Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the perfect home for your beloved bunny! Raising happy, healthy rabbits starts with building an enclosure and habitat that caters to their every need. We will explore the seven essential supplies that you MUST include to keep your rabbit comfortable and active. From the enclosure itself to feeders, houses, toys and more, we have researched exactly what rabbits require. Read on to learn insider tips that will help you pamper your pet and become the best bunny owner ever! Get ready to hop into creating a five-star rabbit paradise – let’s get started!
1. The Enclosure Itself
The most essential item for a rabbit enclosure is the enclosure itself. This provides the fundamental shelter and security that rabbits require. When choosing an enclosure, there are several key factors to consider:
Size – The enclosure should allow for plenty of room for the rabbit to hop around and exercise. The House Rabbit Society recommends at least 8 square feet of space per medium-sized rabbit. Enclosures can be created using puppy exercise pens, large dog crates, or by designating a rabbit-proofed room.
Safety – The enclosure should be constructed of safe materials that cannot be chewed through or tipped over. Wire bottoms should be avoided as they can lead to sore hocks. Any sharp edges or points should be covered to prevent injury.
Accessibility – The enclosure should have easy access points to retrieve your rabbit and clean the space. Look for enclosures with multiple doors or consider DIY options that allow custom doors. The enclosure should also be low enough to the ground that you can interact with your rabbit at their level.
Visibility – Your rabbit will feel most secure when they can scan their surroundings and see you nearby. Opt for wire-framed exercise pens or enclosures with a wire mesh walls. Solid wooden enclosures can make rabbits feel isolated.
Mobility – Look for an enclosure that can be moved around your house so your rabbit isn't always contained to one room. Rolling larger dog crates or exercise pens is an easy way to provide mobility.
Containment – The enclosure should fully contain the rabbit and prevent escaping. Set up exercise pen walls so there are no gaps along the edges. Place crates flush against the wall to seal any openings. Always supervise free roam time.
With the proper enclosure set up, your rabbit will have a safe space to eat, sleep, play, and live in comfort! Be sure to include the other essentials discussed below to create a complete habitat.
2. Hiding House
In the wild, rabbits reside in burrows and tunnels, which offer security and seclusion. This gives them refuge from predators and harsh environmental conditions. To replicate this protected space, a hiding house is an essential supply for any rabbit enclosure. Here are some tips for selecting the ideal hiding home:
Size – The hiding area should allow your rabbit to move around freely, but also feel snug and enclosed. Look for houses big enough for them to turn around and lay down comfortably.
Material – Natural wood, straw, or grass huts allow rabbits to burrow and nibble. Avoid plastic as rabbits may chew and ingest it. Select digestible hay hides.
Entrance – Multiple entry points give rabbits an escape route if feeling threatened. Dual-entry houses are ideal. The entrance holes themselves should be sized for easy passage.
Shelter – The hiding area should provide insulation, security, and seclusion. Choose opaque houses to feel enclosed versus wire-frame. Opt for wood, grass or fabric exteriors.
Comfort – Ensure the base is sturdy yet cushioned. Natural wooden houses or those lined with soft bedding prevent sores. Add a mat or blanket for extra comfort.
Cleanup – Opt for a hiding house that is easily cleaned or disposable. Look for removable roofs and pull-out mats or liners. Replace grass or hay frequently.
Hide boxes allow rabbits to take shelter and feel safe in their enclosure space. Providing an ideal house satisfies natural burrowing behaviors. Make sure to monitor your rabbit's usage to ensure the house meets their needs.
3. Heavy Ceramic Food Dishes
Feeding is a major part of a rabbit's daily routine. To make mealtimes mess-free and pleasant, heavy ceramic bowls are an essential supply. Here's why:
Prevents Tip Overs – Rabbits have a tendency to flip lightweight bowls as they eat. Heavy ceramic or crock bowls are too heavy for rabbits to tip over or move. This avoids wasted food and water.
Non-Toxic Material – Plastic bowls may contain BPA or chemicals that can leach into food and water. Ceramic is an inert, safe material approved for food use. Glazes should be lead-free.
Eases Cleaning – Ceramic bowls quickly wipe clean with just soap and water versus plastic that absorbs odors. Ceramic doesn't scratch easily either.
Durable – High-fired ceramic is incredibly chip and crack resistant compared to plastic or metal. Bowls maintain original condition even with heavy rabbit use.
Aesthetically Pleasing – Glazed ceramic bowls add a touch of color and style to the enclosure versus dull metal or plastic. They look great in photos!
Customizable – From plain bowls to personalized motifs, ceramic dishware offers limitless customization potential. Great for multi-rabbit homes.
Be sure to check the base of ceramic bowls for rough spots to prevent mouth injuries. Select a size appropriate to your rabbit's proportions. Offer one for food and one for water. Ceramic bowls provide a hefty, attractive feeding solution.
4. Chew Toys
All rabbits need outlets to satisfy their natural chewing instinct. Without appropriate chew toys, they may turn to destructive nibbling on inappropriate items. That's why providing various chew toys is essential. Here are top options to consider:
Wooden Blocks – Untreated, organic wooden blocks, sticks, and balls allow for healthy chewing activity. Wooden toys should be replaced once fully nibbled down.
Twigs and Timothy Hay – Dried twigs and timothy hay cubes or balls give rabbits long-lasting chew satisfaction. Be sure twigs are pesticide and herbicide free.
Nibble Rings – Rings made of all natural materials like willow or hay allow rabbits to grab and rotate while nibbling. Simple yet engaging.
Tunnels – Cardboard concrete forms, tubes, and tunnels promote chewing, hiding, and burrowing. Opt for untreated cardboard with non-toxic ink only.
Baskets – Wicker baskets made of natural reeds or grasses provide an intriguing chew toy. Supervise use to avoid large ingestion.
Mineral Chews – Natural apple wood sticks and chews containing minerals like calcium promote dental health. Watch sugar content.
Diy Toys – Untreated wicker, seagrass, or sisal mats sold for crafts make ideal chewables. Create puzzle feeders too.
Rotate chew toys frequently to prevent boredom. Provide toys of different textures and resistances to satisfy chewing needs.
5. Soft Flooring
The floor of your rabbit's enclosure requires special consideration. Wire-bottom cages or rough surfaces can lead to sore hocks and foot injuries. That's why soft flooring is essential. Here are great options:
Blankets – Soft cotton, wool, or synthetic blankets over flooring add cushy padding. Use multiple layers for more thickness. Wash regularly.
Rugs – Natural fiber jute or seagrass rugs offer soft footing indoors or out. Look for tightly woven rugs to prevent string chewing.
Baby Play Mats – Interlocking foam play mats let you custom-fit your rabbit's space. They provide thick padding and are easy to clean.
Yoga Mats – For a smoother surface, non-slip yoga mats come in polyurethane and natural rubber materials. Opt for eco-friendly ones.
Outdoor Mats – For outdoor spaces, look for pet-safe artificial turf, lawn mats, or rubber stall mats. They add cushion and traction.
Straw – Layers of straw make great biodegradable padding for outdoor enclosures. Replace regularly and compost old straw.
Cardboard – Use cardboard lined with fabric to create soft DIY flooring squares. Secure edges with duct tape to prevent chewing.
Check flooring daily for signs of chewing or soiling. Spot clean messes immediately. Proper flooring is key to healthy rabbit feet and joints.
6. Litter Box
While rabbits can be litter trained, accidents do happen! Having an appropriate litter box in their enclosure is essential for quick cleanup. Here are key tips for selecting your rabbit's litter box:
Size – The litter box should be large enough for your adult rabbit to enter and turn around in. Look for jumbo cat litter boxes or cement mixing tubs.
Short Sides – Low litter box sides allow easy entry for rabbits. Cut down regular boxes if needed. Avoid high-sided boxes.
Corner Placement – Place the litter box in a corner of the enclosure to promote natural toileting behaviors. Avoid main walkways.
Litter Type – Use pelleted paper, wood stove pellets, citrus peel, or timothy hay as natural, biodegradable litter options.
Odor Control – Additional baking soda or zeolite can help absorb urine odors between full litter changes. Increase litter depth.
Cleaning – Scoop solid waste at minimum once per day. Fully change out litter every 1-2 weeks to keep odors at bay.
Accessibility – Never restrict access to litter even during bonding. This can lead to bad habits forming. Allow 24/7 access.
Litter box use makes cleaning easy and keeps your rabbit's space fresh. Be sure to thoroughly wash boxes to prevent bacteria growth. Proper litter habits start with the right supplies!
7. Hay Feeder
Fresh hay should be available to your rabbit at all times to promote digestion and dental health. To keep hay clean, fresh, and off the floor, a manger-style feeder is essential. Here's what to look for in a hay rack:
Material – Durable wire, wicker, or metal with smooth edges prevents injury. Avoid harmful plastics. Can also DIY from untreated wood.
Mounting – Hay racks that mount directly to pen walls or hang from above conserve space best. Opt for free-standing only if permanent.
Size – The feeder should be appropriately sized to your rabbit's daily hay diet. About 2 cups of volume per 2 lbs. of rabbit.
Design – A hood prevents waste, while slanted design makes it easy for rabbits to pull hay out strand-by-strand.
Slow Feed – Manger style feeders slow eat time which is healthier for digestion versus pile feeding.
Minimizes Waste – A good feeder will prevent your rabbit from digging into the hay and soiling it with urine or feces.
Easy Refills – Look for feeders that open entirely or have a top door for quick, easy hay refills whenever needed.
Hay feeders allow your rabbit free access to fiber without creating a mess. Place near litter boxes to form a natural toilet corner.