When you take on a rabbit, one of the first things that you will think about is where you will house your pet. While some people like to keep their bunnies in the house in a cage, giving them free roam of the house during the day, others prefer to set up a rabbit hutch in the garden. If you opt for the latter, it is vital that the hutch is secure and comfortable for your pet so you may be wondering how high should a rabbit hutch be off the ground?
Rabbit hutches should be raised off the ground to avoid them suffering rising damp and becoming wet and rotten. As a minimum, hutches should be 30cm/approx 1ft off the ground. Raising them even higher, up to around 3ft will stop some predators peering in.
The height of the rabbit hutch is just one of the many considerations you should make when building a home for your pet. Rabbits are active animals that need a lot of space and exercise and they should never be exclusively kept in the hutch.
Should A Rabbit Hutch Be Off The Ground?
The reason that a rabbit hutch should be kept off the ground is to avoid attacks from predators. Rabbits are prey animals and as such, like to hide out in the wild. When they are kept as domestic pets, they may be much more secure but they do need to be kept safe from potential predators.
Depending on where you live and the local wildlife, these threats could be anything from coyotes to snakes, foxes to cats. If the hutch is raised above ground level, the potential of having to climb may be enough to deter some animals and others simply won’t be able to reach. This will also prevent your rabbit from having to see predators because even the sight of them can be enough to terrify a rabbit to death.
In addition to avoiding an attack, keeping the hutch off the ground will prevent it from becoming sodden at the bottom. Since hutches are typically made from wood, this can cause rot and will ultimately damage the material beyond repair. What’s more, problems with damp can be detrimental to your rabbit’s health.
With this in mind, you will still need to make sure that the hutch isn’t placed too high off the ground that it is not practical. You will need to be able to comfortably access the hutch to remove your rabbits, clean, and replace food. Furthermore, many people build an attached enclosure for exercise during the day. To access this, steps or ramps are used and if the hutch is too high, this can be very difficult to achieve.
How To Create A Comfortable Rabbit Hutch
If left for long periods of time in their hutches, rabbits can become bored and start behaving in unwanted ways. These are very active animals that need a lot of exercise. They should be allowed out of their hutch for at least three to four hours each day but many owners let them out all day, putting them back only at night.
But even when the rabbits are inside the hutch, it is vital that they have enough space to move around and if you are keeping two bunnie together, you will need to double the dimensions. A rabbit should be able to comfortably stand on its hind legs in the hutch without the head touching the ceiling. Furthermore, there should be enough space for the bunny to stretch out and lie down.
Moreover, while the hutch doesn’t serve as a space to exercise, it will need to be large enough that the rabbit can take three hops in any direction. As a general rule, the hutch should measure at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft.
Additionally, you will need to think about securing the hutch and one of the best ways to protect from the elements is to include a sloping roof that rain can run off. The roof should also be fitted with waterproof material such as felt to prevent moisture soaking into the wood.
You will need to secure the hutch with a lock; most bunny owners find that a bolt-style closure works best, however, you can choose anything that works for you. Furthermore, you will need to make sure that any openings are fully secured using wire or mesh. This will allow for good airflow but will be difficult for a predator to break through.
Rabbit Hutch Maintenance
Once you have built your rabbit’s hutch, there is the matter of keeping it secure and clean. Rabbits are very hygienic animals who do not like to live in squalid conditions. It is, therefore, very important to stay on top of cleaning the hutch, emptying it weekly and refreshing the bedding. Rabbits will typically toilet in the same place and soiled litter or bedding should be removed daily.
At the end of fall each year, it can be a good idea to paint the hutch with a waterproofing agent. Most people will opt for creosote but you should not put the rabbits back into the hutch until it is dry. What’s more, owners will need to regularly maintain roofing felt, replacing it as it becomes worn.
Where Is The Best Place To Put A Rabbit Hutch Outside?
The location of the rabbit hutch is another essential consideration. Rabbits are pretty hardy animals that will be well in colder climates which is why a lot of people have no qualms about keeping them outdoors. That being said, when it gets very cold, it can help to relocate the hutch to a shed or outbuilding and cover it with a blanket for additional warmth.
If you do this, make sure to leave enough space for airflow. While rabbits don’t like a draught, they do need fresh air to circulate around the enclosure.
However, in the summer, bunnies may struggle if they are not kept cool. Rabbits are incredibly susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration and so their hutch should always be placed in a shaded area. It is OK for a portion of their run to be in sunlight, provided that they have a shaded area to cool down.
Should A Rabbit Hutch Be On Grass Or Concrete?
A hutch will likely be more secure when placed on a stable surface like concrete but it is also important to think about where the run will be located. According to Rabbit Welfare, if you place a rabbit run on concrete, this will stop the rabbits from digging their way out. However, it can be useful to place a digging box to encourage natural behaviors.
