Rabbit Cage: Harmless Advice for Keeping Healthy Rabbits

Rabbit Cage: Harmless Advice for Keeping Healthy Rabbits

Rabbit Cage: Harmless Advice for Keeping Healthy Rabbits

Updated on 3/27/2024
Emma DowneyBy Emma Downey
Gardening Expert
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Rabbits are cute and fragile tiny creatures, and they demand a specialized level of attention and care. Because of this, the rabbit housing or rabbit cage should be the foremost priority for the care and safety of your rabbit (or rabbits). In this article, we will discuss the various kinds of rabbit cage available to assist you in selecting the best housing option for your furry, long-eared companions. Keep reading!

A wrong choice of rabbit housing can hurt the rabbit's growth and behavior patterns, making it one of the most common factors contributing to poor health in rabbits. It can result in death in the most severe circumstances.

rabbit cage

rabbit cage

Remember that although "cage" may seem like an intimidating word, all you are doing for your rabbits is providing them with accommodation in general. It is ideal for them to have their protected location, out of the grasp of any other animals, in most circumstances.

What Is the Function of a Rabbit Cage?

Any shelter for rabbits, whether temporary or permanent, can be referred to as a "rabbit cage." Either it is made up of wire meshes connected with other sturdy materials, or it is mainly composed of wire meshes coupled with other sturdy materials.

The walls, flooring, and even the roof of a cage constructed entirely of wire mesh are all built of wire mesh in an all-wire mesh cage.

The most common form of indoor housing for rabbits is a wire mesh cage. These cages are designed specifically for housing rabbits.

The outer solid material is installed at different sides of the cage to offer the rabbit shade and seclusion while housed outside in a hosing utilized for this purpose.

Several alternatives to rabbit cages can serve as a home for your rabbits outside just rabbit cages, including rabbit hutches, rabbit pens, and rabbit runs. Rabbit cages are the most common type of housing for rabbits.

Rabbit Hutches

In contrast to rabbit cages, rabbit hutches are typically kept outside because they are larger and provide a higher level of protection.

Most rabbit hutches are constructed out of wood or other strong materials, but metal is rarely used in their construction.

These cabinets also typically include wire meshes that allow the rabbit to see its environment beyond the cabinet.

Rabbit Pens

This spacious area has been partitioned off specifically for the rabbits. It was designed with their fundamental requirements in mind and provided plenty of room to run around and extend their legs.
Compared to other housing types, a rabbit pen offers the animal more space to run around and play than different types of enclosures. What can place rabbit pens either indoors or outdoors?

Rabbit Run

The term "Rabbit Run" refers to an enclosed environment, typically one that can move, in which your pet rabbit has room to run around and play. It is used in situations where you wish to exert some degree of control over the space in which your rabbit plays.

best rabbit cage

best rabbit cage

A rabbit run features several toys and "fun mazes" for the rabbits to explore. The walls of rabbit runs are constructed at a high level (for open-top mazes) so that your rabbit can hop and play inside without the risk of falling out.

Advantages of Using a Rabbit Cage

A cage is a great way to house your rabbits since it enables you to keep a close eye on them and provide the appropriate level of care for them, regardless of whether or not you intend to keep the rabbit as a pet.

Your home will benefit from having a rabbit cage, and the rabbit's health will also benefit from having its own space. Let's review some of the essential advantages of having a rabbit cage.

Prevent Destruction

You do not want to return home to find that your rabbit has chewed on all the wiring, wood, boxes, or other things in the house. Or your bouquet.

rabbit cage

rabbit cage

Rabbits have a voracious appetite for chewing and, if given the opportunity, will gnaw on virtually anything. Because of the intricate structure of their teeth, which continue to develop even when they are not being used, they have a constant drive to chew, even on inappropriate foods.

You Can Visit Your Rabbit At Any Time You Like

A rabbit cage makes it simple for you to keep an eye on your bunnies and track any behavioral shifts they may undergo. This might help determine whether or not your rabbit is sick or needs further attention regarding its health.

When it comes to mobility with your rabbit, such as picking it up or playing with it, a cage is an ideal option if you keep your rabbit as a pet.

Easier Maintenance

The demands and pressures typically associated with other types of housing are not present in a rabbit cage. Compared to alternative accommodations for rabbits, cleaning and maintaining a rabbit cage is a lot simpler.

home rabbit cage

home rabbit cage

A complete rabbit cage made of wire mesh allows you to easily collect rabbit droppings and dispose of them in a container or bucket placed underneath the enclosure.

Control Colonization

Rabbits are highly productive animals; in fact, it only takes two mature rabbits (a doe and a buck) two years to have the potential to produce over a thousand offspring (!).

Having rabbits as pets could seem intimidating initially, but if you aren't well-prepared, the situation might quickly spiral out of control. If you decide to keep rabbits as pets, you need to know how many rabbits you can adequately care for at any given time.

rabbit

rabbit

The bottom line is that you would benefit greatly from having a rabbit cage to manage your rabbit population better.

Prevents Rabbits Battles and Bullying

Helps Prevent Fights and Harassment Between Rabbits
According to research, rabbits live in complex communal structures, and dominant does, and bucks will typically bully weaker rabbits when they are foraging or mating. This behavior can be observed in rabbits.

These intricate structures can potentially hurt your rabbits' health, which is especially concerning if you raise them for their meat.

rabbit

rabbit

You will be able to confine in the same rabbit cages doe rabbits and buck rabbits that get along with one another.

Varieties of Rabbit Cages

There are a few distinct varieties of rabbit hutches, each of which possesses unique qualities and advantages. These hutches are put to use for a variety of tasks, in a variety of settings, and throughout the year. Before shopping for one, you should equip yourself with background knowledge on the subject.

Indoor Rabbit Cages

The name pretty much gives it away, but the purpose of these many kinds of rabbit cages is to assist you in preventing your bunnies from escaping into the outside world. Plastic, wire, or even metal might be used in their construction, but mostly they are made of plastic.

The majority of the time, temporary rabbit cages are used inside. These cages are typically movable, and they take up less space overall.

Utilizing a rabbit cage within your home can prevent your rabbit from accessing areas of your home that are not bunny-proof, such as indoor gardens.

Outdoor Rabbit Cages

Outdoor rabbit cages are comparable to indoor rabbit cages; the main difference is that outdoor rabbit cages are significantly larger, meaning they can accommodate a more significant number of "toys" and more extensive accessories for the rabbit's enclosure.

You should consider using an outdoor cage if you have a large number of rabbits or if you want to lessen the amount of stress that you would experience if you used an indoor cage.

However, an outdoor rabbit cage needs to provide adequate protection from the harsh elements of the surrounding environment.

A helpful fact to remember is that outdoor rabbit cages are typically constructed using wire in conjunction with other materials with poor heat conduction, such as wood and plastics.

Metal Rabbit Cages

Metal rabbit cages have various metals, such as iron, aluminum, and others, at the bottom of the individual bars. Because the metal at the cage's base is brutal to guess who to burrow into or chew through, these cages can be an excellent option for housing your rabbit.

A helpful fact to remember is that heat can be efficiently conducted away from metal cages and into their surroundings, making them an ideal choice for sheltering pets indoors.

Stackable Rabbit Cages

Stackable Cages for Rabbits and Other Small Animals
You could refer to them as "condos" for rabbits, although "multi-layer cages" is probably more accurate. Rabbit hutches are designed to be stacked on two or more different levels that can stack on top of one another within the same enclosure.

Who can access every one of these tiers via the provided ramps?

These layers have the potential to operate as individual home quarters for the rabbits as well as an expanded play area for them.

Consider utilizing some of the many garden storage solutions available if you need to free up more room in your garden.

Folding Rabbit Cages 

The majority of these are merely temporary guinea pig cages. To manufacture a temporal cage, they are assembled using metal clips or screws (never permanently welded together), which hold bars or wire meshes and other materials, such as plastic and wood, together to form the structure.

The folding design of a rabbit cage makes it incredibly portable and simple to remove the hutch from its base. Most of the time, you can use it inside and outside the house.

Wooden Rabbit Cages

Wire meshes are often fastened to the foundation and support structure of a rabbit cage made of wood. The base of the cage is made of wood as well.

Building a cage out of wood, a durable and dependable material, is an excellent choice if you want to keep your rabbit colonies contained. For rabbit hutches designed to be held outside, a wooden construction provides shade and seclusion for your pet rabbit.

Wood has exceptional thermal qualities, which means that it does not heat up as quickly as metals do and holds a good quantity of heat during cold weather. This makes wood an excellent material for building homes and other structures.

A rabbit cage made of wood is one of the most significant types of cages you can get for your bunnies, although there is always the possibility that they will chew on the wood.

Plastic Rabbit Cages

The support framework and bottom of these types of cages are both made out of detachable pieces of plastic material. They provide a housing option that is practical and reasonably long-lasting for your rabbits.

Plastic rabbit cages are typically more lightweight and portable than their wire counterparts. They are hardly affected by sudden shifts in temperature since they are poor conductors of heat.

It is helpful to know that the plastics used to construct rabbit cages are frequently recyclable.

Wire Rabbit Cages

Wire meshes are used in constructing these rabbit enclosures, which can be triangular, circular, or rectangular. The wire meshes are drawn, bent, and joined to form the square.

Wire rabbit cages are the most entertaining types of cages for rabbits since they not only let you see your pet rabbit in its entirety but also allow the rabbit to see its surroundings.

Wire rabbit cages can be fabricated for either indoor or outdoor use, and whichever you decide to go with, you will be able to provide adequate protection for your rabbits.

DIY Guide for Beginners: Rabbit Cage

You will want to obtain a rabbit cage that is appropriate for your rabbit or rabbits before you go out and buy them. You can either purchase it or construct it on your own, and it is not difficult to build your rabbit cage at home.

A concise guide that will take you through the critical steps has been posted on our website.

Step 1 – Pick the Right Size

When constructing a home for your kit or young rabbit, it is essential to keep in mind that it will continue to develop its size over the next few months.

Step 1 – Pick the Right Size

Step 1 – Pick the Right Size

Necessary: Rabbits have a rapid development cycle and can quadruple their height and weight in as little as four months. This fact is a crucial characteristic of the species.

In addition to this, your rabbit's housing should be roomy enough to fit both of their bodies comfortably. It needs to be taller than the height of your bunny when it stands on its hind feet.

In addition, it ought to be longer than the distance covered by three jumps made by a rabbit (I am not joking!).

A good rule of thumb is that the minimum dimensions of the cage for rabbits weighing less than 6 pounds should be at least 24 by 36 inches, while the minimum dimensions of the cage for rabbits weighing more than 6 pounds should be at least 30 by 36 inches.

step one

step one

The moral of the story is that you should construct a prison with the not-too-distant future in mind.

Step 2 – Use Wire Mesh

Due to the thickness of its fur, your rabbit requires a great deal of fresh air but just a moderate amount of heat. Because of this quality, wire mesh is a valuable material in many applications. Additionally, cages constructed out of wire mesh are typically simpler to clean and maintain than other types of cages.

Consider going with a top that is open rather than closed. The rabbit will feel less constrained in its cage as a result of this, and it will be able to move around more freely.

Step 3 – Give the Cage a Solid Foundation

Use a flat board made of plastic, aluminum, or wood as the base of the cage instead of a solid piece of material. It is difficult for rabbits to maintain balance for long periods when their feet are forced to stand on wire mesh.

Step 3 – Give the Cage a Solid Foundation

Step 3 – Give the Cage a Solid Foundation

When constructing a cage for your rabbits, if you use wire mesh solely, you risk injuring their paws. To provide a comfortable resting spot for the rabbit, cover the entire base of the cage with a flat board or a nest. Alternatively, cover just a portion of the ground.

Step 4 – Install a Urine Guard in the Cage

When they urinate, rabbits frequently spray urine all around themselves. The urine guard will assist in keeping the pee produced by the rabbit confined to one section of the cage.

That will assist in reducing the likelihood of the cage being cluttered and unclean. A pee guard might be fashioned out of cardboard or plastic if desired.

Step 5 – Add a Litter Box

Due to the complexity of their digestive systems, rabbits typically consume their food approximately twice before it is completely digested.

Step 5 – Add a Litter Box

Step 5 – Add a Litter Box

Your rabbits can return to the initial discharges and re-ingest for further digestion if you provide them with a litter box to keep them contained.

Step 6 – Provide Food and Water Bowls in the Cage

Attaching the rabbit's feeding bowls and water dishes to the rabbit cage in a way that prevents them from toppling over when the rabbits move around in their environment is highly recommended. In addition, you should equip the enclosure with hay racks to minimize the amount of hay that falls to the ground.

Watch the video below to get some other ideas for making the rabbit cage you can do yourself.

HOW TO BUILD A RABBIT HUTCH

Where Should a Rabbit Cage Be Placed?

Whether the cage is kept indoors or outside, the orientation of the rabbit's housing is one of the most critical factors in determining the animal's overall health and its rate of growth.

You must position your rabbit's cage in locations that have adequate ventilation and are not susceptible to rapid shifts in temperature.

The following are some suggestions that should help you with it:

  • Put the rabbit's cage in a spot that does not get too stuffy and has a nice flow of air. Dust trapped in a rabbit's lungs can be hazardous to the animal's health since rabbits have organs that are more susceptible to damage.
  • Put your rabbit's cage somewhere where it won't be directly exposed to the sun, as the heat from the sun can raise both the temperature of the cage and the temperature of the rabbits themselves.
Where Should a Rabbit Cage Be Placed?

Where Should a Rabbit Cage Be Placed?

  • If you intend to keep your rabbits inside, a spare room or an open space that has been partitioned off would be appropriate housing for them. Under no circumstances should you ever keep your rabbit in the cellar or the attic.
  • Ensure your rabbits are kept safe from any potential threats, including other animals and predators. When they feel the presence of other animals or hear loud noises suddenly, rabbits get anxious just like any other animal would be. Appropriate positions include those that are elevated or located in remote settings.
  • It's not healthy for your bunnies to spend their entire lives in cages. Make sure to provide them with a space where they can move freely and engage in physical activity.
rabbit

rabbit

It is essential that the space in which you intend to put your rabbit's cage be devoid of harmful substances, such as paint, gum, and wash, as well as any sharp items, electric wires/cables, and the like, to prevent injuries.

Instructions for Assembling a Rabbit Cage

The last phase, which follows the construction of your cage and the addition of all required components, is the actual assembly of your enclosure. There are a few key points that are important for you to keep in mind.

At The Very Bottom Of The Cage, Place An Adequate Supply Of Bedding.

Be sure to line the bottom of the cage with piles of straw, hay, or a combination of the two; however, straw is the material used most of the time.

At The Very Bottom Of The Cage, Place An Adequate

At The Very Bottom Of The Cage, Place An Adequate

As a result of the fact that rabbits frequently gnaw on their bedding and blankets, it is essential to make use of a material that is not toxic to the rabbit. Additionally, the fabric needs to be comfortable for the wearer's feet and should have the capacity to retain heat throughout the colder seasons.

Warning: Do not line the bottom of the cage with materials such as carpet or other soft ingestible materials. Doing so may create bowel obstruction in the rabbit's digestive system.

Also, don't forget that providing the appropriate kind of food for your rabbits will keep the little critters busy and discourage them from chewing on their cages.

Make Ready The Sandbox Or Litter Box

Covering the litter box with quickly discarded things, such as newspapers and hay, makes it much simpler to clean.

Make Ready The Sandbox Or Litter Box

Make Ready The Sandbox Or Litter Box

  • The first step is to cover the bottom of the litter box with a piece of newspaper. This assists in the absorption of any liquid that may be present in the litter box.
  • On top of the newspaper, spread an acceptable non-toxic litter, preferably one that is made for rabbits. Who may put your bunny in danger if it consumes the waste left behind by other animals?
  • Last but not least, finish it off by adding one more layer of hay or straw on top, as the rabbit's health will not be affected in any way if consumed.

Platters Containing Both Food And Water

The bowl you use shouldn't be overly deep, nor should it be exceptionally light in weight.

Platters Containing Both Food And Water

Platters Containing Both Food And Water

Sippers are the most effective way to provide water since they eliminate the risk of the liquid becoming contaminated by pellets or accidentally spilled.

You should also provide toys and other fun items for your rabbit to play with while he is confined in the cage. This will help keep him "busy." Additionally, check to see that the toys are appropriate for your rabbit to play with. Always keep in mind that rabbits enjoy the act of chewing!

Buyer's Guide to Available Rabbit Cages for Purchase

Your rabbit's well-being should be your top priority whenever you go shopping for a cage for your rabbit. Your pet rabbit ought to have a clean and cozy environment in the cage it resides in.

Buyer's Guide to Available Rabbit Cages for Purchase

Buyer's Guide to Available Rabbit Cages for Purchase

Most of the advice provided earlier regarding the construction of an appropriate rabbit cage is still applicable. There are a few more characteristics that ought to be taken into consideration.

Features

The components of the cage that make up its features are the components made of the materials that make up the cage, the components of the cage's equipment, and the way the cage is modeled.

Remember that you'll need to frequently clean and maintain the cage to keep it in good condition. Because of this, you should probably choose a cage made of wire mesh with a detachable base made of plastic or metal because these materials are simpler to clean than wood.

Materials

Materials Cages can be crafted from a wide variety of materials, each of which has its own unique set of properties in terms of its thermal characteristics, structural make-up, and aesthetic qualities.

Due to the favorable thermal qualities of wood, wooden cages are a beneficial and vital component of outdoor environments.

Features

Features

Plastic and metal hutches can be made to look attractive and work well to blend in with the interior style of your home if you plan to keep your rabbit in an indoor enclosure.

A helpful hint: metal cages conduct heat more quickly than those made of any other material, making them preferable for usage indoors. Even still, the rabbits cannot chew or swallow them because of their potency.

Plastics can be lighter, more inexpensive, and come in various gorgeous designs and shapes. Plastics can also be molded into a variety of unique and exciting shapes. However, if you do not purchase plastic that is of high quality and sturdy, it is possible that it will not survive for a very long time.

Size

Because of how quickly your rabbits will mature, it is in your best interest to purchase a cage that can accommodate their eventual size.

A helpful hint is that the cage should be long enough to house three bunny hops and wide enough to contain two bunny hops. This unwritten rule applies to the length and width of the cage, respectively.

type

type

The value of space cannot be overstated. Your rabbit should not feel confined in its cage because this can lead to health problems such as unexpected weight growth or even death.

Type

This will depend on where you want your rabbits to live, as well as whether or not you intend to keep your rabbits as pets.

When breeding a large number of rabbits, using outdoor cages designed to be stacked can be more cost-effective.

On the other hand, if you have a few rabbits you maintain as pets, you ought to invest in a straightforward temporary indoor cage with only the most fundamental elements.

Folding cages are another option to consider if you are not planning on providing your rabbit with a home of its own that is permanent. And whether it will spend a lot of time tearing up and down the house's hallways.

Our Recommendations

Here are some of the most reputable manufacturers of rabbit cages in the industry, along with some tips on choosing the proper one for your pet now that you know what to look for in one.

Commonly Asked Questions About Rabbit Cages

Commonly Asked Questions About Rabbit Cages

Commonly Asked Questions About Rabbit Cages

We get a lot of inquiries concerning rabbit cages and the accessories that can place inside them. Here are our responses to your questions so that you can make the most informed decision possible.

What do you consider to be the most suitable enclosure for a rabbit?

The ideal housing for a rabbit is a structure fabricated from wire mesh, features an open top, and is supported by a foundation constructed of a solid substance. The rabbit will be able to see what's happening around it, it will have adequate ventilation and lighting, and you will have easy access to your pet with this cage style.

What sort of things does a rabbit require to be housed in its cage?

As a general rule, a rabbit needs sufficient space to be able to twist, turn, and perform some basic motions. A rabbit cage should be long enough to accommodate "three bunny-hops" and high enough to contain the rabbit while standing on its hind feet. Find out more information about the proper way to construct a cage for a rabbit.

rabbit

rabbit

What kind of space requirements does a rabbit have for their cage?

As a general rule, a rabbit needs sufficient space to be able to twist, turn, and perform some basic motions. A rabbit cage should be long enough to accommodate "three bunny-hops" and high enough to contain the rabbit while standing on its hind feet. Read the related resources to learn about the advantages of owning a rabbit cage.

Where would you recommend that I put the cage for my rabbit?

Where would you recommend that I put the cage for my rabbit?

Where would you recommend that I put the cage for my rabbit?

You have the option of keeping your rabbit either indoors or outdoors while in their cage. In either case, the location must have sufficient ventilation, be shielded from direct sunlight, and be out of sight of potential predators. Your rabbit's cage would probably be most comfortable being kept inside, either in one of the house's unused rooms or behind a partition in one of the main rooms.

Rabbit Life Outside of the Cage

While putting your rabbit in a cage might seem the most logical way to keep him safe, you should let him out of his cage for a few hours during the day so that he can investigate the rest of your property, including your garden and your home.

You must form a close relationship with your rabbit (if you have one bunny) or get a friend for it to play with. Your rabbit will be able to maintain a healthy mental state and a joyful disposition.

Knowledge of the needs and expectations of your particular breed of rabbit will simplify everything.

Rabbit Life Outside of the Cage

Rabbit Life Outside of the Cage

Giving your bunnies the freedom to explore their environment and feed themselves will, in the long run, guarantee that they are both healthy and content. You wouldn't want the cage to get in the way of that, would you? In all honesty, you should approach it the same way you would chickens.

At this point, the floor is yours.

Do you currently own a rabbit, or do you plan to start raising rabbits soon? Leave us a comment and fill us in on the details of the situation.

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