Your Newly Adopted Rabbit
Rabbit Housing
Cat McIntire
Housing
Housing options for rabbits have improved dramatically in the
past several years.
Free-range living in a rabbit-proofed house
(with SUPERVISED outdoor playtime) is the ideal situation for a
rabbit to live up to it's full potential and optimum lifespan.
They are happier, healthier, and more able to become a
full-fledged member of your family. There's nothing like being
greeted home by a loving bunny after a hard day in the outside
world!
If bunny needs an area of his/her own while you're not
home, a roomy exercise pen is the next best thing. It consists of
a heavy wire "wall" which unfolds into an adjustable pen. It has
no floor or ceiling, allowing for good air flow and a less
"closed off" feeling than a cage.
They are sold in three
different heights: 24 in., 30 in., and 36 in. if you have a
jumper. Some come with a gate.
NEVER PUT A RABBIT IN A SMALL WIRE
CAGE OR AN OUTDOOR HUTCH. Putting a rabbit in a wire cage is the
equivalent of your being confined to a closet. Sound comfortable?
Wire is very bad for bunny feet, causing hock sores (which, if
left untreated, can result in severe bone infections) and
arthritis.
Putting a rabbit outside under any conditions is just
plain cruel. Depriving such a social creature of interaction is a
horrible thing to do to a rabbit, not to mention a danger to its
health and life.
If other household factors (such as dogs or
small children) make caging your rabbit the safer option, get a
large, roomy cage -- even larger for bonded pairs. Each rabbit
should have living space a minimum of four times his or her size.
There are two-story cages available now that most bunnies
love. Some cages look very furniture-like to better fit with your
decor. Most cage companies will custom make their cages to your
specifications.
No matter what form of housing you decide on,
your rabbit's well-being should be your main concern. Keep in
mind that, no matter how nice the cage is, no rabbit should
spend 24 hours a day locked up. Rabbits, just like other animals,
need to exercise for good physical and mental health. So however
you house your bunny, make sure he or she gets some running-around time
and one-on-one interaction on a regular basis. You'll both enjoy
the benefits of a healthy, happy bun.
Flooring
There are several options for flooring as well. You can use throw
rugs or indoor/outdoor carpeting if your bun isn't a carpet
muncher. (I buy the indoor/outdoor close-napped carpet by the
roll at Home Depot.) Avoid plush naps -- they're just too tempting.
For carpet munchers you can use untreated grass mats. You can
find these online, or Cost Plus sells them in strips of nine 12"
x 12" squares. Grass mats should look and smell natural, but if
they're shiny or have a chemical odor don't use them.
It's fine
if your bunny eats the grass matting, but carpet eating should
never be allowed. Carpet fibers can collect in bunny's stomach,
causing a blockage that can be fatal. To protect carpeted home
areas, try a big piece of linoleum or plastic runners with
carpeting or straw mats over it. YOUR RABBIT SHOULD NEVER BE
ALLOWED TO CONSUME ANY NON-NATURAL MATERIALS.
Cage Companies
KW Cages: www.kwcages.com / 1-800-447-CAGE (will customize any
cage to a larger size!)
Leith Cages: www.leithpetwerks.com / 1-800-956-3576
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