Many years ago my daughter asked if she could have a pet rabbit because someone at school had 2 and couldn’t be bothered to look after them. My daughter was a caring child and she couldn’t bear to think that these rabbits were being neglected. Of course I gave in very easily and suggested we both visit the little girl’s house to choose which rabbit was right for our family.

Imagine our horror when we were told that there was only one rabbit left as the other one had frozen to death !! It was very cold and wet outside and these two poor bunnies were crammed into a very small, very run-down rabbit hutch with no rabbit hutch cover to offer them any protection from the weather.

We immediately adopted “Bill”, a large but very skinny black rabbit and brought him home. We had Bill for 9 years and tried to make sure that his years spent with us were happy ones.

Unlike Bill’s earlier years we knew that if a pet rabbit is being kept outside it is essential to provide it with a large rabbit hutch. When selecting a suitable rabbit hutch there is a lot to be considered. For instance, it is essential to know the adult size to which the rabbit will grow. As a rough guide, the rabbit hutch you choose should allow an adult rabbit to sit up on its hindlegs easily and to be able to stretch out comfortably - allow at least 3 times the length of the adult rabbit.

The rabbit hutch should also be split into two sections - a secure and secluded sleeping area where your rabbit will keep warm and cozy in winter or can escape the sun and heat in summer. All the doors should fit well to eliminate draughts and a sturdy lock that fasten securely will prevent theft and escape.

The rabbit hutch should be weatherproof and regularly treated prior to the winter months using a non-toxic wood preservative. The roof should also be weatherproof and preferably coated in a good quality felt. If the roof slopes backwards, it will allow rain to drain off. Flat roofs encourage rainwater to “pool”.

Strong wire mesh should be used on the front of the living quarters and if this can be foxproof then all the better. Check that there are no rough edges which your rabbit could injure itself on. A thick piece of canvas can be attached to the roof and lowered over the front of the cage at night to keep your rabbit warm and cosy in the cold months, or why not invest in a waterproof rabbit hutch cover.

Line the rabbit hutch with a thick layer of newspaper with either good quality sawdust or wood shavings on top for extra warmth. Putting hay in the sleeping compartment offers warmth and comfort at night.

Ideally the rabbit hutch should be raised off the ground to protect your rabbit from rising damp and vermin. Try and also place the rabbit hutch so that it is not facing prevailing winds or your rabbit will not be comfortable in its play area. Keeping your rabbit free from draughts is something to consider as well.

Unlike Bill’s first home, in the winter the rabbit hutch should either be placed in a well ventilated airy garage or shed or be well protected from the weather. Remember rabbits can suffer from being too hot or too cold.

Attach a water bottle to the wire front of the hutch and make sure that your rabbit has access to clean, fresh water daily. Purchase a good quality food for your rabbit and supplement this as necessary with fresh greens and carrots. Your vet will advise you on this.

Whatever the size of the rabbit hutch you purchase, it is important that you know that rabbits need exercise in much the same way as a puppy does. The safest way to provide this is by using a rabbit run. However, the run must be escape proof and predator proof and provide some shelter if your rabbit is there for some time. If you can supervise your rabbit in the run, then this is better than just leaving it on its own where it is very vulnerable to cats, foxes, etc.

The rabbit run should be moved daily so that your rabbit has fresh grass to nibble. Make sure that the grass has not been treated with any toxic weedkiller or any other harmful substance. Place lots of toys in the run for your rabbit to play with - these can be purchased from a good pet shop or you can make your own cheaply from plant pots and plastic tubing.

The rabbit run should only be used for day time exercise and the rabbit placed back into its hutch at night. Ensure that other pets don’t frighten your rabbit and remember that a cat will love to use the rabbit run as a place to rest on and will be greatly entertained by the stress this causes your rabbit.

There are lots of rabbit runs on the market some triangular shaped and others which are oblong. It’s a good idea to purchase one that has plenty of access both from the top and the sides so that you can get your rabbit out easily when required.

Remember that a rabbit who has a loving owner who has the time to play with him, a warm, comfortable home and plenty of fresh food and water will be a happy, healthy rabbit who will provide its owner with an equal amount of love and fun.