Windwhistle Warren

Contrary to tradition rabbits should no longer be confined to a life of solitary confinement at the bottom of the garden. It is very difficult to purchase the minimum recommended size hutch from a pet shop.

The minimum recommended size of accommodation should have a hutch of at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft with an attached run which measures at least 6ft x 4ft x 2ft run (RWA recommendation). But please be aware this is the minimum and bigger is always far better. A garden shed or even a child’s playhouse can be a cheaper alternative to the traditional hutch and will provide more space. A shed can then be customised, with vinyl flooring, tunnels, boxes, toys and lighting for those dark nights.

The minimum size hutch 6ft x 2ft x 2ft over a 6ft x 6ft run which makes a good size home for a pair of small/medium sized rabbits.

Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk and the best accommodation will have an attached run that the rabbits can access all day and all night.
The hutch and run should be strong and secure so that the rabbits cannot escape and nothing can get in. Large easy to use bolts should be provided. A permanent run positioned on paving is both secure and easy to keep clean. If you have a secure garden which is free of toxic plants then you could let the rabbits have some ‘free range’ time but they should always be supervised in case a fox comes calling or a bird of prey flies over.

A shed with attached covered run. A must for a pair of larger rabbits.

Rabbits suffer in the heat so the accommodation should be positioned in a shady area of the garden. The accommodation should also be protected from the wind and rain. A Snugglesafe is a microwaveable heat pad that can be put in the hutch on very cold nights.

Rabbits are very clean animals and will use a litter tray, this makes keeping the hutch clean much easier. Line the tray with newspaper, add a layer of litter and top with some tasty hay.
Suitable litters are pulped paper products like Megazorb, Carefresh, or some cat litters can also be used provided they are the paper based ones such as Bio-Catolet or Yesterdays News. Hemp bedding such as Aubiouse, hutch hemp or Hemcore also make suitable litters. Do not use sawdust or wood shavings as these release phenols which cause problems with breathing, skin, eyes and will eventually damage internal organs.

Or if you don't have room for a shed then why not convert a play house.

Rabbits can be house-trained and make great house pets.

Note : these notes have been written before the individual species guidelines have been issued under the animal welfare act. Until the minimum sizes have been included in the Act we are using the Rabbit Welfare Association’s recommendations for our standards.