It’s common knowledge that the rabbit hutches and runs that are sold in most pet shops are often far too small to keep adult rabbits in. Unfortunately, many people buy a baby rabbit from a pet shop along with the hutch to go with it and they often have no idea of the size it will grow into when an adult.

A rabbit should be able to stand on its hind legs and stretch out full length in the sleeping area of its rabbit hutch and that should act as a bare minimum requirement. The average rabbit hutch on offer is nowhere near big enough for most rabbits to have the space they need for exercise.

Rabbits need to be able to exercise safely either indoors or in an outside rabbit run every day. They love to be able to run around and kick their legs. A 5ft hutch is suitable for a pair of small rabbits provided they are allowed daily access to an outdoor run.

The best rabbit housing is the type that offers spacious indoor shelter with access to an outside run. Poultry houses can offer good alternative accommodation for rabbits but they need to be at least 6 ft long and it is advised that you fit a heavy duty mesh base to them to stop foxes from burrowing underneath.

An outdoor rabbit hutch should be protected from extremes of temperature, rising damp and draughts so a rabbit hutch with legs is a good idea. In the summer remember to take precautions to protect your rabbit from the fleas and flies which can spread infectious diseases to rabbits. The best way to do this is to make sure his hutch is always kept clean and that you also groom your rabbit regularly to stop flies from attaching to his back end causing him great discomfort and possible infection.

You should also keep your pet rabbits away from wild rabbits to prevent infection. If you live in the country and have a run for your rabbit, it’s important to make sure that the run is placed where it doesn’t come into contact with areas of grass which wild rabbits may have contaminated.