Rabbit Cages & Housing
Proper housing can make a big difference in your rabbit ownership experience -- both for you and your bunny!
Different cages types require different forms of maintenance, cleaning, and location.
Some of the most common options are:
Different cages types require different forms of maintenance, cleaning, and location.
Some of the most common options are:
- Solid bottom, small animal cages
- Cages with wire flooring and a pull-out catch tray
- Wire hanging cages
- Wooden hutches
As you consider which housing option will work best for you and your bunny, here are some things to consider.
- Where will I be keeping my cage? Will it be indoors or outdoors?
- How much time am I willing to commit to cleaning and maintenance?
- Do I want to litter train my rabbit?
- Are there other animals with easy access to the cage?
- What type of food and water dishes do I plan on using?
- Which breed of rabbit am I purchasing? What are their breed specific needs?
Solid Bottom Cage
These cages are best used by those who are interested in litter training their rabbit. Your bunny's litter box will need to be cleaned out every 1 or 2 days, and the bedding on the floor of the cage should be changed 1-2 times a week. Water is best given in a water bottle, as water dishes can be flipped over and soak the bedding. Not all types of feeders work with these cages due to the height of their solid base; the best option is a ceramic bowl. This type of cage is less secure, and can be easily disassembled by a curious dog; so if you have other animals in your home, be guarded with their access. These are not good outdoor cages. Solid bottom cages are a good choice for rabbits with less protected foot pads.
These enclosures come in a variety of sizes, but are easier to find in sizes that suit small to medium weight breeds.
These enclosures come in a variety of sizes, but are easier to find in sizes that suit small to medium weight breeds.
Cage With Pull-Out Tray
Cages with pull-out trays have wire floors for droppings to fall through into the pan beneath. Lining the tray with shavings, wood stove pellets, paper bedding, or a puppy pee pad will aid in easier clean-up. Trays should be emptied and cleaned 2-3 times a week. The wire floor should be cleaned and checked for dropping build-up weekly. Litter boxes can be used, but are not necessary. If you intend to use these cage in an outdoor setting, they should be kept in a shed or sheltered area, protected from both the elements and other animals. These types of cages tend to be a bit more secure than solid bottom, small animal cages, but still watch carefully if other animals in your home have access. Both dishes and bottles will work for water - though be sure to use heavy crock-like bowls that will be more difficult to chew on or flip. Most types of feeders or food dishes can be used. These cages will have wire flooring, so you may want to offer some kind resting board such as a piece of wood, cardboard box, or plastic cage mat - particularly for breeds with less protected foot pads. Depending on where you go to purchase them, these cages can come in sizes to suit almost any breed.
Wire Hanging Cage
Wire hanging cages are made from sturdy panels of wire mesh, clipped together to form a secure cube. They come in a variety of sizes and options that will suit most breeds. These cages are designed to be hung in a shed or barn and require protection from the elements. Droppings will fall through the cage floor onto the ground below. When hung in a single row in an outdoor shed, droppings should be shoveled out 1-4 times a year, and cage floors should be brushed free of any dropping build up several times a week. Litter boxes can be used, but are not necessary. When properly hung, these cages are fairly strong but should be kept in a location that is secure from predators. Both dishes and bottles will work for water - though be sure to use heavy crock-like bowls that will be more difficult to chew on or flip. Most types of feeders or food dishes can be used. These cages will have wire flooring, so you may want to offer some kind resting board such as a piece of wood, cardboard box, or plastic cage mat - particularly for breeds with less protected foot pads. These cages are best suited for those who wish to house their rabbits in an outbuilding and desire minimal maintenance.
Wooden Hutch
Coming Soon!
A Few Things to Keep in Mind...
- All cages require a regular cleaning schedule, apart from the basic maintenance outlined above, for disinfection and appropriate cleanliness.
- These are only informative outlines - do your own research and ask good questions to form the best plan for your bunnies.