Rabbits can be housed safely and comfortably in either hutches or cages. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but a cage generally refers to indoor quarters while a hutch is usually kept outdoors. Keep in mind the key features of rabbit cages and rabbit hutches when you are building or buying your pet's home.

Rabbits acclimate well to average household temperatures. Be cautious of extreme temperature change. The habitat should never be in direct sunlight or in a drafty area.

Rabbit Cages

Rabbit cages are generally made of a combination of wood, plastic, metal and/or wire. Some cages are constructed entirely of wire.

Size - The rabbit cage should be at least four times the size of the rabbit and escape-proof with an area that has a solid surface. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible. Use baby gates or an indoor play yard during playtime.

Floor - The floor of a rabbit cage can be wire or solid. A wire floor is often preferable as it is designed so droppings and urine fall through the wire into a tray below. However, the wire may eventually hurt your rabbit's feet. For the sake of your pet's comfort, he must be provided with a piece of wood or carpet on which to rest.

Rabbit cages with plastic slat flooring are designed along the same principles as wire cages but they are more comfortable for your rabbit and are easier to clean. Be careful though, as the slats may be too far apart for dwarf rabbits, which may tend to catch their feet in the openings.

Wire and slat cage floors usually contain a plastic tray underneath to catch rabbit urine and droppings. This can be a pull-out tray, which is more convenient, or a snap-on one. If it is a snap-on, you must lift the cage off the pan for cleaning.

A solid floor is usually made of plastic or plastic-covered wood and a litter box would be kept in a corner.

Doors - The door of your rabbit's cage should be at least 14 inches by 14 inches or large enough to allow a litter pan to be placed inside. Preferably, the entire top of the cage should lift open, with doors opening outward. It is often recommended that doors be located on the top of the cage. Side doors are sometimes frightening for rabbits. However, they do make it easier for your rabbit to get in and out of his cage.

Rabbit Hutches

Rabbit Hutches generally refer to rabbit housing kept outside. If protected from predators and the elements, rabbits can safely live outdoors in moderate climates. However, PETCO strongly encourages that all rabbits be housed inside the home.

Rabbit Hutches can be purchased commercially or homemade. They can be constructed of wood, metal, rabbit wire or a combination of these materials and generally have a solid metal or shingled wooden roof. They often have legs or are elevated off the ground by some other method. When considering a hutch's size, follow the guidelines previously discussed for rabbit cages.

Certain accessories comprise an important part of your rabbit's cage or hutch.

Litter Pans - Most rabbits can be trained to use a litter pan, which makes cleanup much easier. Some plastic litter pans are specifically designed to fit the corner of your rabbit's cage, with low fronts for entry and high backs to catch urine. These pans range from 13 to 20 inches in width and six to nine inches in height. Dishes and Bottles - Rabbit dishes or crocks are usually made of sturdy plastic, earthenware or metal. Plastic dishes designed to be mounted on the side of your rabbit's cage with a screw-down clamp are an excellent choice because they prevent your rabbit from dumping his food onto the cage floor. If you prefer, a heavy plastic water bottle attached to the outside of your rabbit's cage can be substituted for a water dish.

Casters - Look for a cage equipped with bottom casters, a convenient feature that allows a large cage to be moved easily around the house. Safety

Since you are responsible for your rabbit's health, happiness and safety, be sure to occasionally check his cage or hutch for sharp edges. Living quarters should be inspected regularly for broken wires, splintered wood, exposed nails or any other object that could injure your rabbit.