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If a pet rabbit is being kept outside it is essential to provide it with a large home. When selecting a hutch there is quite a lot to be considered. First, it is essential to know the adult size to which the rabbit will grow. As a rough guide, the hutch should allow an adult rabbit to sit up on its hindlegs and to stretch out.
Ideally, the hutch should be divided into two sections to include a secure and secluded sleeping compartment. All doors must be well fitting with sturdy locks that fasten securely.
The hutch must be weatherproof and regularly maintained using a non-toxic wood preserving treatment. The roof should also be weatherproof and slope backward to allow rain to drain off.
Strong wire mesh must be used on the front of the living quarters. Check that there are no rough edges on which the rabbit could injure itself. A thick piece of canvas can be attached to the roof and lowered over the front of the cage at night, keeping the rabbit warm and cosy.
The hutch should be lined using a thick layer of sawdust or wood shavings for extra warmth; hay can be placed in the sleeping compartment.
The siting of the hutch is important. The hutch should ideally be raised off the ground, as this will protect the cage and its occupant from damp, and also from vermin.
Although rabbits are hardy creatures that can withstand fairly low temperatures, the hutch should be positioned away from draughts and extremes of temperature and, preferably near to the house. In the winter the rabbit hutch can be placed in a well ventilated airy garage or shed. Remember rabbits can suffer from being too hot or too cold.
Hutch furniture
A water bottle can be attached to the wire front of the hutch. The water should be changed on a daily basis and the container scrubbed out regularly. A hayrack is useful as it can prevent the hay from being soiled or trampled on by the rabbit.
Exercise
Whatever the size of the hutch, rabbits need exercise and the safest way to achieve this is by using a run. However, the run must be escape- and predator- proof and provide shelter.
The run should be moved daily so that the rabbit has fresh grass to nibble. Make sure that the grass has not been treated with weedkiller or any other harmful substance.
The run should only be used for day time exercise and the rabbit placed back into its hutch at night. Ensure that other pets are not able to frighten the rabbit. Cats appear to love to use runs as a resting place and are greatly entertained by the stress of the occupant.
Make sure the rabbit has access to fresh water while in its run. The best way to provide this is by attaching a water bottle to the side of the run.
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