Housing

Rabbits need to have a clean save environment to live in. The location of the cage can be indoors or out, but you need to keep the animal out of direct sunlight and out of drafts. Why? The sun will fade your animal's coat and a draft will cause 'snuffles' or even kill your rabbit.

Cages should be made entirely out of wire so the droppings fall through. Some cages have litter pans below them to catch the feces. These cages are wonderful if your animal is indoors. I would suggest buying a plastic pan over a metal pan however because the metal pans tend to be more flimsy and will rust.

How big does your rabbit's cage need to be? Here are some suggestions for cage sizes depending on what size of rabbit you have.

* small breeds---------24x24x18
* medium breeds-----30x30x18
* larger breeds--------36x36x18 or 40x30x18

Cages should also be kept clean. I like to clean my cages, feeders and bowls out at least once a month with warm bleach water and a scrub brush. You may need to clean more often if you have a rabbit with scours, in a molt, or one that has been ill. Cleanliness is the best way to keep your rabbits healthy.

If you're looking to purchase a cage visit the following sites:
http://www.mortonjones.com
http://www.bassequipment.com 
http://www.wolfcage.com 
http://www.kwcages.com 

Article written by Mindy Borer
Rabbit Registrar #RR473
www.TranquilAcresRabbitry.com