If you are considering getting a rabbit, your first concern will have to be creating a place where it can live comfortably. Your rabbit's cage will be his home when he's not busy running around or snuggling up on your lap. It is important to choose a sturdy and spacious one that gives him plenty of room to move. Cover the bottom of the cage with substrate and then place the necessary items, such as a food bowl and a drinking bottle. Finally, get some rabbit toys or other items that can keep him busy and happy while you're not around.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Choosing the Cage
Step 1. Purchase a cage that is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate your rabbit
Make sure there is enough room for him to move around easily - he should be able to stand up on his hind legs without his ears touching the ceiling. Usually a cage with an internal area of at least three square meters is sufficient to house most medium-sized rabbits.
- Larger breeds such as the English Ram or the Giant of Flanders need an area of at least four square meters.
- You will need to purchase a larger cage if you think you want to keep more than two rabbits.
Step 2. Invest in a partitioned or tiered cage
Rabbits are naturally attracted to enclosed, dimly lit spaces. For a few euros more you will be able to buy a partitioned cage with separate "rooms" or levels that will allow your pet to enjoy some privacy. This way he will be able to retreat to a quiet place whenever he feels the need.
- A partitioned cage can cost a lot more than a standard model, but the extra space it offers definitely justifies the expense.
- Whichever cage you choose, make sure each rabbit has its own shelter or place to hide. Providing your pet with a safe place to burrow gives them the chance to relieve stress in a healthy way.
Step 3. Choose a cage that has a sturdy plastic bottom
Rabbits kept in cages with a mesh bottom can get stuck or develop painful sores. The solid bottom will also allow you to change the substrate and clean the cage more easily.
If you already have a mesh bottom cage, use a sheet of cardboard or an inexpensive wood panel to cover the floor and offer your rabbit a more comfortable surface
Step 4. Choose a cage that has a wide door
The door of the cage should be large enough for all accessories for your rabbit to pass through without problems. This includes the food bowl, drinking bottle, doghouse, litter box, and the various toys he will use. Of course, it will also have to be large enough for the rabbit to pass through!
Some cages have multiple entrances, such as a side door or top opening, which can make it easier to add and remove various items
Step 5. Make sure the rabbit has enough room to exercise
Rabbits are energetic animals that don't like to sit still for too long, so most of the cage space will need to be devoted to play and exploration. Ideally, the rabbit should take three to four jumps to get from one side of the cage to the other. Being able to move freely will keep him healthy and happy.
- In a three-meter cage, only a quarter of the space will be devoted to sleeping and eating.
- Add some toys or accessories to help your rabbit get exercise. You could use objects like balls or boxes to create a small obstacle course.
Part 2 of 4: Adding the Necessary Items
Step 1. Choose a rabbit substrate
Look for a substrate that is suitable for rabbits or designed specifically for them. One of the best materials for this use is hay as it is edible and keeps rabbits warm during the coldest nights. Alfalfa hay is ideal for pregnant and young females, while timothy hay can be used for adult rabbits.
- Another option is to use a dust-free substrate made from recycled wood and paper.
- Avoid using pine or cedar shavings as these can be toxic to rabbits
Step 2. Spread the substrate on the bottom of the cage
Cover the bottom with at least 2-3 centimeters of substrate and make sure it is well distributed. If you are using hay, pile it around the edges so that your rabbit has a chance to graze and at the same time have an empty area in the center of the cage to play and sleep.
- To make cleaning easier and avoid leaking liquid, consider placing a couple of absorbent dog pads or a layer of newspaper underneath the substrate.
- Make sure you provide a deep enough substrate to prevent your rabbit from suffering from paw pain. Pododermatitis is a very common pathology that arises when the animal is often found on hard and humid surfaces. A deep substrate acts as a cushion for the rabbit's paws and keeps them away from the dirty areas on the bottom.
Step 3. Create an area for the kennel
While rabbits often sleep comfortably on any kind of soft surface, adding a bed to a well-equipped cage can be useful and add a lovely touch to the environment. Place the kennel on the side or in a corner of the cage so your furry friend has no obstacles while eating, playing or stretching his legs.
Rabbit beds come in various shapes; fabric mats, small hammocks or miniature versions of classic dog beds
Step 4. Place a litter box
Training your rabbit to use a litter box can help keep the environment clean and healthy. Look for a suitable one for the rabbit breed you have and cover the bottom with a recycled paper base. You can also use a mixture of torn newspaper and hay if you have more than you need.
Avoid sanitary cat litter boxes. They can be dangerous for rabbits if ingested
Part 3 of 4: Providing Food, Water, and Toys
Step 1. Install a drinking bottle
A drinking bottle will provide your rabbit with fresh, clean water throughout the day. Mount it on one side of the cage using the metal hooks on the back. Make sure the spout is positioned low enough for the rabbit to get there effortlessly.
- A 600ml drinking bottle will provide water for a single rabbit for two days, or for two rabbits for one day. It is advisable that each animal has its own drinking bottle in order to avoid any quarrels.
- Your rabbit may prefer to use a drinking bowl. However, the bowls tip over easily and can fill with food scraps, droppings, and bits of substrate - this means you'll need to clean them frequently.
Step 2. Place a food bowl in the cage
The bowl you choose should be large enough to hold all the food the rabbit needs, but small enough to fit through the cage door without any problems. Leave some space between the food bowl and the drinking bottle or water bowl to prevent the food from getting soaked.
- If you prefer to provide your rabbit with a balanced diet, use two separate bowls - one for pellets and the other for fruit and vegetables.
- Spilling food in the cage renders the use of a bowl unnecessary. Drop a handful of pellets or vegetables into the bottom of the cage once a day. Foraging refines the rabbit's instinct and is an excellent activity.
-
Fill the bowl with well-balanced dry food. Pellets are the most popular choice, but an organic dry food mix is also a nutritious option. Dry foods tend to be very concentrated and have very high nutritional values, so you should only provide a small amount each day. In the meantime, if the rabbit feels the need to eat more, he can feed on as much grass or hay as he wants.
Prepare a Rabbit Cage Step 12 - A couple of times a day you can add pieces of carrot, celery or leafy greens to the rabbit's food bowl to provide him with a greedy snack and to spice up his diet.
- To vary the rabbit's diet, get a hay feeder to fill every day. In nature, the favorite food of rabbits is grass; hay is therefore an excellent substitute.
Step 3. Provide your pet with a variety of toys to play with
Rabbits can gnaw on soft plastic in no time, so investing in tougher toys is the best choice. Many pet stores sell wooden blocks that are perfect for gnawing. Ropes, cardboard, and pieces of sturdy fabric or plastic are also great pastimes for the more energetic rabbits.
- Nibbling toys are not only fun, but useful too. If rabbits' teeth become too long they may have difficulty eating.
- Avoid providing soft wooden toys: they can chip and there is a risk that the animal will suffocate.
Part 4 of 4: Cleaning the Cage
Step 1. Replace the substrate when it reaches 2-3 centimeters
A hay substrate will start to run out after a few days, as the rabbit will eat it from time to time. When this happens, simply add a handful or two wherever you see uncovered parts. Other types of substrate won't need to be refilled as often, but you should still change them when they get wet or start to smell bad.
Remember that the rabbit always needs a sufficient amount of substrate in its cage
Step 2. Regularly rinse the food bowl and drinking bottle
About once a month, carefully wash both containers with warm water and mild liquid soap. Make sure you rinse them thoroughly when you're done - the residual traces of soap could harm your rabbit.
- If you have purchased ceramic bowls for water or food, put them in the dishwasher to save time and energy.
- Your rabbit's bowls may need to be cleaned more frequently if they look particularly dirty or if they have come in contact with urine or feces.
Step 3. Clean the litter box every day
Get in the habit of cleaning dirty litter boxes every day to keep your pet's environment healthy - providing clean litter boxes will make other areas of the cage less likely to dirty.
- Always wear latex gloves and use a plastic bag that you can seal or tie to get rid of your rabbit's needs.
- A splash of white vinegar or diluted bleach can help neutralize lingering odors and bacteria.
Step 4. Disinfect the entire cage once a week
After moving your rabbit to a safe area in the house, take the cage out and spray it with a mixture of one part bleach and ten parts water. Let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it thoroughly with a garden pump. Wait for the cage to dry completely and finally add some new substrate.
- Disinfecting the cage occasionally eliminates odors and kills harmful germs that could make the rabbit sick.
- Make sure all traces of bleach, including vapors, are cleared before returning the pet to the cage.
Step 5. Monitor your rabbit while he is in the cage
Check the rabbit every hour to make sure it is happy, comfortable and safe. If left unsupervised, he could get hurt or run out of food or water without you knowing.
Rabbits are social animals and can't stand being constantly in cages. Give your rabbit several hours of free time each day to play, explore, and get some petting
Advice
- A dog house can easily become a luxurious palace for a very active or very large rabbit.
- If you have a lot of rabbits, keep a maximum of two per cage, otherwise they won't have the water, food or space to be healthy, happy and satisfied.
- Rabbits make great pets in homes without cats, dogs, or other large territorial animals that could harm them.
