Rabbits are becoming increasingly popular pets as they make less noise and can live in small spaces. However, as with all pets, they need necessities to survive one of which is proper housing.

In general, rabbits can live both in indoor and outdoor enclosures depending upon the choice of their owners and the space available.  

If you are planning to keep rabbits or are a beginner rabbit owner this bunny housing guide is for you put together by a small animal veterinarian, so read on.

Rabbit Housing Basics

As a rabbit owner, below are some of the basic guidelines you must follow for your bunnies to stay healthy, active, disease-free, and happy. If any of the following guidelines are not met that may result in health deterioration for your rabbits over time along with behavioral problems.

Temperature

Rabbits are very sensitive to temperature. Most of them can survive low temperatures however, when it comes to high temperatures things don’t go very well for them. Rabbits do not have sweat glands so they can’t cool their body efficiently. 

For outdoor rabbits, the ideal temperature range is between 12° to 21°C (55° to 70°F). For indoor rabbits, 7° to 30°C (40°F to 85°F) is a favorable temperature range. If the temperature stays above 30°C (85°F) for extended periods rabbits can suffer from heat stroke which can be life-threatening for them.

Humidity

Rabbits are vulnerable to various skin issues most of which are caused due to improper humidity in their enclosure. Humidity is a concern for indoor rabbits mostly. The ideal humidity for rabbits is between 55 and 60%.

Space

Outdoor as well as indoor rabbits have specific space requirements which if not met can cause health issues, behavioral problems, fights, competition for resources, and unwanted stress.

A cage that is four times larger than your rabbit should be preferred however, the larger the better. Smaller rabbit breeds require a cage that is 24 inches in width, 24 inches in height, and 36 inches in length. For larger breeds, the ideal cage dimensions will be 36 inches in width, 36 inches in height, and 120 inches in length.

Indoor Housing Vs Outdoor Housing For Bunnies

Rabbits can live perfectly well in both indoor and outdoor housing facilities if provided with basic necessities. However, if weather conditions are not favorable it is advised to keep rabbits indoors

When keeping rabbits indoors ensure they have a well-ventilated enclosure with optimum temperature, humidity, and space.

If you intend to keep your rabbits outdoors make sure they have a well-fenced area protected from predators such as coyotes. You can provide an outdoor hutch to your rabbits but make sure they are protected from the afternoon sun as they can overheat.

Outdoor hutches should be lifted several feet off the ground. Gauge wire is used to cover the sides, roof, and bottom of the rabbit hutch. Ideally, 7 inches of slanted edge should be extended from the sides of the roof to protect rabbits from rain.

Rabbit Cage Cleaning

Through cage or hutch cleaning is required once a week, however, you should do daily spot cleaning of your rabbit enclosure. Spot cleaning involves removing uneaten food, cleaning litter trays, and removing solid particles from the bedding.

 When doing thorough cleaning once a week don’t forget to wash and clean the water and food containers, litter trays, fomites, toys, and other accessories with antibacterial agents. 

Best Bedding For Rabbits

Rabbits prefer soft bedding that keeps them warm, cozy, and comfortable, and the following are some of the options.

• Soft straw
• Wood shavings
• Wooden cat litter pellets
• Pulped paper
• Shredded paper
• Paper pellets
• Newspaper

Remember to avoid sawdust and clay-based clumping litters as they can cause health complications for rabbits