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Posts Tagged ‘rabbit hutches’

Choosing an outdoor rabbit hutch can be overwhelming if you do not know anything about it especially if there are hundreds of options online.  To ensure that you will be providing your pets a great happy and secure home, follow simple rules.  Always consider the size of your rabbit when choosing the hutch.  Rabbit hutches come in different forms and sizes.  Measure the length of your rabbit when they are lying down fully stretched.  See if the hutch is long enough to accommodate this posture.  Let your rabbit stand on his back legs to see the actual height. To be sure, buy a hutch that is four times the size of the rabbit.  Check the locks and make sure they are sturdy.  Wire floorings are common and good but also consider adding an area with solid floor so the pet can rest comfortably.

If you have decided to get a rabbit as a pet, make sure you have enough time and patience for it. First, decide if you want the pet inside the house or outdoors.  Most rabbit owners would recommend that you let them stay inside the house. Some people tend to forget they exist when they do not see them and that leads to malnutrition. You need not worry about them chewing your things as you can have them stay inside a rabbit hutch. The good thing about rabbit hutches today is that they are available in different designs that can adapt to different weather conditions. Get the ideal hutch for the size of your pet and ensure that you have it spayed to avoid aggressive behavior.

Keeping your pet rabbits healthy and happy should be your number one goal, as this would extend their life span. Caring for a pet needs patience and if your kid is not up to it, do not make the mistake of giving him one.  However, if he insists that he can care for it then teach him of these simple tips.  Provide a safe and spacious rabbit hutch with a variety of toys.  You will not be able to be with the pet 24 hours every single day and it is important that they can play on their own.  Clean the rabbit hutches regularly to maintain a healthy environment.  Replace the hay everyday and make sure they have plenty of water.  Feed nutritious pellets and mix them up with vegetables and fruits.

Keeping your rabbits in a clean and safe rabbit hutch will definitely make them live longer but that is not enough. Feeding them the right food will reduce the chances of them getting sick. While rabbits can be offered a wide variety of nutritious and tasty pellets, they still need constant supply of timothy hay.  They will also appreciate fruits and veggies but make sure you avoid giving them anything from the can. They are just too sweet. However, do not overfeed them, as these are just supplementary and can lead to diarrhea. It can also make these rabbits neglect the nutritious pellets so make sure you just provide a balanced diet every single day. Remember to clean the rabbit hutches properly so there is no rotting food lying around.

Cleaning the rabbit hutch daily would be ideal to ensure that rabbit has a healthy home environment.  If you do not have the time, twice a week will do.  To make it easier for you to do this, do some small cleaning every time you feed your rabbit.  Make sure that the water bottle and spout as well as the food dispenser is clean before replenishing them.  As rabbit hutches have removable litter tray underneath, you can easily take this out and clean it with vinegar regularly before putting it back.  BY doing simple cleaning tasks everyday, things will be easier when its time to clean and wash the cage from top to bottom.

Large rabbit hutches are perfect homes to keep your pet happy and comfortable.  However, your pet would still benefit strongly if you allow them time to roam and play in their natural habitat.  This means taking them out of the cage and letting them explore the grounds; chew on the grass, enjoy the sun and the breeze.  Doing so would entail you to keep a close watch on them to keep them safe not only from predators but from other materials that may not be good for them.  If you are unable to do this regularly, it may be best to get a rabbit hutch and run combination.  This way, the rabbit can safely go down from the hutch to the rabbit run and explore, play as well as jump without your supervision.

Once you have decided to get an outdoor rabbit hutch, the next thing you need to do is find a good location for it in your backyard.  It should not be placed where it could get direct sunlight especially during the afternoon.  A sheltered area is best to keep it protected from strong winds and the harsh heat from the sun.  As rabbits are easily frightened, make sure that you keep the pen enclosure where it’s quiet and peaceful.  As you want to keep your pet comfortable and safe from the extreme weather conditions, you also need to ensure protection from predators.  Opt for elevated and durable rabbit hutches.  This is best than setting the enclosure on ground level where predators could easily get to them.

While keeping rabbit hutches clean on a daily or weekly basis is important, you should also do regular maintenance check at least once a month.  This is to check for any sign of wear or tear before it gets too huge and costly that you cannot do anything about it anymore but buy a new one.  Check the rabbit hutch from top to bottom.  Inspect every nook as there maybe exposed nails that could hurt your pet.  Look for any indication of mildew and rotting.  Check the wires if any show signs of breakage.  This will not only harm your rabbit but it will be easier for predators to get to them.

If you plan to set up the rabbit hutch outdoors, you need to make sure it is weatherproof.  If not you have to ensure it is so.  You can find quality sealants to help you with the weatherproofing.  Doing so will ensure that it can withstand the onslaught of rain, snow and even the heat of the sun.  Aside from the fact that it will make your pet’s home durable and last for a long time, it will also ensure the protection of your pet from the harsh elements.  Weatherproofed rabbit hutches will not only protect your pet but will keep them comfortable and healthy.