Housing
The first thing to decide when housing a rabbit is indoors or out. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Such as inside a rabbit is less likely to catch disease, and the cold is less likely to get to them, while they can chew on skirting boards, furniture and carpets as well as wires. Outside they tend to be able to get more space, it's natural, benefits people with asthma/allergies, though they're more likely to catch disease, the cold in winter and heat stroke in the summer.
Indoor housing tends to be a favourite option amongst most bunny owners, though outside can be just as ideal. When deciding whether your rabbit should be indoors or outdoors you need to think where would they have the most space, and attention (i.e. if you have a small yard, yet have a large spare bedroom, indoors would be more ideal). You also need to seek opinions from all members of the household for the sake of allergies and asthma. Where ever a rabbit is kept just ensure that the area has good ventilation.
In the UK the RSPCA's guide to a rabbits hutch for one single medium rabbit is 5ft x 2ft x 2ft, for two medium rabbits it is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. In general the hutch should follow the 'three hop rule' so the rabbit should be able to hop at least three times from the length of the hutch, and the height should be at least the height of the rabbit standing on their hind legs (a natural behaviour for a rabbit) and the depth should be that of the rabbit laying down. The rabbit/s should also have an attached run they're allowed daily access too to give ample amount of exercise. As well as a 'bunny proofed' enclosure such as a yard, garden, living room etc.
Bunny proofing is really simple. Just hide away all the wire's and important objects they can chew, ensure there are no poisonous plants (check diet page) and that any predators such as cats, fox's etc. can't get to them. NIC storage cubes are great for blocking access to electrical goods or skirting boards. If you're worried about your carpet, you can always cover the rabbits area with a roll of lino, or get a large sheet of fabric. If you're run is outdoors, it's always best to give them some time on patio flooring to help wear down their nails.
Below are some pictures of outdoor housing, all housing are pictures located from a thread on the forum, GoldenBunnies.org.uk. If you want your rabbit housing shown, just let me know and I'll put it up.
Indoor housing tends to be a favourite option amongst most bunny owners, though outside can be just as ideal. When deciding whether your rabbit should be indoors or outdoors you need to think where would they have the most space, and attention (i.e. if you have a small yard, yet have a large spare bedroom, indoors would be more ideal). You also need to seek opinions from all members of the household for the sake of allergies and asthma. Where ever a rabbit is kept just ensure that the area has good ventilation.
In the UK the RSPCA's guide to a rabbits hutch for one single medium rabbit is 5ft x 2ft x 2ft, for two medium rabbits it is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. In general the hutch should follow the 'three hop rule' so the rabbit should be able to hop at least three times from the length of the hutch, and the height should be at least the height of the rabbit standing on their hind legs (a natural behaviour for a rabbit) and the depth should be that of the rabbit laying down. The rabbit/s should also have an attached run they're allowed daily access too to give ample amount of exercise. As well as a 'bunny proofed' enclosure such as a yard, garden, living room etc.
Bunny proofing is really simple. Just hide away all the wire's and important objects they can chew, ensure there are no poisonous plants (check diet page) and that any predators such as cats, fox's etc. can't get to them. NIC storage cubes are great for blocking access to electrical goods or skirting boards. If you're worried about your carpet, you can always cover the rabbits area with a roll of lino, or get a large sheet of fabric. If you're run is outdoors, it's always best to give them some time on patio flooring to help wear down their nails.
Below are some pictures of outdoor housing, all housing are pictures located from a thread on the forum, GoldenBunnies.org.uk. If you want your rabbit housing shown, just let me know and I'll put it up.
Outside
Inside
