You will want to consider our 5 S system, which allows you to create the perfect habitat for your rabbit outdoors.
Size
The space must be a minimum of 60sqft which could be made up of multiple areas. Ideally they should have at least 8-10ft in length to run and binky and 6-8ft in width to stretch and zoomie. The height must be at least 3ft to allow them to fully stretch, jump and twist.
Security
Safety against predators such as foxes, badgers and birds of prey is paramount. Any mesh used should be at least 16g galvanised steel mesh with a spacing size of 1x1cm or 1x0.5cm. Chicken wire is not suitable as it can be ripped and chewed through. Shop bought runs are usually 19g which is also not predator proof.
The enclosure must have a roof on it and not be open air to prevent cats getting in or birds swooping down.
The enclosure must have a roof on it and not be open air to prevent cats getting in or birds swooping down.
Safety
The rabbits should be safe and not able to escape. This means permanent housing should be on hard standing either solid flooring or slabs, never on grass. This also makes things easy to disinfect should there be a parasite break out.
Shelter
The area should be sheltered from the elements and allow the rabbits to seek cover from rain, snow and sun. Covers can be used to provide shelter.
Substance
It doesn't need to be fancy! It does however, need to provide the rabbits with all the basic essentials for them to display their natural behaviours. This includes litter trays, hay racks, water bowls, toys, tunnels and enrichment. Boxes of dirt to dig in and things to throw around. Empty enclosures make for bored and frustrated rabbits. Toys and enrichment keep rabbits happy and busy.
Should I consider a hutch? If so, which one should I buy?
Hutches are not suitable for rabbits to live in and we will not approve adoption applications for rabbits to live in a hutch unless it is used with doors removed as a hideaway within a large aviary/shed. This is because no hutch on the market meets the size or safety requirements to meet the Scottish rabbit welfare standards.
Hutches are made from cheap quality wood which is not made to withstand Scottish weather. It may last 1 or 2 Winters at most, if your rabbit hasn't chewed out of it by then. They are also very expensive and not cost effective!
Hutches are made from cheap quality wood which is not made to withstand Scottish weather. It may last 1 or 2 Winters at most, if your rabbit hasn't chewed out of it by then. They are also very expensive and not cost effective!
Need Inspired?
Download our FREE outdoor housing guide with checklist
Download our FREE outdoor housing guide with checklist
| outdoorhousing_guide.pdf |