You’re ready to buy a rabbit
hutch. A good place to start looking is, of course, online. Any search
engine will bring up page after page of sites that sell pre-fab rabbit hutches.
There are countless photos of rabbit hutches and a wide range of prices, from
$40. US to over $300. US. You need to consider what your usage of the hutch is
going to be.
Your requirements are largely based on the locality in which
you live. If you are in an urban area, there’s not much danger from wild
predators but you do have to watch out for unattended dogs. There is always the
presence of rats to consider. You must keep your rabbit’s cage clean and the
area around it clean as well. A slide out tray is a necessity to catch waste
and uneaten food. It must be emptied regularly. You need the hutch to be well
ventilated, have a slant roof for rain run-off and be protective in inclement
weather. In a suburban area, your needs change. You must be aware that there is
the occasional danger from raccoon and coyotes. You need to decide where to
put your hutch, preferably in partial to full shade. Will the hutch be raised
off the ground or will it sit on the ground? If sitting on the ground, do you
need an attached floor on your rabbit hutch? Some rabbits can dig a hole and be
out of their hutch in 30 seconds. If you have a digger, you need an attached
floor. If you see no danger of that, be sure to lay a thick layer of hay on the
ground, as some dirt and many grasses are harmful to rabbits. In a rural area,
there is a strong likelihood of the presence of wild predators. A hutch in this
environment must be lifted up to 4 feet off the ground, the doors should be
tight fitting and the hinges and locks should close flush to the exterior of
the structure. In any of these scenarios, you should remember that a rabbit
hutch should not be used as the primary habitat for your rabbit. If you have
bought him for a pet, he needs to be with you and socialized and happy. It is
not recommended to leave a rabbit in an outdoor hutch for long periods of time
and never overnight.
You have choices in the materials used in the construction
of your rabbit hutch. Many hutches are made of untreated pine lumber and
galvanized steel mesh. Untreated pine lumber can be colored with safe vegetable
dyes and stains. There are other woods that are safe if they are chewed on by
your rabbit. One example is maple. It is sturdier and longer lasting than pine
and resists mold. Another option is a molded compound material of recycled
polymer plastic and wood by-products. The advantage to this is that it is moisture
resistant, does not crack or warp and is “eco-friendly”. As with wood, this
material is not chew proof and it is also hazardous if ingested. The wire mesh
used on the hutch should be galvanized steel, which does not rust. With spacing
of ½ in x ½ in. or maximally 1 in by ½ in on sides and top and ½ x ½ in on the
bottom, preferably 14 gauge.
Styles range from basic, functional hutches to quaintly
decorated, multi-story “houses” with shuttered windows and picket fences. Many
have attached rabbit runs. In considering your purchase, you should keep in
mind that a rabbit requires plenty of room to hop around and thump and proper
height for him to stand on his hind legs. A rabbit run is a good way for your
rabbit to get vigorous exercise and “bink”. Some hutches are marketed as
multi-functional housing for many different kinds of small mammals and fowl.
Consider the size of your rabbit and if this kind of hutch is appropriate for
him. Be sure that ramps are wide and sturdy enough for him and that there is
plenty of room and ventilation.
While in his hutch, a rabbit is getting a nice change of
scenery and fresh air. But he still requires stimuli
to keep him engaged and happy. Provide toys and occasional treats to keep him
busy. His hutch should be a place he likes to go, not a cage.
Features to look for are slide out trays, built-in holders
for food and water crocks, a slant roof for rain water run-off, areas for
resting, eating and a place to “go”. If you have a rabbit that is litter box
trained, you want him to keep that behavior up. Buy a hutch that has room for a
litter box. There should be room for the placement of a plywood board or sturdy
piece of cardboard for scratching, thumping and comfort. Short haired rabbits
and the giant breeds suffer from sore hocks when left solely on wire mesh.
Searching for the right rabbit hutch for your rabbit can be
fun and educational. There is always something new to learn about habitats,
breeds, proper diet and socialization. Even tricks that you can teach your
rabbit.
If you are purchasing a rabbit hutch online and intend to
assemble it yourself, prepare for pages of instruction and quite a bit of
manual labor. If you are DIY challenged, you might want to consider hiring a
handy man to construct your rabbit hutch for you. You want it to be sturdily
put together, properly placed and completely sound for your rabbit. If built in
such a way, a good rabbit hutch can last for many years.
Your local feed store can be a great source for advice on
rabbit care and feeding, housing requirements and an economical place to buy
hay, rabbit pellets and any supplies you need to keep your rabbit comfortable
and thriving. Stop buy and speak to your feed store clerk about other rabbit
owners that they know in your area with similar needs in the purchase of rabbit
hutches.
