Rabbit Hutches

Buying a hutch for a pet rabbit may be a daunting task. One has to consider so many factors to ensure that the right model will be chosen. If you are in the market for a good quality hutch and are just about to buy one for the first time, here are a few things you must look for.

Rabbits are naturally active animals. They like to dig, burrow, run around, jump, and so on. It is through these activities that they know about the world around them. Unfortunately, as much as they need the exercise, rabbits cannot be allowed to play or forage on their own because they are vulnerable to predators. Thus, they need to be housed in rabbit hutches that have enough room in which they can stretch and move about but still be protected from predators and other elements. As a general rule of thumb, every pound of rabbit requires roughly a square foot of space. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or RSPCA, the minimum hutch size should be 5' x 2' x 2'. Of course, if your rabbits tend to be on the large side, or if you have more than two rabbits, you might want to buy a larger rabbit hutch.

As with anything that is meant to last for a good number of years, check if the rabbit hutch you are buying is made of sturdy materials. At first glance, these hutches might look the same to you, however, upon closer examination, you will find that others cheap plywood materials that are cheaper but may break down easily. On the other hand, hutches that utilise a stronger type of material, such as Redwood shiplap, that has been treated to withstand all elements tend to be pricier but more durable. Especially if you plan to use the hutch outdoors, this is an important consideration that you must remember when shopping for a rabbit hutch.

Another key factor to help you choose a rabbit hutch for your pet is the design. As was mentioned above, rabbits tend to be playful and active. When you get them young, they need proper space where they can develop normally and in a healthy environment. Thus, part of being a responsible pet owner is to provide a space that will allow them to play and move about while, at the same time, offering security even when you are gone or are not watching over your pet. Fortunately, so many hutches that are available right now come in many designs. The popular ones have a special feature- they are elevated from the ground to keep predators away. They also allow feces and urine to fall underneath where a litter box is properly placed. Some double- or triple-decker hutches also feature ramps and steps that allow rabbits some space for exercise and exploration.

The last but certainly not the least consideration is the price. To avoid overspending for your pet, you must also consider your budget on top of all the other factors mentioned above. As you keep looking for the right model, you will find that so many models could actually meet your requirements in terms of both quality and price.