When it comes to making sure your bunnies have the best accommodation you can offer, the possibilities are endless… It’s time to get creative!
Whether your rabbits live in converted sheds or large enclosures in your gardens, there are a few considerations you need to take for any suitable outdoor bunny accommodation. Make sure you can tick off each of the following requirements to keep your bunnies happy.
Plenty of Space
A hutch was once seen as the traditional space to keep rabbits but now we know this is not enough. At a minimum your rabbits’ living space should allow 3 continuous hops from one side to the other; be tall enough so your rabbits can stand up, and allow your rabbits to stretch out in all directions.
Build separate sleeping areas for each of your rabbits that live together in the same space. Each bunny may need time on their own, so make sure they have the possibility to do this. As prey animals rabbits can get scared easily, create plenty of hiding spaces for your rabbits to go to so they can feel fully secure in their new home.
Give your rabbits plenty of opportunities to exercise during the day by attaching a run or paddock to their living space. However keep these shut throughout the night – it’s important to always supervise your rabbits when they are in these environments to keep them safe.
Good Security
It’s important to prepare your rabbits’ living area so that they will be safe from predators. Place the accommodation on slabs so that foxes cannot dig underneath the living area – as well as making sure your rabbits cannot dig out of it!
Always check that all doors are secure and no predators can get to your pets.
An Ideal Temperature
A shady spot of your garden that is protected from the wind is the best location for your bunny accommodation. Pick an area of your garden that is ideal for avoiding extreme temperatures. Keep their living area out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating, but also consider how easy it would be to keep your rabbits warm throughout the winter.
Keep it Adaptable
For the upcoming cooler weather you will want to make changes to your rabbits’ home so that your bunnies are fully prepared for the winter period. In spring, this same process will occur for warmer weather. Although your rabbits’ homes and their interiors should be sturdy and safe, make sure you give yourself enough space to adapt for the changes in seasons.
Routinely Clean!
Rabbits are very clean animals, so to keep them at their happiest it’s important to implement cleaning their living area into your routine. Clean the whole area once per week and make sure to empty litter areas a lot more frequently.
It’s also important to regularly check the structure of your rabbits’ housing area so you can stay on top of any maintenance issues that need to be fixed.
Tell us in the comments below any other top priorities you should consider when creating outdoor accommodation for your rabbits…