HOUSING

Rabbits need their exercise and interaction with humans! They are not happy or healthy to be confined to a cage 24-7 and rabbits require AT THE VERY LEAST 3 hours of running time per day or free-roaming priviledges (free-roaming only for large and giant breeds).

PARTIALLY FREE-ROAMING

If you wish your rabbit to have a combination free-roaming and cage, keep the following recommendations in mind.

You will need a large cage, no matter the size of rabbit. AT LEAST 5 times the size of your rabbit is recommended. Many of the cage brands on the market are too small (cages marketed for small or dwarf rabbits are too small for ANY rabbit!) and thus we frequently recommend constructing a "Neat Ideas Cube" cage, as it is cost-efficient and able to be customized to be an appropriate size for any rabbit.

For more information on construction and where to find supplies, please contact New Moon.

An alternative to a free-roaming/cage combination is housing your rabbit in a dog exercise pen. However, please ensure that it is high enough so that he cannot jump out and injure himself (24" is typically suitable, however those who like to "leap tall buildings" may need 36").

Do not house your rabbit on a wire-floored cage. If you must do so, it is best to provide an area where he can "rest." Large grass mats, newspaper, towel, fleece blankets, etc. are all ideal for this purpose. Even with a resting place, wire floors should not be used at all for Mini Rex's, as their paws are more sensitive with less fur cover.

FREE-ROAMING

You may also choose to allow your rabbit to roam free in one room only, throughout the entire home and confine him at night or even not at all. Safety precautions MUST be taken in this case (see Rabbit-Proofing), but it is rewarding to have a rabbit who is as free as other domestic animals!

Large and giant breeds should not be caged at all. Provide a dog exercise pen/custom built "night cage" at most, to protect them when you are not at home or sleeping.

You will want to Litter Train your rabbit prior to allowing him free-range priviledges.