Rabbits do best when they have adequate room to hop around. Many hutches do not come with an exercise pen, so you need a special area where your rabbit can run and explore. There are plenty of different options in different sizes and configurations to choose from, but which one is right for you and your rabbit?
Here are the eight best rabbit exercise pens available online right now, followed by a short FAQ and buyer’s guide to help you make the best choice for you and your bunny.
The Frisco Wire Small Pet Playpen with Door is an excellent product that offers you everything you could want from a rabbit exercise pen. It is a paneled design made from durable coated wire. Each panel measures 18 inches wide by 29 inches tall. The system comes with eight individual panels, giving you plenty of room for your rabbit to run around. It is also tall enough to keep your rabbit in. It easily folds up, so you can store it away in your garage when you are not using it.
The Frisco Wire Small Pet Playpen with Door even comes in two colors, white or black, giving you a choice. This pen is rated safe for small animals, including rabbits. This is not the cheapest pen on this list, but it has everything you could possibly want in a rabbit pen giving your rabbit ample room to run around, exercise and explore, and we think it’s the best overall rabbit exercise pen.
The only downside is that this pen is rated for indoor use only. That means that you have to bring it inside when you are done using it (if you want to use it outside.) You can also just use it as an indoor pen which is an option. Leaving this pen outside can lead to rusting and worn patches.
Pros
Ample room for your rabbit
Tall sides keep your bunny safe
Two colors
Durable wire construction
Cons
Only rated for indoor use
2. Frisco Wire Small Pet Exercise Pen – Best Value
When it comes to making a new purchase, many people like getting a great deal. When it comes to value, the Frisco Wire Small Pet Exercise Pen tops the list. This pen has everything you want from an exercise pen for rabbits. It is large, made from durable wire, and it is easy to set up and take down. It has plenty of room for your rabbit to run around. It also has high sides that will keep your rabbit safely contained. The wire and the height make this pen extremely hard to escape from.
It has an easy-to-operate door that you can use to attach it to a hutch or let your rabbit go in and out as it pleases in a larger safe space. It also comes in five sizes: 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 42 inches, and 48 inches. You can buy the pen that fits your rabbit the best. However, the larger pens cost more money than the smaller pens. Still, for the size, construction, and features, this is an amazing value and we think it is the best rabbit exercise pen for the money.
The only downside to this product is the fact that some of the corners can be sharp, which can be dangerous for your rabbit, so be careful and check while you are assembling it.
Pros
Amazing value
Has everything you want from a rabbit exercise pen
Durable construction
Multiple sizes
Cons
Some sharp edges to watch out for
3. Oxbow Enriched Life Small Animal Cage Play Yard – Premium Choice
Most playpens for rabbits are temporary. You have to set them up and take them down. You shouldn’t leave them outside long term, and you have to bring your rabbit in and out to use them. This can all be a hassle. But it doesn’t have to be. The Oxbow Enriched Life Small Animal Cage with Play Yard is a small animal cage perfect for rabbits that includes a hutch and a playpen. You can put your rabbit in its house, and it will have access to a small pen whenever it wants to get out and exercise a bit.
You can set this house up inside, or you can set it up outside (as long as you are comfortable with your rabbit potentially being exposed to predators). This set even includes a water bottle, a ramp, and a platform. The platform and ramp double as a small hide for your rabbit. One of the best parts of this hutch is the fact that you can leave it outside all the time. You do not have to set it up and take it down repeatedly.
This house is pretty small. It won’t be suitable for large rabbits, and even small rabbits might be a little cramped. That is something to keep in mind before buying. If you are worried about the size, you can always buy this as a separate house to put your rabbit outside for a bit.
The LANGXUN DIY Small Animal Playpen is an excellent option for people who like to configure their pens in different shapes. This set comes with 16 panels, and there is also an option where you can get 24 panels. Every panel can be attached together. You can create a large square or a long narrow run. You can even attach the panels to the top to create a roof that can protect your rabbit from predators or the elements. This pen system is affordable enough that those looking to spend some extra money can buy multiple and create a truly large and unique configuration. The mesh is very strong and durable and can hold up to the elements and to strong chewing by bored rabbits.
There are a few things to be aware of. First, there are plastic panels and metal panels. If you want the durable metal option, don’t accidentally buy the plastic ones. This pen also needs to be reinforced with zip ties in order to keep it together. If you don’t reinforce some of the joints, the pen can fall over outside, which can be dangerous.
Pros
Super configurable pen design
Strong metal wire construction
Easy to buy a large number of panels to create a sizable area for your rabbit
Cons
Don’t accidentally buy the plastic version
Needs reinforced to keep it upright and together
5. Tespo Pet Playpen Portable Large Plastic Yard Fence
The Tespo Pet Playpen Portable Large Plastic Yard Fence is a unique take on the outdoor exercise pen for rabbits. This pen is made up of clear plastic panels that allow you to easily see your rabbit as it is happily hopping around. The panels easily fit together and can be reconfigured in a number of different ways. You can make a large square, or you can easily make something more fun, like a maze. At its maximum size, you can get 20 square feet of area which is plenty for most rabbits. If you want to get more space, you can buy a second set and get 40 square feet of space.
It comes with detailed instructions that help you put it together. However, it is not easy to take it apart again, which is something to keep in mind. The plastic panels are also pretty thin. That is fine for rabbits, but they can easily crack if you are not careful.
Pros
Clear plastic allows you to easily see your rabbit
There is always an inherent risk when you bring your rabbit outside. There are predators that would like nothing more than to eat your beloved long-eared pet. Unfortunately, some rabbit owners have learned this lesson the hard way. That is where the Outback Jack Happy Habitat Cat Playpen Tent comes in. This tent protects your pet from predators while they get their outdoor exercise and playtime. This tent provides a full 30 square feet of area that allows your rabbit to explore. It is easy to fold up and take with you. This allows you to bring your rabbit into your backyard or even out on adventures such as camping. The mesh protects your rabbit from other animals that might try to take a swipe at it.
The downside of this tent is the zipper which is cheap and can easily get jammed or snagged. The tent can also get holes or tears if it is caught in the wind or is used around cats. If your tent ends up getting a hole in it, be careful because it can easily get worse or let predators in. Even with the protection, it is unwise to leave your rabbit outdoors unattended.
Pros
Protects your rabbit from predators when they are outside
Easy to set up and take down
30 square feet of area to let your rabbit explore in
Cons
Cheap zipper
Tent can tear
7. Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Exercise Pet Play Pen
For people looking for a large animal pen that can contain an energetic rabbit, look no further. The Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Exercise Pet Play Pen is a great large pen that is tall enough and wide enough to contain any sized rabbit, even the large ones. This pen is easy to set up, requires no tools, and folds up when you are done with it. It comes with anchors to secure the pen into the ground so that it will not fall over or move when your rabbit is playing. This pen is also great for multiple rabbits.
You shouldn’t leave this pen outside in the weather. The connections can rust if they get wet. This pen is also a little pricey compared to some other items on this list, but that is because of its large size and durable construction.
Pros
More than large enough for rabbits of any size
Great for multiple rabbits
Easy to set up and take down, no tools required
Comes with anchors to secure it into the ground
Cons
Can rust if left outside
Pricey
8. Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen
Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen is the perfect small playpen for rabbits that like to spend time outside. This playpen is affordable, easy to set up, and is not too large. It is great for people that do not want something taking up a lot of space in their garage or shed. It is also colorful, which adds some whimsy over the standard black or white pens. These pens are fairly short, so if your rabbit is an escape artist, you might need to get something a little taller.
Prevue Pet Products is committed to pet safety, and they make all of their products with small animals in mind. The wire spacing is 3/8 inches which is narrow enough to keep even the smallest rabbits in.
Some people reported that this pen was smaller than they expected, so don’t expect something huge. Some large rabbits might not have enough room to run around. You can always buy two pens and link them together for more room, but that does add to the cost.
Pros
Small and easy to set up
Colorful design
Strong wire construction
Cons
Smaller than some people expected
Might be too short for large rabbits
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing an Exercise Pen For Your Rabbit
Budget
Rabbit exercise pens can come in a wide range of prices. The most affordable options can be found for around $20, while the more expensive options can be $100 or more. The price of pens can also balloon if you decide to buy two and join them together. Setting a budget will help you filter through the numerous options and find the one that is best for you and your rabbit.
Design
Pens can come in a variety of different designs. Some are circular, some are rectangular, and some are configurable. In many cases, the shape does not matter, but some people have a preference due to storage constraints. There are also design considerations between things like wire panels and solid panels. Some people like the configurable versions that can be linked and arranged in different ways to fit their rabbit’s unique personality.
Image Credit: Mariska van Dasselaar, Shutterstock
Materials
Rabbit pens can come in multiple different types of materials. There are wire pens (which are some of the most common), plastic pens, and metal pens. Wire pens are durable, but they can entice rabbits to chew, and they can become bent. Plastic pens are often affordable, but some construction is not as durable as wire or metal. Metal pens can rust if you leave them outside in the elements, which can reduce their lifespan.
Size
Another important consideration is the size of the pen. Some rabbits like to have an ample amount of room to run around and explore. Some pens are much smaller than others. Good sized pens range from 20 to 40 square feet in area. Other pens are smaller, but still give your rabbit an area to play outside. Be sure to double check the size before you buy so you are not surprised when it comes in. You can also buy multiple pens and join them together to increase the size (and the price) if you want.
FAQ
Do Rabbits Need Exercise?
Rabbits don’t technically need exercise, but they do enjoy it. Many rabbits like to go outside, get fresh air, and eat some fresh grass. Larger rabbits or energetic rabbits might enjoy the exercise more than smaller, more docile rabbits. An outdoor exercise pen for your rabbit is a luxury more than a necessity, but it is something that can add a lot of fun to your and your rabbit’s life.
Rabbits do need a lot of space to move around and explore. If you have a small hutch or a small indoor cage, an outdoor exercise enclosure can give you the extra space you need to make your rabbit happy.
Image Credit: Jaclyn Vernace, Shutterstock
Can You Leave Your Rabbit Alone in the Exercise Pen?
No. You should never leave your rabbit outside unattended. If you do leave your rabbit alone outside, be prepared to accept the risks. Rabbits are prey animals, and many animals would love to eat your rabbit. Most exercise pens have open tops and can leave your rabbit exposed to the elements and predators. You can rig up a top to help protect your rabbit if you are worried about it. Staying close to your rabbit while they are exercising outside will help keep curious predators away.
Conclusion
Rabbits love outdoor time. Every rabbit would enjoy some time out in the sun eating fresh green grass. This list of reviews includes a variety of different types of pens for rabbits of all kinds. Our best overall pick is the Frisco Wire Small Pet Playpen with Door. Our choice for the best value is the Frisco Wire Small Pet Exercise Pen.
There are large pens for large rabbits, tent pens to keep your rabbit safe and give you peace of mind, and small affordable pens for people on a budget. These are eight of the best rabbit exercise pens available on the market right now. All you have to do is figure out which one is best for you and your rabbit.
Featured Image Credit: Jeremiah W Terry, Shutterstock
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe....Read more