How Much Space Does a Rabbit Need in a Cage?
Rabbits are cute to make pets. They are extremely friendly creatures. They require all the basic facilities like food, water, toilet, and sleep. If they are comfortable in a cage, they would be happy pets. Before you purchase a rabbit, you should make sure that you have the proper house for them.
So, how much space does a rabbit need in a cage? The exact measure of the space depends upon the size and breed of the rabbit. However, an average estimate is that a rabbit requires twelve to thirteen square feet. It means that the rabbit requires enough space to stretch and stand up in a cage with the food bowls, litter box, bedding, etc.
Rabbits are generally very active creatures, and they do not like to sit in a corner all day long. They move around and love to run and jump. So, you should keep them out of the cage for two or three hours a day. If you don't want them to stay out for long, then you must make sure they have enough space in the cage for them.
It is extremely cruel to bound the rabbits and depriving them of all sorts of physical activity. Rabbits generally love large cages with many stories as it gives them more activity space. Another thing that you must know about being a rabbit owner is his instinct of hiding.
Covered space
Rabbits tend to hide in close and dark places when they feel vulnerable or unwell. So there should a large cabin for them to hide and sleep. The more natural you keep it, the more comfortable your pet would be. Rabbits grow very fast, and their sizes increase. So, the cage must have appropriate space for the rabbits to grow and move.
For the idea of the size of the cage, the height should be enough for the rabbit to stand with his head much below the roof. With all the things in the cage, he should be able to stretch without hurting himself. This is the ideal width of the cage.
The type and size of floor and doors
In the size of the cage, there are many other determining factors. It includes the door and the floor of the cage. There is a wide emphasis on the type and size of the cage floor. Exclusively, a wired cage floor is not suitable for your rabbit. It is because he has soft paws and fur. He is not able to sit or stand in the cage for too long.
So, it is better that you avoid the things uncomfortable for your rabbit. The floor size should be large so that the rabbit does not feel being suffocated. The bedding on the cage floor also matters a lot. Most rabbits prefer it to be natural, so you should use hay. However, in some cases, you can use other things like cloth or blanket if your rabbit is allergic to hay.
The other main component is the door of the cage. The door or opening should be large enough so that the rabbits can easily move in and out of the cage. Plus, you would have to change the water and refill food bowls and throw away litter, so you should make sure that the door is wide enough. If the cage floor is made of wire, you can add wooden chipboard, cardboard, or cardstock at the base to make it comfortable for the rabbits.
What is the ideal cage size for more than one rabbit?
The requirements and accommodation differ depending upon the number of rabbits. For more than one rabbit, you can have a large-sized cage with many shelves and ramps attached. It would give them more space to move around freely.
The average size for a rabbit cage is four times the size of a rabbit. For two rabbits, the cage size would be six or eight times larger. For more than two rabbits, you can consider making compartments. It enables all the rabbits to have the maximum space they want.
The more stretching space you enable your rabbit, the more healthy and active he would be. As the size of the cage is important, so is its positioning. Even if the cage is somewhat smaller, the rabbits will not feel suffocated if you place it in a well-lit and airy place.
It is also advisable to keep the rabbit cage above ground level. It would keep the floor clean and ensures the hygiene of your place. Hanging cages are more suitable and enjoyable if you are breeding rabbits on a large scale. You can have a cage placed at a table in a room close to the window for a domestic household pet rabbit.
Why is the cage size important? Can the rabbits move into the house?
Another compensation for a small-sized cage is to let your rabbits out for an hour or two. Or you can also make them roam around the house and use the cage when required. It makes the rabbits closer and a part of the family. But it is necessary that your rabbits are litter trained and your house is made rabbit proof.
While the rabbits are allowed to run around the house, they tend to break many things and nibble on different indoor plants and accessories. They can also get hurt or might touch electrical wires and switches. So, it is better than the rabbits are trained before you let them out. Plants that are dangerous for rabbits should also be removed.
Letting the rabbits out can also attract the attention of many predators like stray cats and dogs. So, it is better to have an appropriately sized cage to train the rabbits before you let the rabbits out. While you keep rabbits as a pet, be cautious not to destroy their instincts. It would make them upset and ill. Being a rabbit owner, it is your responsibility to keep care of your pets.
