Most reputable pet shops
sell good quality hutches ideal for the pet rabbit
in the garden. As rabbits can have a long life span,
make sure you buy one which is sturdy, secure (from
animals trying to get in as well as the rabbit trying
to escape) and waterproof.
There are many different styles of hutch, the best
is probably a free standing hutch which opens at waist
height and is easily accessible for getting the rabbit
in and out. At this height the rabbit can watch what
is happenning and is out of the view of cats, dogs
and foxes which may pass through the garden.
Never stand a hutch directly on the ground as it
will quickly become damp and cold so short legs of
220mm at least are a necessity . Remember that the
hutch needs to be solid and
water proof and should stand seven meters away from
your house. The exact size will depend upon the breed,
but remember the rabbit will need room to stretch
out and to stand up on its back legs should it feel
the urge.
When making the decisions about your hutch,
bear in mind the following:
• Make sure it is out
of any draughts • Make sure the rain
can't blow in • Make sure it is out
of direct sunlight • Never paint the inside
of your hutch with a lead based paint
Most hutches have a sleeping compartment so that the
rabbit can get in and out of the cold and wet. However,
a polythene cover suspended from the roof is advisable
if the hutch is in the front in bad weather. This allows
air to circulate but at the same time stops the bedding
getting wet. It is important that there should be air
circulating freely in the hutch at all times to stop
the build up of bacteria so make sure that the polythene
"hangs" rather than "clings".
If you are buying a second hand hutch - be careful.
Always ask why the hutch is being sold. If the previous
occupant passed away, bacteria can still be present
despite thorough cleaning. If the previous occupant
died of VHD, do NOT buy as no cleaning substances can
kill the dormant stages of this virus. If you put a
baby rabbit in the hutch, it is likely to catch the
virus and die.
Many people often like to have a run for the rabbits
as well and similar rules apply. However, here the
question of security is paramount as rabbits will
dig and, if left unattended in a run, your rabbit
will quickly escape. Have a permanent run which is
sunk into the earth or to have a run with a mesh or
wooden base so that the rabbit cannot dig its way
out. Also make sure with a run that cats and dogs
cannot knock it over to get at the rabbit. Only let
a rabbit free in the garden if you are 100% positive
there is no escape - remember, rabbits can squeeze
through small holes and gnaw them bigger as well as
dig under fences - and you can't stay with it the
entire time, just in case!!
The Bedding your Rabbit will need
Your rabbit's hutch will be its home so make sure
it is really comfortable. For bedding, wood shavings
are ideal as they are clean and absorbent. Sometimes
straw and hay on top of the shavings helps with insulation.
If shavings are difficult to obtain, shredded paper
is an option if used but not on its own, but as a
base layer for straw or hay. (Owners of rabbits with
white paws beware as the newspaper print will turn
them dark grey)
Sawdust is not recommended as the dust can often get
into the eyes and nose and cause irritation. Dusty
or old hay or straw can also cause the same problem
so check it before you buy. (Good hay should always
smell sweet, not musty.) When bedded with hay or straw
the rabbit will probably eat some with its food but
don't worry, this is natural "roughage".
Roll up your sleeves!! Rabbit chores explained
Rabbits should have their bedding changed completely
once a week. Rabbits like to use one or more corners
as a toilet area so you will need to clean corners
out more frequently, perhaps every third day. Also
the hutch should be scrubbed thoroughly with disinfectants
once a month but make sure your rabbit has somewhere
else to go whilst it dries.