Keeping a bunny happy and healthy is more than just cuddles. But what do bunnies need in their cage? From picking the right cage to ensuring it’s packed with essentials – there’s so much to consider!
In this blog, we’ll tackle what bunnies need in their cages for health and happiness. We’ll delve into choosing suitable rabbit cages, essential items they can’t do without, and even discuss the role of toys.
You’re about to discover the answer to the question “What do bunnies need in their cage”, and how cleanliness affects them plus learn feeding tips that would make any vet proud!
Stick around if you want to become an expert at monitoring their health inside the cage too.
Understanding Your Bunny’s Needs
Your bunny needs a few key things in their cage to stay happy and healthy. First, they need plenty of space to hop around. A cramped cage can lead to stress and health issues.
Apart from room to roam, your bunny also requires shelter within the enclosure for comfort and security. This could be a simple box or tube that gives them somewhere private to retreat when needed.
Bunnies love nibbling on hay which helps keep their teeth trim while providing essential nutrients. So it’s important you always have fresh hay available in the cage.
Choosing the Right Cage for Your Bunny
Selecting the perfect rabbit cage is a pivotal decision in ensuring the well-being of your furry companion, whether they reside indoors or outdoors.
Indoor Rabbits
For indoor rabbits, prioritize spacious cages with solid flooring to protect their delicate feet. Opt for non-toxic materials and ensure proper ventilation for a secure and comfortable environment.
Look for features such as multiple levels, hiding spots, and room for accessories to create a stimulating space for your house rabbit.
The Lexi Indoor Cage is a great option for indoor rabbits.
Outdoor Rabbits:
Outdoor rabbits require hutches that shield them from the elements. Choose durable rabbit hutches raised off the ground to prevent dampness, equipped with a cozy indoor area as well as a waterproof roof for protection.
For outdoor enclosures, a wire floor can be beneficial, as it will help prevent bunnies from burrowing out and escaping as well as stop predators from digging their way in.
The functionality of an outdoor rabbit hutch is paramount, and features such as rot-resistant timber, a pull-out tray for easy rabbit cage cleaning, and accessible doors contribute to the overall well-being of your rabbit by ensuring a durable, sanitary, and easily maintainable living environment.
Coops And Cages offers a variety of suitable options.
Regular interaction and supervised outdoor play contribute to the overall well-being of both indoor and outdoor rabbits.
Remember, even with an ideal cage, bunnies need time outside their enclosure each day for exercise and exploration. A rabbit run is a great idea for an additional exercise area.
Essential Items for a Bunny’s Cage
Every bunny cage needs to be well-equipped to make sure your furry friend feels safe and happy. A sturdy, spacious rabbit enclosure is essential.
Bedding
Comfortable bedding is key. Opt for straw or hay – it’s warm, soft, and perfect for bunnies to nibble on. You can also purchase fleece beds from pet stores designed specifically for bunnies and other small animals.
Water
Bunnies need access to fresh water all the time. So include a stable bowl or water bottle like a cage-mounted drip bottle that won’t tip over easily in their home.
Toys
Bunnies love to chew, so provide safe and appropriate chew toys to keep their teeth healthy and provide mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Food Bowl
Use a heavy, tip-resistant food bowl for pellets and fresh vegetables, providing a designated space for feeding.
Litter Box
If you plan to litter train your pet rabbit, you will need to provide a litter box filled with rabbit-safe bedding material, such as hay or paper-based litter.
Tunnels
Tunnels are a bunny favourite, providing both a cozy hideaway and an avenue for exploration.
Choose tunnels made from safe materials, offering a secure space that encourages natural behaviours, from burrowing to playful antics, contributing to a happy and healthy bunny lifestyle.
The Importance of Toys in a Bunny’s Cage
Just like kids, bunnies need toys for mental stimulation and physical exercise. They’re not just cute decorations; they serve an important role in your bunny’s overall well-being.
Toys can help prevent boredom, which is vital as bored bunnies often turn to destructive behaviours. They love to chew and dig, so providing toys that encourage these natural habits can save your cage from damage.
Mental stimulation is also crucial for their health. Just think about how you feel after solving a challenging puzzle – satisfied and content. The same goes for bunnies when they interact with toys that make them think or work a bit harder than usual.
Maintaining Cleanliness in Your Bunny’s Cage
Keeping your bunny’s cage clean is crucial for their health and happiness. Dirty cages can lead to infections, and shorten the lifespan of your hutch. It’s essential to clear out any droppings or wet bedding regularly.
A deep clean should be done every week, but quick spot cleans are also handy for keeping things tidy between big cleans. Regular maintenance will help prevent smells and ensure that your furry friend has a comfortable living space.
Feeding Your Bunny Inside the Cage
Just like us, bunnies love a good feed. Providing the right food is essential to ensure your bunny’s well-being and contentment.
To start, your bunny will need hay. In fact, 80% of their diet should be made up of fresh hay to help with digestion and wear down those ever-growing teeth.
A hay rack is a great way of ensuring they have easy access to hay whilst maintaining the cleanliness of the rabbit hutch.
The Right Mix for Bunnies
Alongside hay, they’ll also need some leafy greens daily (about a cup per kilo of body weight) plus a small serving of pellets for extra nutrition.
Fruit can make an occasional treat but remember that too much sugar isn’t good for them.
Avoid Overfeeding
Be careful to avoid overfeeding Obesity in rabbits can lead to serious health problems so stick to recommended portion sizes.
Monitoring Your Bunny’s Health Inside the Cage
A crucial part of being a responsible pet owner is keeping an eye on your bunny’s health. This starts with understanding what to look out for.
Regularly Check Their Eating Habits
Bunnies should eat regularly, enjoying a diet rich in hay and leafy greens. If any alterations in their eating are observed, it could be an indicator that something is amiss with your rabbit’s health and it is time to see the vet.
Paying Attention to Their Droppings
The condition of your bunny’s droppings can give clues about their health too. Normal rabbit poop should be round and firm but not hard or misshapen. Learn more here about normal and abnormal droppings.
Grooming Patterns Can Be Indicative Too
If they’re grooming less than usual or more on one side, this might indicate discomfort somewhere on their body.
FAQs in Relation to What Do Bunnies Need in Their Cage
What Should You Put In A Rabbit Cage?
Bunnies need plenty of room to hop, bedding for comfort, water and food dishes, toys for mental stimulation, and a litter box if they are litter trained.
What Do Bunnies Have To Have In Their Cage?
A bunny’s cage must contain essentials like proper bedding, fresh water, and a hay feeder. It also needs safe toys for exercise and entertainment.
What Do You Put On A Rabbit Cage Floor?
Lay down soft and absorbent bedding material such as straw or paper-based products on the floor of your bunny’s enclosure.
This helps with cleanup while keeping them comfortable.
Do Bunnies Need Bedding In Their Cage?
Absolutely. Bedding offers warmth, absorbs waste making cleaning easier, and provides an area where they can burrow – a natural behaviour among rabbits.
Jordan’s Wrap
So, we’ve journeyed through the rabbit hole of understanding what do bunnies need in their cage. No small task, but it’s worth every bit for our furry friends. From choosing a proper rabbit hutch to kitting it out with essentials – it’s all about their comfort and well-being.
But don’t forget those toys! They’re key to keeping your bunny physically active and mentally stimulated. Remember, cleanliness is vital for bunny health too!
You’re now armed with knowledge on monitoring their health like an expert vet would do. The end goal? A happy bunny who feels safe and loved in its home sweet home – because you knew exactly what they needed in there.