How to Create The Perfect Home For Your RabbitHappy, hoppy homes!

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 food and 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. 

---

NUTRITIOUS FOOD FOR HEALTHY, HAPPY RABBITS – 92% OF UK VETS RECOMMEND OUR BURGESS EXCEL SMALL PETS RANGE!

Rabbits are herbivores and need a plant-based diet with lots of fibre to keep their digestive system healthy. Along with their rabbit nuggets and a few healthy treats make sure your rabbits have unlimited access to good quality, dust extracted feeding hay and fresh grass (but not grass cuttings) to graze on.

Check out our tasty nugget varieties specially created for junior and dwarf rabbits, indoor bunnies, golden oldies, adult rabbits – there’s even a light recipe for buns who are watching their weight!

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 likeminded owners – and there are lots of cute bunny photos and videos! Also join us on Instagram.

---

If you found this interesting, you may also like:

HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOUR RABBITS NEED? If you have a couple, a throuple or even a band of well-bonded bunnies, you’ll know just how much they love hanging out together. However, even the best bunny pals need their own space.

HOW TO HELP YOUR BUNNIES GET ALL THE EXERCISE THEY NEED To encourage your bunny chums to like to move it, move it, create an exciting space where they can hop, run, jump, explore and forage.

DO YOUR SMALL PETS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ROAM? Find out why giving small furries the chance to scamper about in a safe, enriching space is essential to their health and wellbeing.

21 AMAZING RABBIT FACTS FOR BUNNY FANATICS Even if you’re a lifelong bunny lover, there are a few things you may not know about your hay-chomping chums.

SMALL FURRIES NEED A SECOND CHANCE TOO As well as taking on a rescue dog or adopting a cat from an animal sanctuary, did you know that there are lots of small furries in rescue centres around the country that are looking for loving homes?

WHAT PUTS YOUR SMALL PETS IN A GOOD MOOD?  Along with socialising with their same species companion and interacting with their favourite human, our survey reveals the best thing you can to do to give your small furries a happiness boost…

LITTER TRAINING YOUR RABBITS  Whether your buns live indoors or out, litter training has lots of benefits – both for them and you!

HOW DO YOU GROOM RABBITS? Keeping clean and neat is very important to rabbits and, just like cats, buns spend a huge amount of time grooming themselves. They also need a little help from us.

WHICH POPULAR RABBIT BREEDS HAVE THE MOST HEALTH ISSUES?  ‘Cute’ bunny breeds such as the Lionhead rabbit, the Netherland Dwarf rabbit and the Mini Lop, are at risk from long-term health problems.

INDOOR GUINEA PIGS AND HOUSE BUNNIES Once traditionally always housed outdoors, many people enjoy keeping their guinea pigs or rabbits as indoor pets – and there are all sorts of reasons why.

BONDING WITH YOUR BUNNY CHUMS Whether your buns are already part of the family, or you’ve just welcomed some new rabbits into your family, find out how to deepen your connection with your nose-twitching pals.

WHAT’S IN SEASON? HOW TO CHOOSE SAFE FRESH FOOD FOR YOUR SMALL PETS Select safe fruits, vegetables and leafy greens for your small pets to nibble on – you could even forage for some tasty titbits or grow your own!

RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS – IS INDOORS OR OUTDOORS BEST? Is the outdoor life better for bunnies and guinea pigs, or will these small pets have a more enriching time if they’re kept indoors?

GAMES TO PLAY WITH YOUR RABBITS Bunnies are smart and active creatures who like lots of things to do and games to play – particularly if there are some tasty rabbit treats involved. We’ve some fun ideas to add interest and excitement to your buns’ day.

BUNNY TALK Rabbits have a complex language all of their own. By learning to understand their body postures, behaviours and vocalisations, you’ll uncover their individual personalities.

HOW TO BE A GOLD-STAR INDOOR BUNNY OWNER Indoor rabbits make fabulous house pets, as long as you provide these smart and sociable animals with everything they need.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR GUINEAS AND BUNNIES FROM PESKY PARASITES When it comes to protecting our small pets from mites, fleas, flies, ticks and mosquitoes, a four-pronged attack is the best approach.

FINDING A VET FOR YOUR SMALL PETS Did you know that just like hospital specialists, vets have different areas of expertise? That’s why, if you have small pets, it can be a good idea to seek out a vet that specialises in small animal medicine.

PET INSURANCE EXPLAINED Can you get pet insurance for pre-existing conditions? Can you get pet insurance for older pets? Can you get multi-pet cover? We answer some of the most commonly asked questions to help you make an informed decision.