Housing your Rabbit

The first thing to decide is if you'll be housing your rabbit indoors or out.

If keeping your rabbit indoors:
You will need to purchase a suitable sized cage.
The cage needs to have enough room for a sleeping area, food and water, space to hop around, and a litter box if desired.  There are both solid bottom cages, where I would suggest using a litter box, and wire bottom where the waste falls through to a tray below.  Either can work, it's a matter of personal preference.  I like the wire bottom cages personally.  Not all rabbits use litter boxes well.  If they don't, the wire bottom cage with tray underneath prevents them from getting soiled in their waste.

The following solid bottom cage would be an example of one that should provide adequate space for one Mini Lop when full grown.

 

Living World Deluxe Pet Habitat X Large

The following links show examples of wire bottom cages where the waste falls through to a tray below:

Mini Lop: KW 4000 Cage 30 x 30 
or larger: KW 4000 Cage 36 x 30 



Where to place your cage:
1. In an area that has good ventilation.
2. Do not place in direct sunlight or else your rabbit will overheat.
3. Do not place near electrical cords or other hazards.
4. Keep away from loud noises.

I also recommend a pet exercise pen.  This will provide an area where your rabbit can run around and get more exercise without getting into mischief and chewing on anything it should not.
(If using outdoors realize your rabbit will be a target for hawks.  Use only with close supervision and caution outdoors.)

If keeping your rabbit outdoors:
First you must purchase a suitable sized hutch.
The hutch needs to have enough room for a sleeping area, food and water dishes, space to hop around, and a litter box if desired. Please keep in mind your small 2 month old bunny will get much bigger.
It is important that the hutch is predator proof and provides some protection from adverse weather.
Where to place your hutch:
1. Not in direct sunlight. Shade is important.
They can handle cold weather better than hot weather.
2. Face opening away from wind & precipitation.
Tips in Summer:
1. If mid to upper 80’s provide frozen water bottles. They will lick them and lay next to them.
Tips in Winter:
1. Provide extra hay & newspaper for warmth.
2. Add extra insulation and protection to sides. For example: wood along inside walls if needed. Poly sheeting over sides and part of front to keep out wind and snow and keep in warmth. There does need to be some ventilation though.
3. Wrap the water bottle in bubble wrap to help keep from freezing as quickly. Make sure the nozzle on the water bottle is not frozen and blocking water from coming through. Another option is to use a lock n crock bowl for water. If you buy a couple then you can switch out with a unfrozen one as needed.

Keep in mind that despite that your rabbit will survive the cold relatively well you will need to go out and give your rabbit care and attention a couple times a day no matter how cold it is. So please consider how much you like going out in cold, winter weather before choosing to keep a rabbit outdoors.

We currently have all of our rabbits in an indoor rabbitry.  However this photo shows our large outdoor hutch.