Will You Need More Than One Rabbit Cage or Rabbit Hutch For Your Pet Rabbits?

In most situations, good rabbit care dictates that each pet rabbit will need a rabbit cage or rabbit hutch of its very own.  Two unaltered male rabbits will generally begin to scrap sometime between three and six months of age.  Two unaltered female rabbits will generally begin to show dominance or aggression toward each other as they reach sexual maturity, possibly as late as six months of age.  An unaltered male and female rabbits could produce litters as early as twelve weeks of age, which is quite unhealthy for the doe.

When Is It OK For Pet Rabbits To Share Their Rabbit Cage?

It is possible to create bonded pairs, which would share a rabbit cage.  You may get lucky with two female rabbits from the same litter who have spent their lives together.  But they can still decide not to go along with your plans.  If you want a bonded pair, alter your pet rabbits as soon as your vet recommends.  Once a pair has bonded, it is important to keep them together, even if one has to go to the vet for treatment.

Choosing The Correct Rabbit Cage Size For Your Pet Rabbit

For a pet rabbit that spends a great deal of time outside his or her cage, a pet rabbit cage as small as 24" x 15" is acceptable.  However, many pet rabbits will spend enough time in their cages that a larger one is warranted.  I like 30" x 15" or 24" x 21".  A bonded pair would need a larger cage still.

Choosing The Best Type of Rabbit Cage For Your Pet Rabbit

Although it is acceptable to keep a pet rabbit on a solid surface, I do not recommend it. Solid surfaces are so much harder to keep clean.  My Holland lops all live in cages with wire bottoms, 1" x 1/2" .  You can also use 1/2" x 1/2"  Holland lops are not a heavy breed and so not have as much problem with sore hocks as some heavier animals do.  You can provide a solid space all of the time in the rabbit cage or you can just provide it when your rabbit's feet become compromised (you can see the fur rub off before sores begin).

I have tried a couple different pet rabbit cages that proved quite unsatisfactory.  You not see either of those for sale on this website!  Some rabbit cages look great when they are new, but do not last.  Make sure the materials in the rabbit cage or rabbit hutch you select will last against urine, feces, scratching, and sanitizing.

Indoor Rabbit Housing

If your rabbit cage is placed indoors, make sure you protect it from direct blasts from heater vents or drafts from air conditioning.  Also, check to make sure your bunny will not be in direct sunlight as the sun travels across the window in the room during the day.  He may end up in direct sunlight while you are at work or school and suffer tremendously

Outdoor Rabbit Housing

If your rabbit cage or rabbit hutch is outside, your rabbit will need to be protected from the sun, wind, and precipitation, with a solid top and at least one, but preferably two, solid sides.  Rabbits can tolerate cold very well, but are very susceptible to heat.  If you live in a terribly cold climate, you may want to provide a small enclosure where your bunny rabbit can conserve body heat.  A small wood box can serve the purpose.