How big should a rabbit hutch be?
, 9 min reading time
, 9 min reading time
#VALUE!
The question of how big should a rabbit hutch be is regularly asked, so that too If you are wondering that, it is not surprising! The size of a rabbit hutch depends on several things, such as the size of the rabbit, the breed but also the number of rabbits that are placed in a hutch. We are happy to help you find the right rabbit hutch for you!
Rabbits naturally love to play and run, but they often also enjoy a place to rest. There must therefore be room in the rabbit hutch for a rabbit to play and rest, by purchasing an indoor hutch and an outdoor hutch. When a rabbit has too little space to move, this is also harmful to the intestines. It is therefore important that your rabbit has sufficient exercise and feels safe in its rabbit hutch!
For a single rabbit it is advisable to use a rabbit hutch of at least 120cm by 60cm, but we have experience that this is just a bit too small for some rabbits and they need more rest. In this case, we advise you to choose a rabbit hutch 120cm by 80cm so that there is enough space for your rabbit! Of course it is possible to have a custom rabbit hutch made, so you can be sure that your rabbit has the optimal amount of space in its hutch.
A cage that is too small for rabbits is of course sad. Rabbits like to sleep well, have a space to play and exercise, but they also want their own territory where they can do their thing. The correct dimensions for a hutch are therefore important. Every rabbit needs space to run, and you also want to let your rabbits run freely, right? Therefore, make sure that you know the minimum width, minimum height and length for your rabbit hutch!
The breed of a rabbit certainly influences the size of rabbit hutches. It is of course logical that large rabbits also need a larger cage, such as a Flemish Giant or a French Lop. A dwarf rabbit naturally needs less space compared to a large rabbit. For this reason, there are also rabbit hutches in different sizes and dimensions.
It is also important to take into account how many rabbits you want to place in a rabbit hutch. Every rabbit naturally needs living space, so if you have several rabbits together in one cage, it goes without saying that these rabbit cages must also be larger.
For an optimal stay for your rabbit, it is important that it consists of an indoor hutch and an outdoor hutch. An outdoor hutch must always be raised off the ground and well insulated. The outside cage does not get rain and the rain does not remain on the roof, so the roof must always have a little overhang. For example, you can have an outdoor run for a rabbit that can play and run. And an indoor cage is important for a rabbit so that it has a place where it feels safe and has a sheltered place to rest.
A run is also nice for a rabbit, so it can play on the grass. You can easily create this with gauze. It is important to ensure that your rabbit cannot crawl between the mesh, as it could become stuck and you obviously do not want your rabbit to remain stuck in it.
A good rabbit hutch also protects your rabbits from predators. These may well be present in different gardens, which is why it is important to choose sturdy cages that protect the rabbits.
It is clear that a rabbit needs sufficient shelter in the rabbit hutch. That is why it is important that a rabbit needs a good night cage, indoor cage and outdoor cage to experience a pleasant feeling and have enough space.
A rabbit hutch must be at least large enough that a rabbit can stand upright in the hutch. So you have to take the size of the rabbit into account when choosing the dimensions. For a dwarf rabbit, a cage of 100 cm long, 60 cm wide and 60 cm high is recommended.
In nature, a group of rabbits naturally has a very large habitat, which cannot of course be imitated in a rabbit hutch. But you must keep in mind that rabbits need at least 2 square meters of living space per rabbit. Of course, a larger cage wouldn't hurt either.
A rabbit's natural behavior means that they like to stand on their hind legs, so it is important that the cages are large enough so that a rabbit can stand on its hind legs. There are also many rabbits that like to dig with their feet, so a spot in the cage where this can be done is desirable. Make sure that this is well protected with mesh so that the rabbit cannot escape.
Rabbit hutches are often available with different floors. With a hiding area and a play run. It is very important that there is sufficient ventilation, no draughts!
Rabbits also have wishes regarding the placement of the rabbit hutch, logical of course. Once you have clearly identified the correct minimum dimensions for the rabbit hutch, you can see where it is best to place the rabbit hutch. Keep a close eye on the environment, because if an outdoor cage is located near poisonous plants, then this is of course asking for problems.
To optimally enjoy the view, it is nice if you place the rabbit hutch in the garden, but this is not necessary. In a garden, the rabbit is of course optimally protected against the wind, rain and sun. A place where you can enjoy your rabbit in peace.
There are a number of things you need to take into account when you install the rabbit hutch. Naturally, different weather conditions occur in the Netherlands, so you have to think carefully about the location of the rabbit hutch if the rabbit is outside all year round.
Wind is not a big problem for the rabbit hutch, but it is for the rabbits themselves. This can cause health problems. That is why it is important not to place the rabbit hutch in a draft. Preferably place this near a fence or a bush. If the back of a rabbit hutch is completely closed, you do not necessarily have to place it against anything. However, you must ensure that the rabbit hutch is anchored, otherwise it will not be able to withstand strong gusts of wind. With a rabbit cage it is especially important that the night cage is draught-free.
A rabbit can become ill from dirty air, so it is important that you ensure good ventilation. A shelter area must of course be free of drafts and wind, but in the rest of the coop it is important that there is good ventilation.
Good drainage is important. If the water cannot drain properly, it can seep into the wood. This causes rotting of wood and fungi. For this it is important that you choose a pitch in the garden where the rain drains well, or place the rabbit hutch slightly off the ground.
Rabbits can become ill from too much water and moisture. Then make sure that the rabbit hutch is not placed against a wall, but at least 5 centimeters away from it. It is important that your rabbit hutch has a gutter and pipes so that water can drain properly.
When placing the rabbit hutch, it is good to take the sun into account. Rabbits like a place in the shade, so you should not place a rabbit hutch in full sun. Choose a spot in the garden with the fewest hours of sunshine.
There are often rabbit hutches with mesh at the top, which can cause the surface to become very warm. Then consider placing a plastic sheet to cover the entire run so that there is shade in the coop. Rabbits do not like bright sun, so never place a rabbit hutch here.
Keep in mind that a rabbit cannot tolerate bright sun, drafts or large temperature differences.
Is your rabbit toilet trained? Then make sure that there is a place in the cage where the rabbit urinates in a fixed place. By creating a corner, this is also very practical for you when it comes to cleaning.
What is also nice for a rabbit is when ground cover is used in the hutch. This can consist of different things, such as straw, hay, hemp fiber or wood pellets. Ground cover ensures that rabbits can nibble, but also retains heat well!
It is also important that a rabbit hutch is clean, this contributes to the health of your rabbits. If your rabbit is toilet trained, you can of course easily clean the cage, but if this is not the case, you will have a little more work. With a layer of newspapers it is also easy to clean the cage. This is very important for every owner to do every week. This way you keep your rabbit satisfied and happy!
The answer to the question: how big should a rabbit hutch be? Now you have the answer yourself! Provide a pleasant hutch for your Flemish Giant or rabbits of another breed! A living space to sleep, play and rest; This of course in the shade, a place with little draft and a dry place.
Don't you want your rabbit to have a nice hutch that is clean and has enough space? Online at Doika you can purchase a rabbit hutch with enough space for your rabbits! If you have any questions about a hutch, please feel free to contact us!