Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Tips on Choosing an Outdoor Hutch for Your Pet Rabbit

Pet bunnies spend most of their lives in their cages but keeping them just in a small cage can cause problems for your bunny. Real rabbit warrens (dens) in nature consist of a continuous series of connecting tunnels and small caves that the rabbit can hide in. Your outdoor rabbit hutch should provide a safe enclosed den for the rabbit to hide in as well and an area to exercise in so he won't get fat. If the hutch does not have an exercise area attached, then it is up to you to give your bunny some exercise every day.When choosing your rabbit hutch, you should get as large a cage as you can so your rabbit can have room to move and jump around in. There are also hutches available that have an exercise pen attached for extra room. If your rabbit hutch has a wire floor, try to fence it off so cats and predators cannot get under the pen and grab their toes as they stick out.Also watch for sores that may develop on the rabbit's hocks (the ankle bone). Lots of hay bedding, squares of fleece or fake fur can help from developing the sores. Avoid carpet squares because they cannot be washed and may be more abrasive than the wires and the fibers can be chewed that can result in impaction. Do not use clay litter for a litter box because rabbits can swallow the litter which can also result in intestinal problems.If you buy a used rabbit hutch or cage from an auction site, be sure to sanitize it thoroughly before putting your bunny in it. There are some viruses and parasites that can infect your bunny left over from the previous owner and those germs can live for some time on the surface of the cage or in the cracks. The discounted hutch may sound like a great bargain at first, but won't be for long if your bunny gets sick.Some rabbit hutches can have ramps leading to a second story which can give the bunny more room to play in. Large enclosures, (dog exercise pens) can be used for your bunny to get more room to stretch. If the pen does not have an enclosed top,do not leave them unattended because predators, like cats and hawks, may spot your bunny and decide to make him a tasty snack. Bunnies can also dig and may try to dig out of the pen.Rabbits can overheat easily, so it is best to find a shady location for your rabbit hutch. Make sure your rabbit has plenty of cool, fresh water to drink at all times. When it gets really hot, you can take a 2 liter soda bottle, fill it with water and freeze it. You can then put it in your rabbit's cage in the morning to help keep him cool as the sun warms up.In the winter time, make sure your rabbit has plenty of warm bedding to nuzzle in. If it gets too cold, then it is time to move your rabbit inside to an indoor cage.Clean your rabbit hutch out every week with a water hose and mild detergent. Change the bedding when needed. Be sure to rinse the cage well after using the detergent so the residue will not irritate your rabbit's skin. Indoor rabbits can be taught to use a litter box, which makes cage cleaning a lot easier.At least pet rabbits do not have to be walked every few hours like dogs do, but they do need to be played with, exercised and groomed every day. Having a hutch with an exercise pen is a great way for your rabbit keep active and healthy.

Dr. Debra Garrison is a small animal veterinarian practicing in Texas. Rabbits can make great pets, but still need care and exercise. If you want to learn more about caring for rabbits or find an outdoor rabbit hutch for your bunny, visit her bunny blog at

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