Buying guide for Best outdoor rabbit hutches
Whether it’s serving as your rabbit’s primary home or just a change of scenery from an indoor cage, an outdoor rabbit hutch can keep your pet safe from predators and protected from the elements while enabling it to enjoy some fresh air.
However, don’t assume that one rabbit hutch is as good as the next. If you choose one with wire floors or limited airflow, you could end up harming your rabbit. It’s important to choose your outdoor rabbit hutch carefully so that you can avoid these issues.
Key considerations
The two most important factors to consider when choosing an outdoor rabbit hutch are size and durability.
Size
The general rule of thumb when looking for any type of rabbit hutch or cage is to choose one that’s at least four times the size of the rabbit it’s meant to contain, and the larger the better. While most indoor cages are fairly compact, many outdoor cages are larger because most people have more room outdoors for a large cage than they do indoors. Go with a hutch that’s at least 24 x 36 inches for a rabbit weighing eight pounds or less. Buy a hutch that’s at least 30 x 36 inches for a full-grown rabbit that weighs more than eight pounds.
Some outdoor rabbit hutches have an elevated cage with a ramp that leads down to an enclosed run. This gives the rabbit more freedom to move about and get some exercise while still protecting it from predators. If you plan to leave your rabbit caged for long periods of time, consider either a hutch with an enclosed run or a much larger hutch. For both their mental and physical health, rabbits need room to run and hop comfortably.
Durability
Many outdoor rabbit hutches are made of wood, with a solid roof to protect the rabbit from the elements. It’s crucial that you choose a durable wood that can withstand moisture without breaking down or rotting. You should always be sure that the wood is treated, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of rainfall, or it might absorb water and start to warp.
If the outdoor rabbit hutch you’re interested in isn’t made of treated wood, you might want to coat it with a protective varnish before you begin using it. Read online customer reviews before you buy to figure out how well a hutch fares in the weather.
Outdoor rabbit hutch features
Floor
Wire: Some rabbit hutches have a wire floor because it makes cleaning the cage much easier. The droppings fall through the mesh and into a collecting tray, which can be removed and washed. However, a wire floor can be painful on a rabbit’s delicate feet and might even cause sores. For this reason, it’s usually best to avoid wire floors. If the hutch you’re interested in has one, cover the mesh with a solid surface like a board or a mat.
- Solid: A solid floor is more difficult to clean than a wire floor, but it is more comfortable for the rabbit, so this is the way to go. If your rabbit hutch has a run, you shouldn’t need to worry about flooring in the run because it usually sits directly on the ground. However, if you notice a lot of droppings accumulating in this area, you might want to clean it out periodically.
Doors
Your outdoor rabbit hutch should have at least one side door, preferably at ground level where your pet can easily climb in and out on its own. Top-opening doors are not ideal because they make it more difficult to get the rabbit in and out of the hutch. Most outdoor rabbit hutches have more than one door, so you’ll have multiple access points if you need to clean the hutch or remove your rabbit.
Larger doors are usually better, at least in terms of cleaning, because they enable you to easily reach into the far corners of the hutch. However, if the doors are too large, your rabbit might be able to escape when you open the cage to clean it or to refill the food and water.
Ventilation
Most outdoor rabbit hutches have doors with metal mesh, like indoor rabbit cages. The runs are also usually enclosed with wire mesh. This is important because it facilitates proper airflow throughout the hutch. If you choose an outdoor rabbit hutch with a solid door and few or no windows, you might not be able to keep your rabbit in it for long periods of time, especially on hot days. Consider the climate you live in and how long you intend to leave your rabbit in the hutch, and let this dictate the type of hutch you buy.
Roof
Most outdoor rabbit hutches have at least a partial roof to protect the rabbit from rain, hail, and other types of inclement weather. The roof should be durable and waterproof to keep your rabbit warm and dry in all conditions.
Some outdoor rabbit hutches with a run also have a solid roof over the run, while others have an open mesh roof. A closed roof over the run may be a better choice if you regularly experience very hot or rainy weather where you live. Your rabbit will still be able to move around throughout the run without getting too warm or too wet.
Assembly
Your outdoor rabbit hutch will most likely include instructions on how to assemble it, but some manufacturers make the process simpler than others. You can get a sense of how easy a hutch is to put together by reading through online customer reviews. You shouldn’t base your entire decision on ease of assembly because you’ll likely only need to do it once. But if you’re torn between two different hutches, it might help you decide.
For your safety
If your cage has metal mesh around the doors, make sure there’s nothing sharp that could injure your rabbit while it’s climbing in and out.
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Outdoor rabbit hutch prices
Outdoor rabbit hutches range in price from around $40 to $200. The two biggest factors influencing cost are size and the quality of the wood. You’ll pay more for a larger hutch and for a hutch made of treated wood. Rabbit hutches with multiple doors and windows also tend to be more expensive than those with a single entrance.
Tips
Keep the hutch clean. Be sure to clean your outdoor rabbit hutch periodically to make sure that it remains a healthy environment for your rabbit.
Opt for a hutch with secure latches. The outdoor rabbit hutch should have secure latches that the rabbits – or predators – can’t open.
Watch the weather. Be mindful of the weather conditions, and consider bringing your rabbit inside if it’s going to be especially hot or cold.
- Make sure the hutch is tall enough. Your rabbit should be able to stand up on its back legs inside the hutch.
FAQ
Q. Do I need to cage my rabbit outdoors?
A. You don’t need to, but it can be a smart idea, especially if you aren’t there to supervise your rabbit. You never know what predators are in the area when you’re not there to protect your pet.
Q. Do I need a rabbit hutch with a run?
A. Rabbits need space to run and hop. Choosing to get a hutch with a run is a matter of personal preference, but it’s a smart and humane idea to choose a hutch with a run if the rabbit is going to be caged for extended periods of time or if there are multiple rabbits caged together. The run gives them more freedom to move about and play.
Q. What if I don’t have much room for an outdoor rabbit hutch?
A. If space is limited, consider a hutch without a run. For multiple rabbits, there are some hutches with two cages stacked on top of each other. This provides more space without increasing the footprint of the hutch.
