How to Disinfect a Redwood Rabbit Hutch

Most rabbits are quite susceptible to infections and parasites, especially if they live outdoors and among other wild or domesticated animals. While wire cages are easier to keep clean, many rabbit owners choose redwood hutches for their appearance. Some components can be added to a wooden hutch to make it easier to clean and disinfect. Taking precautions to clean and disinfect a redwood rabbit hutch regularly, as well as protect the hutch from pests and decay, will help keep your rabbits healthy and prolong the life of your rabbit hutch as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Non-toxic wood preservative for treating the hutch
  • Metal drop pan
  • Hutch liners (found at your local pet store)
  • Hay or straw
  • Rubber gloves
  • Rag
  • Mild soap
  • Spray disinfectant (found at your local pet store)
  • Disinfectant wipes (found at your local pet store)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Treat the wood in a redwood rabbit hutch before you put rabbits in it to keep the wood from decaying or harming the rabbit if the rabbit chews on it.

    • 2

      Add a drop pan to the bottom of a wooden hutch to make regular cleaning easier and more effective.

    • 3

      Use several layers of small animal hutch liners in the bottom and partially covering the sides of the rabbit hutch to absorb urine and cover with hay or straw. Remove the liners every day or two when they have been soiled.

    • 4

      Throw away all of the material inside a rabbit hutch, including liners and any hay or straw, at least once a week when conducting a thorough rabbit hutch cleaning.

    • 5

      Disinfect a redwood rabbit hutch by removing the drop pan and cleaning both the pan and the floor and sides of the wooden hutch thoroughly with a rag soaked with warm, soapy water and a spray disinfectant designed for use with small animals.

    • 6

      Remove any debris or waste that has fallen underneath the drop pan, and check the empty rabbit hutch for moldy or decaying spots in the wood and repair or treat immediately.

    • 7

      Wipe down the walls of the rabbit hutch between weekly cleanings with a paper towel sprayed with disinfectant or a disinfectant wipe designed for use with small animals.