Pet care tips and advice for your furry (or scaly) friends • Ethical pet care tips and product recommendations •
Rabbit Enclosure
everything you need for a
Enclosure Checklist
Providing suitable housing is one of the most important aspects of rabbit welfare. Rabbits need enough room to stand fully upright, stretch out comfortably, run, hop, and play throughout the day. Whether kept indoors or outdoors, their environment should prioritise space, safety, and enrichment.
Use the links on the Checklist or keep scrolling to find out more about each item and some product reccomendations!
The Cage
The first thing you will need is a cage. Rabbits require large, spacious housing that allows them to run, hop, stretch out fully, stand upright on their hind legs, and play throughout the day. The minimum enclosure size is:
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3m x 2m x 1m
Indoor rabbits are commonly kept in large exercise pens, dedicated rabbit rooms, or carefully rabbit-proofed areas of the home. Living indoors allows rabbits to interact with their owners more frequently and protects them from harsh weather conditions and predators.
Outdoor rabbits can also thrive when provided with spacious, predator-proof accommodation. Traditional hutches alone are not sufficient as permanent homes and should always be connected to large, secure runs that allow rabbits to exercise freely. Outdoor enclosures should provide shelter from rain, wind, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures throughout the year. Regardless of whether rabbits live indoors or outdoors, they should have separate areas for eating, sleeping, hiding, and toileting. Bonded rabbits should always have enough space to move away from one another if needed while still remaining together.
Below are some appropriate enclosures for a Rabbit.
Flooring
Next you will need flooring.The right flooring helps keep rabbits comfortable, clean, and healthy.
Indoor rabbits often benefit from non-slip rugs, bath mats, fleece blankets, and washable bedding materials that provide traction while protecting their joints.
Outdoor rabbits require soft bedding and plenty of fresh hay for insulation and comfort. Wet bedding should always be removed promptly to maintain a clean environment.
For outdoor guinea pigs, its more common to use bedding. Some safe beddings for guinea pigs include:
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Paper bedding
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Aspen shavings
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straw bedding
Some beddings to avoid would be:
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Pine and Cedar shavings - contain harmful chemicals
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Fluffy bedding (like cotton wool) - can cause choking and blockages
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Sawdust - can cause respiratory issues
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Scented bedding - can cause respiratory issues
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Corn cob bedding - gets moldy quick
Many rabbits can be successfully litter trained, particularly after neutering, making daily cleaning and maintenance much easier for owners. Dust-free, rabbit-safe litter can be used.
Below are some appropriate beddings for a rabbit.
Hides and tunnels
As prey animals, rabbits naturally seek places where they can hide and feel secure. Every rabbit enclosure should include multiple hideouts, tunnels, and sheltered areas where rabbits can retreat when resting or feeling overwhelmed.
Cardboard castles, fabric tunnels, wooden houses, and natural enrichment items all encourage exploration and support natural behaviours. For bonded pairs, providing more than one hiding space helps reduce competition and allows each rabbit to have its own secure area.
Below are some appropriate hides for a rabbit:
Heavy ceramic bowls are often recommended for water, as many rabbits drink more naturally from bowls than bottles. Hay bags and forage stations help keep food clean while encouraging continuous grazing throughout the day.
Fresh hay should always be available and should form the majority of a rabbit's diet. Food and water supplies should be cleaned regularly to maintain good hygiene and prevent contamination.
Click here to find out more about rabbit diets and feeding:
Here are some reccomeneded products for feeding and watering your rabbit:
Food and water
Enrichment and Clutter
Enrichment is vital for keeping rabbits mentally stimulated and physically active. Rabbits are naturally curious animals and require daily opportunities to chew, dig, forage, explore, and interact with their surroundings.
For more information about rabbit enrichment click here:
Some important enrichment items you must have include:
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Chews/toys
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Tunnels
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Free roam time
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Digging and Foraging activities
Litter
Litter training can make rabbit ownership much easier and helps maintain cleanliness within both indoor and outdoor enclosures. Here are some reccomended litter essentials.