Rabbit Cage/Pens
The happiness of your pet bunny rabbit will depend greatly on the rabbit cage you provide - your bunny’s home. A rabbit cage should be at least 4x - 5x the size of your rabbit’s adult size in length, and at least twice the size in width, plus tall enough your bunny can stand up (think 3'x2'x20"). Make sure there is enough room for a litter box to be placed inside, and also a hidey-hole. The dwarfs & minis are more active so just because they are smaller does not mean they need less room.
.jpg)
Domestic rabbits need their exercise, that is if we want them to be healthy and well-adjusted, so give them plenty of room to move around. There are many rabbit cages to choose from, or if you are so inclined you can build your own cage and maybe save some money. Exercise pens are also a good option for housing. Make sure they are high enough or your bunny will be able to jump out. Putting a pen around the cage works well if you have the room. Some owners build outside bunny runs to make sure their bun is getting enough exercise. Bottom line: Give your bunny plenty of room.
We have had several different cage arrangements for our bunnies over the years. We started with a wooden frame hutch but it seemed to retain urine smell. We have had the pull out tray at the bottom kind also, which is convenient. But our latest cage has been our favorite because it is no t only big enough but is also on wheels. We call it our bunny’s RV. Now if we are going to vacuum the bunny play area, or company is coming, the RV is easily moved to another room. It has a plastic floor easily cleaned, and a second story loft which encourages exercising by going up and down the ramp.
Wire floors are OK, but make sure there is a towel or mat or something similar for your rabbit to rest on, or else it can harm the rabbit’s feet. Painful sores could develop and maybe even cause a harmful infection. Also, its best to have vinyl-covered wire.
Just as the water and food are to be kept clean and fresh so also the cage, litter box, water and food containers need regular cleaning. Every other day is a good idea, and a thorough cleaning twice a month. Avoid using harsh cleaning products because of the bunny’s keen sense of smell and delicate digestive system, but if bleach or ammonia is needed for tough spots make sure they are thoroughly removed. If your rabbit is using a litter box inside the cage cleaning becomes much easier. Rabbits like a neat, clean environment. They have no offensive odors but their cage/pen will smell if not kept clean (which increases the incidence of sickness).
Have some toys inside the cage to keep your bunny from getting bored. Hanging some of them from the roof is a good way to make for stretching exercise. Rotate the toys from time to time to give your bunny some variety. A hay rack placed where your bunny has to reach for it is also a good idea.
Do not place the rabbit cage close to the television or stereo speakers, but make sure it is located where the family hangs out. Keep it away from the fireplace when in use for the smoke is harmful to a rabbit (tobacco smoke is not advisable either). Also, avoid direct sunlight, or placement by heating and cooling vents. It is best if the cage is off the ground to keep it out of drafts. Blocks of wood could be used for this, or a low table, then you could have some space under the cage to store bunny stuff.
Since rabbits can be territorial some do not like being picked up out of their cage. It is good if you can make a way for them to come out on their own when the door is open. We have made a ramp for our rabbit cage so she can go in and out at will. Bunnies love their secure house and want to feel free to come and go just like we do. When they are resting, a large towel or piece of fitted cardboard can be placed over part of the cage to give your bun privacy.
Training your bunny to go into his cage on command is important in case of emergencies (we have tornado warnings where we live) or when unexpected visitors come over with small children. Training with special treats is a good way to accomplish this. If you have to put your rabbit in his cage manually, put him in back end first to prevent him kicking his hind feet.
Make it a habit to always talk to your bunny every time you pass by the rabbit cage/pen area for she is your neighbor and we are to love our neighbor as our self. As often as you can, open that rabbit cage or pen door and pet your precious little friend. And let her play out as much as is possible.
|
|