Looking After Pets

You have just found the most adorable looking bunny, and you can’t wait to take it home. But before you leave the store, you have to make another important decision. How should you house it? Which rabbit hutch should you get?  It’s important to know well before you bring a new pet home exactly how it should be fed, housed, and cared for.

There are several factors to consider before choosing the ideal hutch. With 21 different breeds of rabbits in the world, many of which have varying needs, it is important to ask yourself the following questions.

•    What size hutch should I get?

The ideal rabbit hutch will have enough space for the rabbit to move about comfortably as it grows from a baby to an adult. The hutch should be able to accomodate the bunny without folding its ears against the roof, even if it stands upright without being hunched over.  It should be at least 2-3 hop-lengths long.

•    Is there enough space for a hutch and a rabbit run, or just a hutch?

Measure the size of your backyard before you start allocating space for the hutch. If there is not enough room for both a hutch and a run, you can always consider buying a double-decker hutch which has the sleeping area above and a run below.

•    How can I keep my pet safe?

Check to see that the hutch has sturdy locks and strong wire mesh.  This will prevent predators from harming your rabbit or attacking its food inside the hutch. Keeping the hutch above ground also helps prevent pest infestations. 

•    How can I keep my pet’s home clean?

Clean the hutch on a weekly basis and change the food and wet straw bedding daily. Place the hutch above ground so that it doesn’t stay damp and mildew in wet weather.

•    How much money can I set aside to take care of my rabbit?

Make sure that you have enough funds to pay for the rabbit’s daily food requirements, grooming and care before deciding on the amount you can set aside to meet its housing needs.

Carefully considering all five factors will help you narrow down the range of hutch choices for your rabbit.

Looking for the ideal rabbit hutch? Visit RabbitHutchesStore.com and view our wide selection of rabit hutches.

A pet cage is a must for your rabbit. It is the rabbit’s own personal space where it can get some freedom while maintaining the ability to socialize.  There are a few factors which you need to consider before deciding whether to buy or build your own pet cage.

•   Affordability

What is the budget that you have for a cage? Is it cheaper to buy the materials and assemble it yourself, or to purchase a ready made one?

If you do decide to make your own rabbit cage you would need to purchase at least two sizes of steel wire mesh and a pair of heavy-duty wire cutters to complete the task, as well as the assorted hardware needed for assembly. It may end up being more expensive than buying a ready-made cage, as you have to factor in the cost of the tools required to make the rabbit cage and the large investment in time. 

•   Time and Skills

It is easy to get rabbit cage plans of the Internet. However, following the instructions, being able to get all the materials you need and fixing it up on your own will require some handyman skills. This can be rather daunting for the average person.

You would need to purchase the needed materials and tools. To assemble a cage you have to measure and cut the wire to make up the different sides of the cage, door and it’s door latch.  The floor is usually made from a mesh with far smaller openings, which helps keep bedding from falling through and keeps their feet more comfortable.  

Making your own cage is recommended for people who love to D.I.Y. and want a custom sized or unusually shaped cage for their rabbit.

•   Size

Is there space in your house for a large cage? Does your rabbit have the opportunity to move around and get enough exercise?  Most standard pet cages are sized to easily fit into spare spaces in the home.

After considering the above factors, it makes more sense for most people to purchase a rabbit cage rather than making one.

Looking for the ideal rabbit hutch? Visit  RabbitHutchesStore.com and view our wide selection of housing alternatives for rabbits.

Rabbits these days are one fortunate pet. They are only second to dogs in the number of choices for outdoor living. There is quite a selection of rabbit hutches for you to choose from, but how do you know which one is best for your bunny? 

The first thing you will have to look at are the types of hutches available on the market.  Consider carefully the individual descriptions.  There are five different types of rabbit hutches available today:

1.    The basic single hutch.  This is a simple, one-storey wooden housing that us usually between 24 and 30 inches wide by 36 inches long and has an opening roof or door.

2.    The elevated single hutch.  This is the same basic hutch as described above, but is elevated on stilts four feet from the ground.  These make the hutches easier to clean, and will help keep your pet warm and safe from predators.

3.    The double-decker hutch.  This two-storey hutch where two rabbits can be housed one on top of another is a great space-saving option if you have more than one rabbit . 

4.    The triple-decker hutch.  This is a three-storey hutch which can house three rabbits on top of one another.  This is the most economical way of housing your rabbits if you have several, and provides each of them their own living space.

5.    The deluxe hutch with run.  This two-storey contraption has the living quarters for the rabbit on top, with a trap door letting it gain access to the run below. There is an adjoining ramp between the upper and lower levels so that the rabbit can move about freely.

If you are limited by your backyard space and want to keep a healthy and happy rabbit, the deluxe hutch with run is the way to go.  Not only will your pet be kept safe, but it will also be able to get all the exercise it needs.

Looking for the ideal rabbit hutch? Visit  RabbitHutchesStore.com and view our wide selection of rabbit hutches.

Are you thinking of owning a bunny but live in an apartment?  Rabbit cages are your best option for housing your pet rabbit indoors.  

Rabbit cages are ideal accomodation for indoor bunnies. Having your bunny in a cage will keep it safe when you are busy or out working during the day.  But how do you know which cage is suitable? 

If you are new to rearing rabbits, I would advise you start with a starter cage, which is  a simple cage with an easily removable plastic base. Fill the cage with the needed water bottle, food dish, and enough straw or hay bedding to keep your rabbit cozy.  

Your rabbit cage should be at least three feet long so that your rabbit can move about easily within its cage.  The door should be either on the top or on the side, so that your rabbit can easily hop in and out. 

There is the option of fixed legs or movable castors, depending on how portable you need your rabbit cage to be.  Urine guards are also available to prevent damage to your floor or other surfaces.

You’ll also have to choose how many levels your rabbit’s cage should have.  One-storey cages are standard, but a two-storey cage with a ramp and balcony will give your bunny plenty of extra room to play.  

It is important to rabbit-proof your house, even if you have a cage for your rabbit. As rabbits need their exercise, you would have to release them from their cage daily. While roaming around the house they may gnaw on electircal cords, which could badly burn or kill your pet, or cause a fire at a later time. It is important to prevent the destruction of your property, ensure the safety of your rabbit, and provide your pet with safe and healthy chewing alternatives when they are let loose to roam.

Looking for the ideal rabbit hutch? Visit  RabbitHutchesStore.com and view our wide selection of housing alternatives for rabbits.

Keeping a rabbit as a pet is something that needs some proper planning. Deciding on where to put the rabbit cage and how to accesorize is important if you want to keep a healthy bunny.  Here are some tips for you to take note.

Placing the Rabbit Cage

It is essential to ensure that your rabbit is comfortable when it is inside it’s cage. The rabbit cage should be put in a cool and cozy place in your house, away from any household hazards. It should also be put in a area which is away from any predatory house pets or noisy machinery.

A rabbit loves attention. It is advisable to put the rabbit in a place where there is a lot of activity in the house so that it will not feel lonely and isolated.

Inside  Cage  Essentials

At minimum, your rabbit cage should be equipped with the following:
•    a litterbox
•    containers for food and water
•    soft bedding
•    toys to keep the rabbit amused and occupied

Beddings

There are many different beddings which can be used for the rabbit. The most common are hay, straw, grass or sisal mats.  Shredded newspaper and fabric scraps are sometimes used as alternative bedding for rabbits.

Litter and the Litterbox

Litters can be made from several materials.   Paper pulp is a popular choice of litter, as it has good absorbency and reduces odor. The second, highly recommended litter is  compressed sawdust pellets.  Sawdust pellets are relatively cheap and extremely absorbant.  The non-toxic sawdust helps control bacterial growth and odors.

Pine or cedar shavings should be avoided, as these materials can be toxic to the rabbit.

The litterbox should be placed in the rabbit’s favorite elimiation spot in the cage to facilitate litter training.

Upkeeping Your Rabbit Cage

White vinegar is the recommended agent for cleaning out litterboxes.  Soaking the pans in vinegar will remove even the toughest stains.

With these five tips in hand, you will have your rabbit cage ready for your bunny in no time.

Looking for the ideal rabbit hutch? Visit  RabbitHutchesStore.com and view our wide selection of housing alternatives for rabbits.