In this piece, I’m going to discuss the subject “Is It Cruel To Keep Rabbits In A Hutch?,” and I’m going to do my best to include as much relevant information as I can.
Generally speaking – No, keeping a rabbit in a cage is not cruel But it depends on the cage. In fact, it is usually the opposite. It is cruel to leave our pet rabbit outdoors in an
open space
, unsupervised and at risk of being injured or attacked by predators.
Do rabbits need a
rabbit run
?
Rabbits need to run, jump, stretch up, dig and forage – it’s cruel to keep a rabbit alone and in a hutch.
Rabbit Need: How big of a run does a rabbit need
The
minimum requirement
of space for your pet rabbit is 12
square feet
(or 1.1 square meters). Rabbits need space to run around, hop, dig besides space for food and water. Having said that, these dimensions are the basic requirements.
Can a rabbit live in a run?
Rabbit:
A large run or other space for them to live in should be attached to their hutch or enclosure so they can hop about whenever they like The total area available to them should be a minimum of 10 x 6 x 3 ft (3 x 2 x 1 m), made up of a hutch at least 6ft x 2ft (2m x 1m) and an attached run or enclosure.
Is it cruel to keep a rabbit outside?
Rabbit:
Rabbits can thrive both inside and out – as long as they live in a warm, comfortable hutch, sleep in
good bedding
and have a cosy companion to snuggle up to.
Do rabbits get cold at night?
Rabbits:
Rabbits are cold weather animals They’re highly
temperature resistant
, and can handle temperatures down to almost 30 o F (-2 o C). With a well-insulated hutch, they’ll be fine even in near-freezing conditions. You can always check by measuring their temperature – which should be between 101-103 o F (38-39.5 o C).
Free Roam: How much free roam do rabbits need
Begin with short increments and slowly increase their alone time. A full, eight-hour workday is not a
safe option
for your kiddo’s first time home alone. Instead, start with shorter trips away. If your bunny remains well-behaved after several hour-long absences, lengthen their next several times alone to 2 or 3 hours.
Rabbit Runs: Do rabbit Runs need a roof
All runs should have a solid secure roof Remember YOU need to be able to get into the run and move around to catch rabbits, so don’t forget that! We recommend having human-sized walk in gates for easy access.
How many hours a day should a rabbit be out of its cage?
Rabbit:
To keep your rabbit happy and healthy, let it out of its cage at least once a day, giving it time to roam. Though at least one hour is necessary, aim closer to three or four As a rule, never keep your rabbit cooped up for 24 hours at a time.
Ft Hutch Big: Is a 4ft hutch big enough for 2 rabbits
How Big Should a Hutch Be for Two Rabbits? We recommend a minimum of at least 1.1 square meters (12 square feet) of space per rabbit.
How much attention do rabbits need a day?
Rabbits:
It’s best to spend about an hour each day with your rabbit. On average, early morning is the best time to play with a rabbit, as it will be the most active. After that, the evening will be a prime opportunity for petting and cuddling. Younger rabbits may need your undivided attention as they have more energy.
Do rabbits need a house in their cage?
Rabbits:
The placement of the cage is also very important. Pet rabbits are HOUSE PETS, and their cage should be placed in your home, not in the yard, garage or shed Yes, rabbits are messy animals, and their areas require frequent cleaning, but they are also social animals and whither when kept isolated from their family.
Can rabbits be left alone for 8 hours?
Rabbits:
Rabbits are not particularly independent, so they can’t be left on their own for more than two days However, if it’s just a weekend or a working day, we can make sure they get everything they need, so we can spend time away from home without worrying too much about their health.
Can rabbits go in the run in winter?
Rabbits:
Can pet rabbits live outside in winter? Yes, they can Rabbits have adaptations that help them survive the cold, such as thick fur coats and fur pads on their feet.
Rabbit Hutch: Should a rabbit hutch be on grass or concrete
Rabbits with enclosures on concrete, slabs or decking (or in grass runs with a
wire mesh skirt
around the perimeter) will not be able to dig out, making them more secure.
Rabbits Happier: Are rabbits happier inside or outside
Indoor rabbits will benefit from time outside so they can get some fresh air and enjoy some fresh grass. However, the sudden change in temperature when going from a warm house to a cold garden can come as a big surprise for them.
Rabbit Hutch: Should I cover my rabbit hutch at night
In the daytime, keep the front of the hutch uncovered for ventilation purposes. It is fine to cover more of the hutch during the night but you should still leave a small area open for ventilation Add extra bedding for your bunny to snuggle into. This can be lined underneath with newspaper for increased insulation.
Can I take my bunny for a walk?
Bunny:
You can also purchase a harness (or walking jacket) and a leash to “walk” your bunny Basically, “walking” a rabbit means you follow your bun wherever he/she hops. Your rabbit may not like wearing the harness, however, and may try very hard to remove it.
What should rabbits sleep on?
Rabbits:
The best bedding for rabbits can help to keep your pet healthy for longer. A rabbit’s bedding must keep them safe, comfortable, and warm. Rabbits often eat their bedding, so it cannot be toxic. Shredded paper, Aspen shreds, specialist litter or pellets, and hay are all safe options.
Rabbit Hutches: Why are rabbit hutches off the ground
The hutch should be raised off the ground on legs to repel predators and prevent the base becoming sodden wet The roof should be sloping to allow rain run off and covered with roofing felt to keep the hutch watertight.
Can rabbits live outside all year round?
Rabbits:
Rabbits can be kept outdoors all year round but ideally their resting area should be brought into a shed or unused garage with
natural light
and ventilation for the winter months or else protected with tarpaulin from bad weather. Also, an exercise run should always be available.
Will rabbits dig out of a run?
Rabbits:
They will dig and they can dig quickly Mine are out in a run attached to the hutch but I’ve dug down under the turf and layed wire. However I didn’t think to bring the wire up verticaly at the sides and of course they escaped.
Rabbit Run: How high should my
rabbit run
be
Daily Rabbit Exercise Again the exercise run should be a minimum of 2 foot 6 inches tall and be as large as possible to allow your bunny freedom to move around.
How much space does 2 rabbits need?
Rabbits:
One to two medium sized rabbits will need a cage/hutch space of at least 12 square feet, combined with a run of at least 27
square feet
The front of the hutch should be long enough for two rabbits to lie down end-to-end.
Rabbits Feet: Do wire cages hurt rabbits feet
Wire Bottom Cages are known to cause sore hocks & calluses , however, rabbits kept outside that have a solid bottom cage are prone to having worm and other parasite issues.
Rabbit Cage: What do you put in bottom of rabbit cage
But if your cage or enclosure has a wire or plastic floor, then you’ll need to take measures to protect your bunnies’ feet. Cardboard, hay, and paper make excellent flooring for a cage or hutch. You probably already have some in your home right now. Wood bedding, marmoleum, and fleece work well, too.
How do you keep rabbits outside in the winter?
Rabbits:
Move your outdoor rabbit hutch to a sheltered area of the garden, facing away from the prevailing wind and rain During the day, cover the roof of the run with a clear cover that will prevent your rabbits getting wet and damp, while still letting the light in.
Free Range: Can rabbits be free range
A free-range life works really well for us, but not every rabbit can be left out without supervision, even in a rabbit-proof house or room Some rabbits need a (big!) cage/fenced area for their own safety. You might find that you can trust your rabbit in one room, but not another.
Do rabbits need to be on grass?
Rabbits:
Bunnies dont need grass as long as you provide them with the right food If you are wondering if it’s OK to keep a pet bunny without access to a grassy area then the answer is yes they can live perfectly happily as long as you provide them with the right foods.
What animal kills rabbits at night?
Rabbits:
Raccoons and badgers , which are nocturnal and hunt at night. Birds of prey, such as hawks, falcons, kestrels, and owls.
Do rabbits get cold in the rain?
Rabbits:
Rabbits are at risk of hypothermia during cold, rainy conditions Rabbits get cold quickly and it takes them a long time to dry themselves. Stress caused by hypothermia also makes rabbits likely to injure themselves. The rabbit may fight to free itself to find a warm shelter.
Do rabbits need light at night?
Rabbits:
Rabbits do not need a nightlight Patterns of
natural light
and darkness are very important to your rabbit’s overall health and habits so it’s best not to introduce artificial light at night whenever possible. However, If natural light is unavailable, A dim night may be comforting and will not harm your rabbit.
How can I tell if my rabbit is cold?
Rabbit:
Symptoms include shivering (although this will suddenly stop when their temperature reaches dangerously low levels), pale lips and gums, low energy and a loss of coordination Hypothermia is an emergency, so if you spot any of these symptoms, bring them into the warm and contact your vet immediately.
Do rabbits get periods?
Periods:
Rabbits do not menstruate If unspayed females start passing blood, they can bleed to death within a few days. Blood in the urine can also be a sign of bladder stones. If a bunny is not feeling well, or if it is obese and has soft poop, then it will not groom itself well in its genital and tail region.
How do I stop my rabbit pooping everywhere?
Rabbit:
The best way to prevent your rabbit from pooping everywhere is to get them spayed or neutered This will reduce the territorial instincts that cause the rabbit to scatter their droppings. You should also make sure they have a welcoming and easy-to-reach litter box available at all times.
Can I let my bunny run around outside?
Bunny:
Make sure to place the run out of direct sunlight, especially in the summer months A rabbit run is an outdoor environment that has four walls, with a top and bottom. The bottom will stop your bunnies digging their way out and the top will provide shade and protect them from airborne predators.
What if I Cannot free roam my rabbit?
Rabbit:
If you can’t free-roam your companion, you’ll also want to be extra sure that their enclosure is a suitable environment for rabbits This means making sure the enclosure is large enough for your rabbit. You’ll also need to give them fun toys and hiding houses for your rabbit to play in.
Rabbit Hutches: Can foxes dig under rabbit hutches
Prevent Digging Foxes are sneaky enough to tunnel underneath your rabbit’s hutch So if your bunny is situated in a hutch or run that uses the grass as it’s flooring a fox will have no trouble burrowing in.
Best Flooring: What’s the best flooring for a rabbit hutch
Linoleum/Tile Linoleum and tile are common choices for house rabbits. They can be fixed to the ground, making them perfect for exercise pens and floor level cages. They can also be placed in cage pans.
Do rabbits need a run?
Rabbits:
Rabbits need to run, jump, stretch up, dig and forage – it’s cruel to keep a rabbit alone and in a hutch.
Do rabbits remember their owners?
Rabbits:
This means that yes, rabbits remember their owners If rehomed, a rabbit may be confused and disoriented by new owners for a while. As rabbits enjoy routine, a rehomed rabbit will also miss a former owner. The expressions and reactions of a previous human will be comforting.
How often should you change bedding for rabbits?
Bedding:
Hay bedding in a rabbit’s living space should be changed once a week if the rabbit uses a litter box If a rabbit doesn’t use a little box, this hay will need to be changed once every 2-3 days. Additional hay should be added at least once daily as rabbits will likely consume this hay for food. Don’t worry.
Is it cruel to keep a rabbit outside?
Rabbit:
Rabbits can thrive both inside and out – as long as they live in a warm, comfortable hutch, sleep in good bedding and have a cosy companion to snuggle up to.
How long should rabbits be in their run?
Rabbits:
As a general rule, your rabbit should be spending as much time as possible during the day in a large, secure outdoor run. At a minimum, this should be three hours, but the more the better ! Remember to make sure your rabbits’ outdoor run is safe from predators, safe from escape attempts and has shade on sunny days.
Do rabbits get cold at night?
Rabbits:
Rabbits are cold weather animals They’re highly temperature resistant, and can handle temperatures down to almost 30 o F (-2 o C). With a well-insulated hutch, they’ll be fine even in near-freezing conditions. You can always check by measuring their temperature – which should be between 101-103 o F (38-39.5 o C).
References
https://www.chewy.com/b/hutches-10888
https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/blog/rabbit-hutches-inside-or-outside/