How to Set Up Rabbit Cage? (Explained!)

Perhaps, you have already adopted a bunny and now looking for an effective suggestion for a rabbit cage setup. Well, setting up a rabbit cage is not a difficult task indeed. If you have the proper knowledge and the right materials, you can do it within a few hours.

When I adopted my first bunny, I didn’t understand what should i do then. Anyway, after reading tons of blogs and watching videos, It was crystal clear to me.

Anyway, after reading this article, you will learn everything about the cage setup.

Without further ado, let’s get started. Before going in-depth, I want to clear some essential topics for the house rabbit.

Housing for Rabbit

There are so many options for housing your rabbit. Among all, the prevalent systems are:

Allow free movement in a bunny-proof room by covering the area with the playpen.
Indoor rabbit cage
Outdoor Hutch
Stackable rabbit cage for space-saving

Among these housing systems for a pet rabbit, indoor rabbit cages are the best for initial and temporary dwellings.

It will not only protect your bunny from rough weather and predators, but your rabbit will also become more than a family member gradually.

Again many of us have a contradiction about a rabbit cage and a rabbit hutch. So, let us clear this contradiction.

Rabbit cage vs. Rabbit hutch.

In general, you have two ways to provide a habitat for your bunnies. One is an indoor rabbit cage, and another is an outdoor rabbit hutch.

But it is not a constant matter. You could use a small wooden hutch for indoor also.

Rabbit hutches are larger than rabbit cages both in size and shape.
Rabbit hutches are mainly based on wood. On the other hand, cages are made from plastic and wire.
Rabbit hutch offers a lot of space and you can put multiple rabbits in the cabinet.
On the contrary, cages are tiny, and you can’t put more than two bunnies though it varies with the cage size.

Which One Is The Better Option? Cage or Hutch?

Rabbit hutches are far better than rabbit cages in case of comfort.

But, at the initial stage, you could use a cage for indoor purposes.

Because you can’t confine your bunny in the cage all day long, you must allow a free environment for your rabbits.

Another point is the smooth movement. You could quickly move the cage from one place to another in your house.

That’s why for portability and temporary use, the case is the best option for the initial stage.

For your consideration, there are different types of wooden hutchs available now for indoor use. If you are from a cold region, the hutch is better than the cage.

Related Post: How to clean wooden rabbit hutch indoors?

How To Set Up a Rabbit Cage

Now, we are at the focus point of this article. let’s learn how to set up a bunny cage effortlessly.

1. Pick the Right Case for Your Bunny

The size and weight of adult rabbits vary from breed to breed. Some adults are tiny in the format like 2-3 lb.

And some are giant like 20-22 lb. So, before purchasing your rabbit case, you must consider the breed of your bunnies.

To pick the right cage, you should consider these points.

If you bring a baby bunny to your home, then you will consider its adult size and weight. Because today or tomorrow, you will need a large bunny cage.
In general, your cage should be at least four times larger than your bunnies. Ensure that the enclosure is tall enough for your rabbit to sit upright on its back legs.
For multiple rabbits, the recommended size is at least 24″ by 36″ [small breeds].
For larger breeds (more than 8lb) the size should be at least 30″ by 36″.
Please buy two portioned cages. In this type of cage, they feel much better.

2. Choose The Supply for Cage

Wire made cage

You could Choose wire made cage. A wire-made cage allows plenty of air, light, and space for your bunny.

Make sure that the bottom of your cage is covered with wire. A wire-made base is not suitable at all for the bunny.

Open-top cages like puppy pens are suitable for exercise purposes. Just make sure the height of the cage is high enough to escape from the cage.

Soft flooring on the cage

Rabbits love to stand in a soft place or bedding. Sore hacks are a very common problem for the rabbit.

Read this article to get the perfect flooring idea for your rabbit cage.

So, consider a soft floor while buying a cage for your bunny. Consider your pets as family members.

If you have a cage like this, immediately place a solid board on the cage floor. Then place the bedding on the board.

Urine guard

A urine guard is a much-needed item for your bunny cage. Without a urine guard, your house will be messy and dirty. Additionally, rabbits tend to spray while urinating.

Usually, all the premium rabbit cage contains a urine guard. Just make sure that they have high and stable sides.

If your rabbit cage doesn’t contain a urine guard, you can create it with general materials like cardboard. Cardboard is safe for the bunny.

However, it would be best if you changed the tray regularly to maintain hygiene.

Litter box

It would help if you chose a litter box according to your cage size. You will find numerous types of litter boxes in the market. A litter box is a must-have item for your indoor rabbit cage.

Usually, in the wild bunny excrete in the soft place. After discharging, they buried it also.

Initially, your bunny will not want to go to the litter box. But be patient. It will get used to be gradual. Generally, the rabbit goes three times to the litter box. Place the litter box at the corner of the cage.

Food and water bowl/bottle

Choose a heavy-bottomed food and water bowl so that your bunny can’t turn it down on the floor. You should purchase a standard-sized bowl so that you can use it for multiple rabbits.

It would be better to use a leak-proof water bottle for the busy rabbit parents.

Hey Rack

You should ensure a continuous supply of hay to your bunny. So, in this case, you could use a hay rack.

Hay-rack allows you to provide continuous supply along with minimizing the wastage of hay.

3. Choose the location

Set up the cage in a well-ventilated place

A suitable environment is crucial for a rabbit. Place your Rabbit cage in a well-ventilated area of your house. The location should not be so hot or so cold.

Another point is the dwelling place of the rabbit must be excessively dust-free. Excessive dust may create chest disease in your bunny.

Don’t put your rabbit cage under the direct sunlight. Yes, the rabbit needs light but doesn’t require excessive light. Also, it would help if you placed your cage in a suitable place where they will get enough air.

Choose a room where the rabbit can roam around

Providing an extra room for your rabbit is the better practice. But if you do have not this capability, you should allow your bunny to roam around your house for several hours.

It is necessary for their exercise purpose. Also, your bunny will become bored if they do not get enough space for roaming.

You could use an exercise pen for this purpose. Just ensure that no open wires, sharp items, or similar stuff are present in the bunny’s route. Otherwise, it may harm your rabbit.

Safe from predators

You must ensure that your rabbit is safe from the predators. If you have other pets like dogs or cats, they are usually not harmful to your rabbit.

Just keep your rabbit cage out of reach of your dog. Your bunny may be frightened if the dog is closer to the bunny cage.

4. Provide Basic materials

Provide comfortable bedding

As rabbits are herbivorous animals, they are luxurious and comfortable. They need thick bedding not only for comfort but also for protection from the wound. The larger the size of your bunny, the thicker the bedding should be.

However, there are many ways to create comfortable bedding for your bunnies, such as straw, sawdust, and hay. Also, you could use commercial bedding.

Among them, hay is the best option. Because:

It is easy to remove.
It holds the temperature during winter.
Usually not so hot in summer.
No side effects if your bunny chews it.
It is cheap and so on.

You should change the bedding every morning to keep your bunny dry and clean.

Prepare the Litter Box

It is essential to prepare a litter box correctly. To prepare your litter box, first, make a layer of newspaper or paper.

Then place suitable and nontoxic litter for the rabbit. Again put some hay.

In this way, you can minimize your costs and work.

Use rabbit litter instead of cat litter. Using other pet litter is not safe at all for your bunny.

Provide pellets, vegetables, and hay

Hay is the leading food for the adult rabbit. Also, they need pellet food. An adult rabbit needs 80-100 gm pellets daily. You could provide this amount of pellets equally in the morning and evening.
You should also provide fresh fruits and vegetables to your rabbits daily.
And provide unlimited hay for your bunny.

Provide fresh water

You can use a water bowl or a water bottle to provide water. It depends on the condition of your cage.

Provide some fun toys in the cage

Place some fun toys in your rabbit cage. It provides entertainment and your bunny will not be bored at all.
You can provide a cardboard box filled with hay to your bunny. You know, bunny loves to chew and dig out. A cardboard box or tube can be a good option as rabbit toys.
You may also buy rabbit toys from your nearest pet store or online shop.

Just make sure that the toys are safe for your bunnies.

For your convenience, here is the summary of this article on setting up a rabbit cage.

Pick the Right Case for Your Bunny

Choose The Supply for the Cage

Wire made cage
Solid flooring on the cage
Urine guard
Litter box
Food and water bowl/bottle
Hey Rack

Choose the location

Set up the cage in a well-ventilated place
Choose a room where the rabbit can roam around
Predator safe area

Provide Basic materials

Provide comfortable bedding
Prepare the Litter Box
Provide fresh water
Provide some fun toys in the cage

Facing a Problem with a leaking water bottle? Read this guide to get a solution.

Some frequent questions – FAQ

Can I use a harness for my rabbit?

Yes, you can use a harness for your rabbits while going outside.

What is the difference between hay and straw?

People have the straw for bedding purposes for decades. And hay is used for feeding purposes. Generally, the bunny doesn’t eat straw.

It would be best if you don’t use the straw for the rabbit. Straw has sharp edges. So, there is a chance of injury to your bunny.

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of a rabbit cage?

You could put the specialized rabbit bedding, flooring, or even hay on the bottom of the cage. Providing this type of material will make the rabbit habitat comfortable.

Are rabbits happy in cages?

No one in this world is not happy in a confined area forever. You should use the rabbit cage as shelter, not for the jail. Don’t forget to provide the essential elements on the rabbit cage to ensure maximum comfort to your bunny.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you have understood the overall process of how to set up a rabbit cage. It’s vital to provide a safe and comfortable dwelling for your rabbit. Without a spacious and comfortable cage, your bunny may face various physiological problems. In some extreme cases, she may be suffering from illness.