Rabbit Housing and Equipment

This is the chapter summary I wrote for my doe and litter project book.

Rabbit Housing and Equipment

           When thinking about purchasing a rabbit, preparing to house and care for your rabbit should be your first priority. There’s many pieces of equipment you’ll need, and it’s important to thoroughly research what’s best for your needs. 

           Before you buy a rabbit, you’ll need to buy or build a cage or hutch. Hutches are typically used outdoors. The frame is made of wood, with the floor and at least one side made of wire. Many hutches have multiple cages inside to house multiple rabbits, but there are some geared toward pet rabbits that can be more than one level. If you want to keep a rabbit outdoors, hutches will be one of your best options. 

          Cages are completely constructed out of wire. They’re normally limited to indoor use, since they don’t provide much protection from weather or predators. Wire cages are sanitary, easy to construct, and are easy to stack and move. If you are able to house your rabbits indoors, wire cages are typically the best option. Be careful to include partitions between cages to avoid causing your rabbits to fight. 

           Whether you use a hutch or cage, your rabbits will need plenty of space. All rabbits should get about ¾ square feet of space per pound of body weight. You should also have a large enough door to be able to fit the rabbit through easily. 

             When selecting a waterer, you have two options. Bottles are useful in many ways. They’re typically larger than crocks, so you may be able to go longer without watering your rabbit, though you should always be sure your rabbit has fresh water. They are also easy to keep clean, since your rabbit doesn’t have access to the inside of the water bottle. Crocks can also be beneficial. When used outdoors, they won’t break when frozen, and they won’t grow algae inside. However, a rabbit has access to the inside, so they can make a mess of the water or dump it. 

            When selecting a feeder, you can use a crock or a J-Feeder/Commercial Feeder. J-feeders hook into the side of the cage. This prevents the rabbit from spilling the feed, reducing waste. Many j-feeders also have mesh at the bottom that can sift out dust that could harm your rabbit. 

           When a rabbit gives birth, they’ll need a nest box. Nest boxes can be made of wood or metal. They typically are rectangles with shorter walls on one end, allowing the doe to get in and out easily. Typically, the nest box will need to be 2-3 inches longer than the doe herself. It will need to be bedded with hay, straw, paper, or shavings. Always clean and sanitize the box between uses. 

              Lastly, you’ll need a carrying cage. Carrying cages are wire cages with a tray to prevent spills at the bottom. They can be small enough for one rabbit, or can be divided into compartments to transport multiple rabbits. When rabbits are transported long distances, they should have enough space to stretch and have water and feed crocks.