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How To Choose The Best Housing Setup

As a bunny owner, it is your responsibility to choose a proper setup for your bunny(s). Whether this means free-roaming your bunny or providing it with a spacious hutch, you should always do your research and take the time to think about what would work best for you and your bunny. Bunnies are intelligent and like cats, they are able to be litter trained. Many people house their bunnies in small cages, not because they are trying to do the wrong thing, but purely because they have not taken the time to research and do not realize how much space a bunny requires to be happy. I have made this page to help you decide what housing setup best meets your bunny’s needs.

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 Free-Roaming your Bunny

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Free-roaming your bunny throughout your home is the best option when choosing a housing setup for your bunny. Understandably, some people are unable to free-roam their bunny(s) throughout the whole house. In this case, perhaps consider letting your bunny free-roam in a single room, this will still provide plenty of space for your bunny to live happily. Bunnies are much like dogs and cats, they need lots of room to run and play. If your housing arrangements allow and you feel it is a safe option, please consider free-roaming your bunny!

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Here are some things to consider before free-roaming your bunny:

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  • If you gave other pets (such as dogs, cats, ferrets, etc.), make sure your bunny is safe.

  • If you have an active/busy family and doors are left open, your bunny could escape.

  • You need to "bunny proof" your house before letting your bunny free-roam. Rabbits have a natural tendency to chew things (including electrical cords). Make sure the chance of your bunny damaging anything or hurting itself is minimized

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 X-pen Style Setup

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An x-pen style setup is a great alternate for free-roaming your bunny. If you have other pets and/or don’t think it is safe to free-roam your bunny, you may want to look into an x-pen style setup. X-pens are fairly inexpensive and are a great way to provide your bunny with enough space while keeping them in a more secure housing arrangement than free-roaming!

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Housing Your Bunny In a Hutch 

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Housing your bunny in a hutch or cage should be the last resort when choosing a proper setup. Although some rabbit hutches are an appropriate amount of space for your bunny, many are too small for a bunny to happily live in. If you choose to house your bunny in a cage or hutch, keep in mind, your bunny will be happiest if it is let out to play in a bigger space for a minimum of two hours a day. Do not house your bunny in a wire-bottomed cage, it can hurt the pads on their feet and most wire cages are too small! 

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How To Set up Your Bunny's Home

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 First, you will need to have some kind of padding covering most of the floor, you could use fleece, towels, carpet, mats, etc. Bunnies can get sore hocks from living on hard floors. Then you will need to decide where to put the litter box. I usually put it in the corner/place that they seem to be using as a bathroom. If you want more info on how to litter train your bunny click HERE. Then you will need to place the hay feeder, water bowl/bottle, food bowl, and other toys in a way in which all are easy to access. Then a hideout would be a nice way to give your bunny a place to hide if frightened. Any other accessories can be placed as desired. 

Inside VS. Outside 

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Should your bunny live inside or outside? I feel that an indoor bunny, if possible, is the best option. Along with plenty of play-time outdoors in an x-pen.

 

Here are some Pros & Cons for housing your bunny inside.

 

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Pros

  • May get more attention living inside around everyone

  • Less exposed to disease 

  • Safe from predators 

  • In a temperature-controlled space

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Cons

  • It May get smelly if not kept clean

  • unfixed bunny may spray/pee everywhere 

  • Rabbits have a natural instinct to burrow, chew, and explore, thus may damage furniture, carpets, etc.​

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                         Pros & Cons for housing your bunny outside.

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Pros:

  • Less Smelly 

  • living with someone with allergies bunny can be kept outside

  • Not having enough space inside for a proper rabbit room 

  • Or having a landlord with a no indoor pet policy

 

Cons:

  • More at risk to disease 

  • More at risk to predators

  • May not get as much attention as indoor bunny

  • Exposed to harsh elements and extreme temperatures

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