiled. Hay should be available at all times.
Food bowls should be sturdy to prevent the rabbit tipping it over and to avoid the rabbit chewing it.
A water bottle is the best way of providing liquid as it keeps the water clean and prevents spillages. Be aware that the water may freeze in winter.
There are several suitable toys for rabbits which are available at pet shops. All toys should be sturdy and indestructible.
Rabbits need regular grooming, particularly long-haired breeds. You should get nail clippers, a slicker brush and a comb. This should cover all your rabbits grooming requirements.
