Housing
Traditionally, rabbits have always been kept in hutches in the garden, often on their own. However, due to changes in our society, more is being learnt about the rabbit. It is now recognised that rabbits are sociable animals that benefit from company, either from another rabbit or their owners. They are intelligent creatures that require mental stimulation. They are also being kept indoors as house rabbits, as well as in the traditional outdoor hutch.
Wherever you decide to keep your rabbit there are several basic principles that must be considered.
1. Rabbits should be allowed as much space as possible. Ideally they should have the opportunity for exercise for approximately 4 hours per day in a large run. They must not be allowed to roam free in the garden (due to threats from predators).
2. They should have a sheltered, darkened retreat. This area mimics the burrow of a wild rabbit and offers a place of safety in which the rabbit can hide.
3. The accommodation should be high enough for the rabbit to stand full stretch on its hind legs.
4. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight, wind or rain.
5. If housed in a garage, the car should not be kept in there, as the car exhaust fumes are noxious. The rabbit will also be terrified of the smell of car oils and petrol.
6. If kept indoors it is important to 'bunnyproof' any electrical wires and other objects that the rabbit might chew.
7. Rabbits require mental stimulation and this can be done by providing pipes to crawl through, cardboard boxes to chew and hide under. Edible 'toy' such as straw coasters and baskets will provide hours of amusement as will small plastic toys marketed for cats.
The minimum hutch size for a pair of average size rabbits is a double story 2ft deep x 4ft wide with each storey being 2ft high, or 2ft deep x 6ft long x 2ft high. Hutches should be on legs to keep the base off the ground. Please buy the largest sized hutch that you can afford
Wherever you decide to keep your rabbit there are several basic principles that must be considered.
1. Rabbits should be allowed as much space as possible. Ideally they should have the opportunity for exercise for approximately 4 hours per day in a large run. They must not be allowed to roam free in the garden (due to threats from predators).
2. They should have a sheltered, darkened retreat. This area mimics the burrow of a wild rabbit and offers a place of safety in which the rabbit can hide.
3. The accommodation should be high enough for the rabbit to stand full stretch on its hind legs.
4. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight, wind or rain.
5. If housed in a garage, the car should not be kept in there, as the car exhaust fumes are noxious. The rabbit will also be terrified of the smell of car oils and petrol.
6. If kept indoors it is important to 'bunnyproof' any electrical wires and other objects that the rabbit might chew.
7. Rabbits require mental stimulation and this can be done by providing pipes to crawl through, cardboard boxes to chew and hide under. Edible 'toy' such as straw coasters and baskets will provide hours of amusement as will small plastic toys marketed for cats.
The minimum hutch size for a pair of average size rabbits is a double story 2ft deep x 4ft wide with each storey being 2ft high, or 2ft deep x 6ft long x 2ft high. Hutches should be on legs to keep the base off the ground. Please buy the largest sized hutch that you can afford