How to choose a Rabbit Cage
We all cherish our homes, thinking of them as a refuge, a snug hideaway, a place to relax and to sleep off the stresses and tiredness which day brings. Human health, physical and mental, depends on having a secure, warm habitat. Pets are not so different from ourselves, if perhaps less consciously aware of the reasons they need for a designated ‘me’ space. In fact, if anything, our four -legged friends are even more territorial than we are, and can be quite compulsive in their behaviour towards their own spot.
In the case of rabbits, this is in fact one of the reasons for having one’s pet neutered. Female bunnies, in particular, can develop a rather aggressive habit of lunging at their handler when the door of the rabbit cage is opened. (Of course, if you have rabbits of both sexes you need to have them neutered. Additionally, non-neutered females invariably contract uterine cancer.) That aside, the importance of establishing a comfortable home for your pet cannot be overstated.
Options when it comes to purchasing a rabbit cage are surprisingly wide. In shape, size and construction materials, there is considerable variety. You can house your rabbit out of doors, but don’t forget that these are creatures which in their natural habitat would get to huddle together for warmth within the warren. Therefore, in bad weather it is best to cover the open mesh front. Equally, take precautions against excess heat and avoid a spot that is in direct sunlight.
All hutches need a nesting area with a solid front. This is for cosiness, privacy and darkness. The living area needs a chink-free mesh front with no ragged wire which could damage the occupant. Over time it is necessary to check for stray ends of wire or possible corrosion.
Not every owner chooses to go down the hutch route, but instead some keep their rabbits as house pets. This works fine once Bunny has been trained to use a litter tray. Of vital importance, though, is to have a secure cage for use when no owner is present. Equally, an indoor rabbit must have a sleeping area, the safest option being within the cage.
Inside the rabbit cage, the bedding material options are hay, straw and wood shavings (avoiding aromatic evergreens). Be aware that hay will need to be replenished, as Bunny munches his way through it. Among the really quite engaging accessories is the ‘Super Sleeper Critter Cuddl-E-Cup’. This is a diminutive pet bed lined with imitation lambs wool that has the benefit of being machine washable.
Life can be boring for our long-eared friends. However, they do spend a surprising amount of time eating. This is the way nature keeps their teeth from getting too long. To facilitate this natural eating pattern, hay is essential. Ways to prolong feeding time and reduce boredom including packing a helping of hay into a used water bottle or other narrow-necked container, or stringing up vegetables such as carrots so that they dangle from the cage roof.
Where possible, fresh grass (plucked no more than thirty minutes previously) should be provided. Best of all, give your rabbit access to grazing in the warmer weather. It is, besides, the best food for rabbits, and a great fibre provider. Keep dry food mixes to a minimum.
The domestic bunny when out of its rabbit cage and running around the house will tend to transfer its love of chewing to household objects, given half a chance. If you can’t instantly spot him, this may well be what he is up to. Some suggested solutions include smearing eucalyptus oil or lemon juice on items such as furniture that you know your rabbit tends to target. Whether in or out of the rabbit cage, a well-cared for bunny will give, and hopefully receive, many hundreds of hours of enjoyment in its (relatively) long life.
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