Proper Cage Sizes for a Rabbit

Rabbits are popular pets, but unlike cats and dogs, they definitely need a cage or hutch in which to spend part of their day. A proper rabbit cage should be big enough to accommodate your animal and keep him comfortable if he's spending extended periods of time in the cage. When making or buying a rabbit cage, you need to consider the size and number of rabbits that you're planning to house.

  1. Basic Cage Requirements

    • A basic rabbit cage must provide enough room for a single, relatively small-sized rabbit a to run around and get some exercise. There also has to be enough room for the rabbit to create a little nest to relax and sleep in. Dwarf or small-breed rabbits that weigh two to five pounds should be comfortable in a cage that measures 30 x 30 x 14 inches. A larger rabbit that weights more than six pounds would require more space, making a 36 x 30 x 18 inches cage more appropriate.

    Multiple Rabbits, Multiple Cages

    • If you have more than one rabbit, you must decide if you want to put them all in one large cage or split them up into separate cages. If you have a pair of rabbits that have been raised together and are of the same sex, it is possible to put them in the same cage if they get along. To determine a cage size for two rabbits, use the dimensions listed above, adding three or four extra square feet to accommodate a second nest. Rabbits that are not bonded together, are capable of breeding or are prone to fighting must be put into their own, individually sized cages.

    The Bigger the Better

    • If you have more room for your cage, it is never a bad idea to make a larger cage. If your rabbits live outdoors and you have a large yard, a larger cage is appropriate. You can even buy a two-level rabbit "condo" to give your rabbits a large space to run around.

    Rabbits That Are Rarely in the Cage

    • While it is not recommended to let your rabbit run around outdoors without supervision, a trained rabbit can live indoors without being confined to a cage. These rabbits can get by with a smaller cage because they will only be using their cage to sleep and relax in. For this kind of situation, a 24 x 15 inches cage is suitable.