How to Create The Perfect Home For Your Rabbit

Keeping your beloved bunny happy and healthy should be at the top of your priorities as an animal owner. Your rabbit’s habitat can have a huge impact on their health and wellbeing, so the better their living space, the happier they’ll be!

But what do rabbits need in their cage? In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what your furry friends need to thrive in an environment that is safe, comfortable, and livable. We’ll hear from experts and ensure you have all the right components of a cosy rabbit hutch. 

Be sure to stock up on plenty of Burgess Excel rabbit foodand rabbit hay before we begin! 

Why is the right rabbit habitat important? 

Providing the correct rabbit habitat for indoor and outdoor rabbits is a crucial part of being a pet owner, backed up by the charity PDSA. According to the PDSA’s PAW Report, the UK’s largest annual assessment of pets’ wellbeing,  it was revealed that rabbits have: 

Inadequate housing - Almost a quarter of all pet rabbits (22%), which equates to 180,000 rabbits, continue to have inadequate housing, with small hutches and minimal or no run space the most likely environment. Whilst still too high, this figure has improved from 2017 (35%).

Restriction of movement - Although rabbits should have permanent access to all areas of their accommodation, enabling them to perform natural behaviours at all times, just 66% of rabbits are able to move freely between their hutch and run. 23% have to be let in or out by their owner, and 9% have to be physically moved from one area to the other by their owner.

Lack of choice - Rabbits kept in inadequate enclosures are less likely to be able to move between the hutch and run as they choose (33%), compared to those in adequate housing (76%).

Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS, deputy managing director and In-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, says: 

“The data from the latest PAW Report shows that, despite a reduction in the number of rabbits being kept in inadequate housing, there’s still work to be done to ensure that owners provide their rabbits with the correct housing, helping to ensure these wonderful creatures can live the happy lives they deserve.”

It’s often a common misconception that rabbits are easy to care for and don’t need much to keep them happy. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! Learn how to care for your bunny for life, not just for Easter. 

What do rabbits need in their cage? 

So, what is the ideal rabbit setup? We know that they need a large enough space to roam and run around, but what other important components make up the perfect pet rabbit habitat? Well, rabbits can live both indoors and outdoors, but sometimes a hutch just isn’t enough. Your bunny’s home should consist of: 

1. A sturdy shelter - This can be anything from a hutch, a shed, a Wendy house, or a room indoors. It needs to be large enough for your rabbit to sprint and fully stretch out without their ears reaching the top. It also needs to be waterproof and raised from the ground to keep them dry on rainy days. In winter, it might be wise to move your rabbits indoors. 

2. A large exercise area - Either a run, a secure area in your garden, or space in your home. It must be accessible at all times, and in a space that’s free from anything dangerous like wires, houseplants, or cleaning products. 

3. Plenty of outdoor space - All bunnies (even indoor bunnies!) need regular access to the outdoors so that they get enough daylight and vitamin D. It’s ideal if the space has access to exposed soil, grass, and, of course, shade to keep them cool on sunnier days. 

4. A companion - Rabbits are incredibly sociable animals that shouldn’t be left alone. It’s incredibly important that they have the company of at least one other rabbit to prevent them from feeling bored or lonely. It’s recommended that rabbits be kept in pairs or groups so that they’re kept happy and sociable! 

5. Dry, clean bedding - Like any small animal, rabbits need comfortable and clean rabbit bedding at all times. Dirty and soiled bedding can attract flies, bacteria, and fungi, which can lead to some pretty nasty infections. Rabbits are also fastidious groomers and dislike being dirty! 

6. The correct amount of food and hay - And of course, rabbits need food and water daily in order to feel their happiest and healthiest selves. Did you know that 85%-90% of your rabbit's diet should consist of high-quality feeding hay? In particular, our Burgess Excel hay bundles are just the thing, including delicious and nutritious recipes containing all the essential nutrients your rabbit needs. Discover more about what food rabbits can eat by reading our handy guide! 

Rabbit housing top tips

Did you know that energetic, agile rabbits are made to move, reaching speeds of up to 35 mph? That’s why our pet rabbits need lots and lots of space – being cooped up in a traditional hutch just doesn’t cut it when it comes to providing a suitable place to live. Here are some other things to consider: 

• A converted garden shed can provide ideal bunny housing. You can line it with plywood and add a range of shelves with steps, along with designated sleeping, eating and toileting areas to make the most of the available space. This will give your buns lots of different areas to hang out in. Indoor rabbits need a large indoor pen or a ‘rabbit-proofed’ room in your home.

• Pet buns also need access to outside space. However, letting them out for a run around the garden when it suits you may not match your rabbits’ body clocks and instincts.

• Bunnies are crepuscular, which means they like to be out and about in the fresh air in the early morning and early evening. The best way to enable your pet buns to come and go as they please is to have an exercise run permanently attached to their main accommodation.

How often should you clean your rabbits out? 

It’s all well and good creating the ideal environment for your rabbit, but what about when it starts to get dirty? Good housekeeping for your small pets is essential, especially when it comes to keeping your rabbit clean and free from diseases. Your rabbit's habitat should be checked daily, and deep-cleaned once a week. 

A deeper clean will require much more time and attention, and you should take everything out and scrub it with a pet safe cleaner. Make sure that everything is completely dry before replacing their bedding. You can also top up on any rabbit treats and replace toys whilst you’re at it!  

Create a happy, hoppy home with the help of Burgess Pet Care 

And there you have it… Everything you need to know about creating the perfect rabbit habitat. Your rabbits deserve a cosy, comfortable home, one where they can hop around freely and nibble on their favourite snacks. 

Here at Burgess Pet Care, it’s our strong family values and traditions that make us truly care about your small animals. Whether you’re looking for new guinea pig food or kitten food,  we’ve got high-quality products that you can rely on. 

If you’re an animal lover and want to keep up to date with our latest news, expert opinions, and advice, check out our pet care guides! Or, get in touch directly with our friendly team. 

LET’S GET SOCIAL! Sign up to the Excel Bunny Base – a safe Facebook community for rabbit guardians that are looking for advice and friendly discussions from like minded owners – and there are lots of cute bunny photos and videos! Also join us on Instagram.