Rabbit Homesteading: A Guide To Providing Adequate Space
As small mammals, rabbits are often one of the first animals that new homesteaders or homeowners think to bring home. But don’t let their size fool you: rabbits need more space than you may think to live a healthy and happy life!
Even before beginning your journey as a rabbit homesteader or pet owner, it’s crucial to understand the space requirements for these lagomorphs.
Fortunately, as long-time rabbit raisers, we put this post together to inform on rabbits’ basic space necessities; so read on!
How Much Space Does One Rabbit Need
For a single rabbit, the recommended minimum space is at least 12 square feet of living area. This usually means a spacious hutch that leads into a fenced outdoor area.
However, more space is always better, so if you can provide more, your bunny will thank you!
And for larger breeds, such as Flemish Giants, you should aim for even more space, closer to 24 square feet.
Can Rabbits Share Living Space
Yes, as naturally social animals, rabbits do enjoy sharing their living space with other rabbits. But keep the sexes separate, unless you want surprise baby rabbits (kits)!
Unsure when rabbits reach sexual maturity? Read our post on How To Tell The Age Of A Rabbit.
Female rabbits usually do well together, although they can be quite territorial and aggressive if they do not like each other. Remember, each rabbit has its own personality and doesn’t always get along with other bunnies!
How Big Should A Hutch For Two Rabbits Be
If you plan to keep two rabbits together, the hutch or enclosure should be significantly larger.
A hutch designed for two rabbits should have at least 24 to 32 square feet of living space. There are unique ways to accomplish this, including housing your bunnies in a Rabbit Tractor!
Bunnies are quite long animals as well, so be sure they have enough room to stand up on their hind legs without hitting the top of their hutch. This allows them to move around comfortably, stretch their legs, and avoid territorial disputes.
Additionally, we always ensure there are different nooks for separate sleeping areas if desired as well as ample ventilation to prevent overheating.
Housing Your Rabbit
Whether you’re housing your rabbits indoors or outdoors, your goal should be to provide a safe and comfortable environment.
For indoor housing, we suggest a spacious cage, maybe even with a fenced in floor access, or even a dedicated bunny room where they can roam freely when supervised.
Our own outdoor housing for rabbits consists of sturdy hutches made of predator-proof materials (i.e. metal, hard wood). We also make sure it’s elevated to protect against dampness and has a secure, lockable door to keep the rabbits safe from potential threats.
Learn more about top rabbit predators here.
Indoor And Outdoor Access For Bunnies
Ideally, your rabbits should have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Outdoor access allows them to enjoy fresh air and natural sunlight, which is essential for their well-being. You can use a rabbit run attached to their hutch for outdoor exercise, although we have designated a portion of our yard for the rabbits (fenced in for their safety) and handle them gently everyday to move them there for at least an hour.
When indoors, we suggest having a designated play area where your bunnies can hop around, chew on toys, and interact with you.
This combination of indoor and outdoor environments for domestic rabbits enriches their lives and promotes physical and mental health.
Rabbits Need Exercise and Movement
Rabbits are active creatures that need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Even if they have a spacious hutch or indoor area, rabbits require additional daily exercise.
We have encouraged our bunnies to move and explore by providing tunnels, ramps, and safe rabbit toys.
Our rabbits really enjoy their outdoor playtime in the secure pen we made in our yard; depending on where you live a manufactured rabbit run is an excellent idea to provide for some physical and mental stimulation.
Remember, a bored rabbit can become destructive, so engaging them in play is vital for their well-being!
Our Thoughts On Free Range Bunnies
While free-ranging your rabbits can be a fantastic way to provide ample space, it comes with risks and at the end of the day, we do not recommend it!
Predators, toxic plants, and other dangers can threaten the safety of free-range rabbits. Remember, domestic rabbits are not as in touch with their instincts as their wild counterparts and can easily stress or harm themselves in the human world!
Having safe and happy free range rabbits is even more difficult on a homestead, where there is often other livestock, tools, and lots of daily movement!
We do suggest that you thoroughly ensure your property is secure before you choose to allow your bunnies to roam freely. Additionally, rabbit-proof your home or yard by removing hazardous items and plants, as well as providing safe hiding spots for them.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To How Much Space Rabbits Need
How Often Should Rabbits Be Let Out Of Their Hutch?
Your bunny should be given time to hop, run, play and exercise in a large (ideally) outdoor space at least once a day for at least one hour.
How Small Of A Space Can A Bunny Fit In?
Rabbits are very small animals, even an adult can squeeze through a 2-3in hole while an immature bunny can slip through just a 1 inch opening!
This is important to think about when designing and deciding on outdoor enclosures and/or rabbit-proofing your home!
Final Thoughts On How Much Space Do Rabbits Need
In conclusion, creating a rabbit homestead involves careful planning and attention to your bunnies’ space and housing needs.
Providing ample room, secure shelter, and opportunities for exercise and exploration will result in healthy, happy, and content rabbits. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a responsible and caring rabbit homesteader!