3 story 6ft hutch combo with free access to shed.

3 story 6ft hutch combo with free access to aviary style run.

Outdoor rabbit accommodation Rabbit housing shouldn’t be just about hutches. Rabbits need a great deal of space to run and play in. Take a look at the examples below for inspiration on how to make your rabbits world more interesting! A hutch should be minimum 6ft by 3ft by 2ft with same sized run attached.

Remember: A hutch is NOT enough

Shed with fold-away run attached. Sheds can be bought cheaply from DIY stores and customised to fit your rabbits needs. Fold-away runs vary in price,

it pays to shop around!

Sheds can be connected to runs using cat flaps and are ideal for securing your rabbit inside at night.

Foot stools are great for jumping on & hiding under! Adding lino or a piece of carpet to the shed floor is

perfect for added warmth and easier to clean.

NB. It’s a good idea to fit a padlock to your shed for your rabbit’s security. Doors can be forced open by bad weather or thieves.

Shed and aviary style run with connecting tunnel. Runs can be custom made by private companies to fit the space you have available. These runs are the most expensive but the long-lasting and sturdy. Rabbits can be left in aviary runs to

play when you are out. They should never be left unsupervised to roam your garden due to predators.

NB. All runs should have a secure base and top/roof. When a run sits on grass, wire should be dug into the ground to stop foxes.

The mesh that covers the run should be strong, chicken wire is not advised as other animals can break through.

Example of wire dug into the ground to prevent foxes dig-ging in and rabbits escaping! Foxes live even in urban ar-

eas so never underestimate the possible risk.

Handmade run/shed with 2nd floor. Lots of hay and bedding will keep your rabbit snug in Winter.

N.B. Ladders can potentially cause injury to a rabbit, to maximise the safety of your rabbit when using one please make sure: 1. The ladder is suitably sturdy and unlikely to break under your bunny bouncing 2. That the ladder is at least 30cms wide for an averaged sized rabbit 3. There is tread on the ladder to aid with grip 4. You may also want to consider adding sides to the ladder so that bunny cannot slip off either side.

Indoor rabbit accommodation In many ways providing an indoor setup is easier (and cheaper!) than an outdoor one. Large

cages (to be used as a base) with a playpen attached are perfect. Free range rabbits have lots of space 24/7!

A single room can be turned into a bunny paradise with a litter tray, some toys and a pet carrier to hide in!

If you allow your rabbit to roam freely in your home make sure you provide at least one litter tray.

NB. Protect wires and cables by covering them or removing them from reach. Bunnies love to chew!

Having an indoor rabbit allows you to be rather creative with cardboard boxes, you can create your very own rabbit warren!

Indoor cages come in all different styles—don’t be limited by the standard ‘pet shop’ cage with plastic

base. These cages are often too small so be sure to buy the biggest possible and add a 6ft run that is

permanently accessible.

C&C cage (made from storage cubes available on Ebay). These cages can be made to any size and are a great for a base or indoor run. They work by clipping the grid squares

into the plastic connectors. It’s then a good idea to add cable ties to secure.

Another example of a C&C style base. Wood can be added to make a door way.

Dog crates are perfect for a base either for a free range rabbit or attached to a run. Ebay has the cheapest dog

crates, the biggest size being 48 inches.

Dog crate attached to foldaway run.

NB. Remember if you choose to attach a run make sure it is at least 6ft x 4ft—the bigger the better!

Baby pens make great runs/bases too! You can find cheap ones online.

It’s easy to make a play pen more interesting for you rabbit—add hidey holes, tunnels, huts and chew toys!

NB. Some rabbits can easily jump over a play pen/baby pen so make sure they are high enough!

Pet shop cage attached to pen

A very happy bunny with lots of space to relax!

Useful links: Storage Cubes (for C&C housing) www.ebay.co.uk www.guineapigcages.com/forum/rabbits Pet shop cages www.zooplus.co.uk www.equinecaninefeline.com Toys, tunnels & chew toys www.thehayexperts.co.uk

www.rspca-manchesterandsalford.org.uk