Rabbits are the fourth most popular pet in America today, ranking behind dogs, cats, and fish in that order. Despite their popularity, many rabbit owners don’t know how to care for their pets properly, and many rabbits are abandoned by their owners once they cannot care for them. So, if you’re thinking about getting a rabbit, keep reading; below, we’ll tell you all about the space requirements for a rabbit and what to include in a bunny house. In general, a rabbit needs at least 12 sq ft to live and at least 32 sq ft to exercise.
How Much Space Does a Rabbit Need?
A rabbit needs a minimum of 12 square feet in its living space for them to be able to sleep, eat, and use the bathroom. They also need an exercise run for them to run and play in; a rabbit’s exercise run should be about 32 sq ft. It’s vital to mention that bigger is always better for your rabbit’s pen and exercise run. If you have two rabbits, you’ll need an enclosure and run that is twice as large.
Your rabbit should be able to hop at least three times in each direction without hitting a wall, and they should be able to stand up on its hind legs without its ears touching the ceiling. If you can’t provide a rabbit with this much space, you should reconsider adopting one until you can.
What Happens When a Rabbit Doesn’t Have Enough Space?
When a rabbit doesn’t have the necessary space, they are unable to express the natural behaviors of their species. They might stop eating, become aggressive, and even get sick. Not providing rabbits with the minimum space requirements is simply a way of animal cruelty.
The 4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Home for Your Rabbit
Whether you decide to keep your furry pals inside or let them enjoy the fresh air outdoors, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re building or purchasing a pre-built rabbit hutch.
1. Size Will be Determined by the Species and Number of Rabbits
It’s important to note that the size of the hutch you get should be determined by the species and number of rabbits you intend to keep. You should also keep in mind that bonding and socializing rabbits is easier said than done and keeping a pair of desexed male and female rabbits living together is the easier combination. It’s possible, yet difficult to keep more than a pair of rabbits together. The rabbits must be related and neutered early otherwise bonding can be quite challenging.
2. Always Go Bigger
Although a 12-foot hutch is suitable for a single rabbit, it’s best to use an enclosure as large as your space permits. Rabbits are happier and healthier when they have more room, and if you build a larger hutch, you can keep more than one rabbit.
3. Build to Accommodate Adult Sized Rabbits
While your kit may be a tiny little pet right now, remember that the rabbit is going to grow into a full-grown adult. If you don’t want to buy another cage in a few weeks, find one that will accommodate a full-grown adult rabbit. Rabbits grow pretty fast and get quite large.
4. Relax and Sleep
Your floppy-eared friend is considered prey in the wild, so they retain the instincts to hide when they sleep or relax. If your rabbit has no confined space, they will not rest properly and are likely to get sick. A rabbit hutch must be large enough for your pet rabbits to hide when they want to sleep. When rabbits cannot hide, they get irritable and unhealthy.
Features to Include in Your Bunny House
Remember, your main goal is for your rabbit to be comfortable, cozy, and safe in the home you build or purchase. Here are a few of the features of an ideal outside rabbit hutch:
- Sturdy wood construction
- Easy access points
- A water/weather-resistant roof
- Easy to clean
- Lockable access points to prevent theft and predator access
- At least two solid walls so that the rabbit can hide in the corner
Conclusion
If you’re going to keep rabbits as pets, it’s essential that you give them not only enough space to roam but also enough space to sleep, eat, and feel safe. You’ll want to build your cage to accommodate a full-sized rabbit, as they grow quickly and don’t stay babies for long. Ensure the cage is predator-proof by using a good lock and elevating the hutch. Rabbits are fun pets to have. However, you need to ensure that you have what they need to thrive, and a well-built, roomy rabbit house is vital to their survival and happiness.
Featured Image Credit: Klimek Pavol, Shutterstock
Contents
- How Much Space Does a Rabbit Need?
- What Happens When a Rabbit Doesn’t Have Enough Space?
- The 4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Home for Your Rabbit
- 1. Size Will be Determined by the Species and Number of Rabbits
- 2. Always Go Bigger
- 3. Build to Accommodate Adult Sized Rabbits
- 4. Relax and Sleep
- Features to Include in Your Bunny House
- Conclusion
