Rabbits are the fourth most popular pet in America today, ranking behind dogs, cats, and fish in that order. Despite their popularity, many rabbit owners don’t know how to care for their pets properly, and many rabbits are abandoned by their owners once they cannot care for them. So, if you’re thinking about getting a rabbit, keep reading; below, we’ll tell you all about the space requirements for a rabbit and what to include in a bunny house. In general, rabbit needs at least 12 sq ft to live and at least 32 sq ft to exercise.
How Much Space Does a Rabbit Need?
A rabbit needs a minimum of 12 square feet in its living space for it to be able to sleep, eat, and use the bathroom. They also need an exercise run for them to run and play in; a rabbit’s exercise run should be about 32 sq ft. It’s vital to mention that bigger is always better for your rabbit’s pen and exercise run. If you have two rabbits, you’ll need an enclosure and run that is twice as large.
Your rabbit should be able to hop at least three times in each direction without hitting a wall, and it should be able to stand up on its hind legs without its ears touching the ceiling. If you can’t provide a rabbit with this much space, you should reconsider adopting one until you can.
What Happens When a Rabbit Doesn’t Have Enough Space?
When a rabbit doesn’t have the necessary space, it can grow irritable and bored. They can even become depressed, and they might stop eating. Due to their boredom, they can become aggressive and start lashing out at people. They may attempt to rip up the floor of their pen or urinate on objects and people. Because a cramped space can affect their health and emotions, a spacious hutch is crucial.
The 4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Home for Your Rabbit
Whether you decide to keep your furry pals inside or let them enjoy the fresh air outdoors, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re building or purchasing a prebuilt rabbit hutch.
1. Size Will be Determined by the Number of Rabbits
It’s important to note that the size of the hutch you get should be determined by the number of rabbits you intend to keep.
2. Always Go Bigger
Although a 12-foot hutch is suitable for a single rabbit, it’s best to use an enclosure as large as your space permits. Rabbits are happier and healthier when they have more room, and if you build a larger hutch, you can keep more than one rabbit.
3. Build to Accommodate Adult Sized Rabbits
While your rabbit may be a tiny little pet right now, remember that the rabbit is going to grow into a full-grown adult. If you don’t want to buy another cage in a few weeks, find one that will accommodate a full-grown adult rabbit. Rabbits grow pretty fast and get quite large.
4. Relax and Sleep
Your floppy-eared friend is considered prey in the wild, so they retain the instincts to hide when they sleep or relax. If your rabbit has no confined space, it could get sick and not sleep at all. A rabbit hutch must be large enough for the animal to hide when it wants to sleep. When rabbits cannot burrow and hide, they get irritable and unhealthy.
Features to Include in Your Bunny House
Remember, your main goal is for your rabbit to be comfortable, cozy, and safe in the home you build or purchase. Here are a few of the features of an ideal rabbit hutch:
Conclusion
If you’re going to keep rabbits as pets, it’s essential that you give them not only enough space to roam but also enough space to sleep, eat, and feel safe. You’ll want to build your cage to accommodate a full-sized rabbit, as they grow quickly and don’t stay babies for long. Ensure the cage is predator-proof by using a good lock and elevating the hutch. Rabbits are fun pets to have. However, you need to ensure that you have what they need to thrive, and a well-built, roomy rabbit house is vital to their survival and happiness.
Featured Image Credit: Klimek Pavol, Shutterstock
