A lot of people choose to get a pet rabbit because they’re so low maintenance. While they don’t take as much time to look after as a dog, you do still need to take care of them, and a big part of that is choosing the right rabbit hutch. Here, we take a look at a few things to keep in mind, from size to where you’ll put it.
They need to be bigger than you’d think
A rabbit hutch looks huge, right up until you see a pair of bunnies try to dash across it. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least 180 by 60cm of uninterrupted floor and enough head-room for a rabbit to stand on tiptoe without brushing the roof.
Add to that a run, either attached or free-standing, so they can stretch properly every day. If the hutch you like doesn’t come with one, treat a run as a non-negotiable extra, not something that you’ll maybe purchase later.
Safety is a must
Foxes, rats and even determined neighbourhood cats will test the timber given half a chance. Sturdy tongue-and-groove panels in treated softwood hold up far longer than thin plywood, but the real line of defence is the wire.
Look for 16-gauge weld-mesh, not chicken wire, because predators can tear straight through the lighter stuff. Doors should shut tight with metal latches; plastic clips that flex in your hand won’t stop a curious fox at two in the morning.
Plan for the weather
British summers can mean your garden is boiling even in a shady corner, but the same spot can turn icy in February. A sloping, felt-covered roof keeps rain out, while good ventilation lets heat escape on still days.
Detachable insulated covers turn the whole structure into a snug burrow when temperatures drop. Some Scratch and Newton hutches come with fitted covers that roll up on warm afternoons and seal shut overnight, so you don’t need separate winter and summer homes.
Cleaning should be easy
You’ll be wiping up every day and doing a deep clean once a week, so wide doors and pull-out trays are more than a luxury. If you need to crawl inside or lift the rabbits out just to sweep, you’ll end up rushing, or putting the job off. Smooth, sealed floors stop urine from soaking into the wood and cut down on the vinegar-and-elbow-grease routine later.
Think about where you’ll put it
A level patio or a pair of paving slabs keeps the hutch off damp soil and prevents predators from digging under. Face the mesh front away from prevailing winds, and towards gentle morning sun when it’s colder. If the only available site is a lawn, invest in a heavy slab under each bedroom corner; rabbits can tunnel fast when the mood takes them.
A good hutch balances space, security, weather protection and ease of cleaning. Get those four right and you’ll spend more time watching happy nose-twitches and less time worrying about draughts, leaks or late-night visitors.
Featured Image by Esi Grünhagen from Pixabay
