Best Rabbit Enclosures – The Definitive Guide 2022

Published: January 3rd, 2021
Last Updated: April 9th, 2023
Written By: Bradly Spicer
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Rabbits are active, playful and need an environment with good space to hop, run and dig.

For Rabbit Enclosures, they need room for stretching out while laying and standing upright on their back legs.

A dry and draught free environment is essential for your rabbit that is securedand well ventilated. Safe hiding places for rabbits are also important and separate toilet and sleeping space.

You can also add fresh bedding to keep your rabbits feeling comfortable and warm.

Their environment also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Do Rabbits need Cages?

No, Rabbits don’t need cages but if your rabbit is not trained, then you may need to keep it in a housing like a large cage or exercise pen (x-pen) to protect them while you’re away or asleep and cannot supervise them.

Rabbit in Cage

Rabbits sleep during the day time and night time and are usually up and ready to play during the morning and twilight time, this is also known as crepuscular. Make sure that you let them out during evening time or in the morning.

Once your house is rabbit proof and your rabbit is familiar with the house and you also know what they do, they can enjoyin your house even if you’re not home.

What Size housing is best for your Rabbit enclosures?

The bigger the enclosure the better for your rabbit. A rabbit enclosure should be at least 3-6 times larger than the size of the rabbit itself as the rabbits need space to stretch out and relax.

The size of the enclosure should be decided keeping in mind its exercise time and the space they will have.

rabbit enclosures should be at least 8 sq. ft with at least 24 sq ft. of exercise space for the rabbit which is enough for 1-2 rabbits where they can play for hours every day.

You can also buy a house for your rabbit or build one for them with two-stories that are connected by ramps, your rabbit will love this!

How much Room to move inside the enclosure?

A rabbit should be provided with large spaces as their bodies are designed to run, hop and jump and the lack of exercise can have adverse effects on their health and mind.

It can cause osteoporosis which is the weakening of bones that may lead to leg and spinal injuries. Another problem is obesity, which itself causes other problems like sore hocks and an increased risk of flystrike.

Lack of exercise can also cause heart problems and muscle wastage which can affect the rabbit’s ability to hop around normally.

What Rabbit Enclosures we recommend

Theres plenty of different rabbit enclosures that work both outside and inside.

If you’re looking for something outside you should definitely get an enclosure which has a roof to help avoid attacks from predators, otherwise you’ll mostly be looking for size.

What is the Best Indoor Rabbit Enclosure?

To put it simply, DIY rabbit enclosures are the best route and no that does not mean getting your saw and hammer out! You can typically find Pet Playpens which will give you exactly what you need (We’ve grabbed multiple of them now).

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We absolutely love it and have simply used it to break up the living room as our rabbit Link has full roam of most of the home.

To accompany this, we have circled his indoor cage which as the doors open to allow him in and out of his sleeping area whenever he needs to.

What is the Best Outdoor Rabbit Enclosure?

We, unfortunately, don’t have any photos of this anymore as we had this when we first got our rabbits, but you want to make sure you find an enclosure with a roof on it and a flooring to keep it sturdy.

Outdoor Rabbit Enclosure

If you want the full experience, you should a pet cage like a chicken coop as this will give your rabbits a large run size as well as a lot of protection from predators.

Chicken Coop used as an outdoor Rabbit Enclosure

This is to help keep further pray out like Foxes and Birds, although you should keep an eye on your rabbit if it’s outdoors as they can die of panic.

Making your Rabbit Enclosure Time More Enjoyable

Rabbit enclosures should feel like a “nest” where the rabbit feels safe and secure, their home should be their special place. You can make their nest enjoyable and they will enjoy being there.

You can stock your rabbit nest with soft toys, a rug and a piece of wood attached inside their house.

You can treat your rabbit with a fruit snack at bedtime. You can also introduce your rabbits with fun wooden and cardboard play houses where they can have a fun time.

What about Wire Floors?

Rabbits have hard feet and so they should not live on wire floors. If you do provide your rabbits with a wire floor cage which isn’t advised, then you must provide them with a rug or resting board where they can sit.

There are wire cages available with plastic floors and solid floors that are more comfortable for your rabbit. You can place a litter box inside for your rabbit that they can use as a bathroom.

Other options like the x-pen provide more space and it’s friendlier for both you and your rabbit

Tips, Tricks and cool things for your Rabbits Home

  • Rabbits are active animals that love to run, hop, jump and stand upright on their back legs and stretch out completely when they lie down. You should provide your rabbits with an enclosure that is large enough and a secure space for your rabbit to stand up fully on their back legs and where they can exercise and their ears don’t touch the roof.
  • Rabbits are a prey species so they also need good hiding spaces away from the sight and smell of their predators such as dogs, cats and foxes. You need to provide your rabbits with access to hiding places to escape whenever they feel alert. They hide from things theyare scared from.
  • If you’re not around, you should hire someone to take care of your rabbits that are able to meet their needs in the comfort of their own home.
  • Rabbits should be provided with a large space and a shelter where they can rest, feel safe and protected from the predators and outside weather conditions as well. If your rabbit is indoors, a cardboard castle is a perfect option
  • You must ensure that the rabbit enclosure is well ventilated, draught free and dry otherwise it can cause suffering and illnesses.
  • Rabbits are quite intelligent and curious. If they get bored, they will not only destroy their surroundings but produce bad habbits, that is why they need a daily activity and exercise time to stay healthy and fresh.
  • Rabbits also need access to suitable toilet places, if you provide them with litter tray you must use hay, tissue papers or specific types of shredded paper. Their Toilet area should be separate from the sleeping area, but that doesn’t mean they won’t rest in their toilet.
  • Their housing and toilet should be cleaned every day
  • When you’re transporting your rabbits, make sure to do it in a safe and comfortable manner. You can put familiar smelling items like soft toys to help them feel at ease in the carrier or a new place.
  • The size and temperature of their surroundings should always be appropriate.
  • Provide your rabbits with a safe, secure and hazard free environment where they can live peacefully.

Conclusion

There are many housing possibilities for your rabbit, but the most important thing to consider is the fact that they need a safe space where they can exercise, explore and enjoy at the same time!

Good housing isn’t just about the space to run but it’s about giving them some space for activities and provide your rabbit with physical and mental relaxation!

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