The ultimate BUNNY HUTCH is one that takes your care needs, your bun's care needs and your aesthetic, and shuffles them into a Perfect Paradise for both of you.
Rob and I sketched up a version of the bunny hutch I spotted on this site
My simplest take (quite variable in size and features):
Key features of any design should be:
- Dr. Holly wants you to be able to play with, sit with, and easily clean up after your rabbits.
- An entire fence run around a hutch makes it into a "Bunny Yard"! (Look at our Catio Inspo page for more ideas!)
- Lots of tall, front opening doors on the hutch to make it easy to rake out the hay.
- Ability to close off areas to clean, sterilize or even catch a wascally wabbit on the wun
- HARE conditioning. Aka Cooling ability. In So. Cal, this is very important.
- This design for a homemade cooler allows it to run continuously for when you are not home.
- Shade sails or shade canopies help prevent predatory birds and add a very effective layer of heat protection.
- Insulated roofing on the hutch, and ceramic tiles in the houses.
- Underground burrows are a great idea for buns in this Mediterranean climate! This simple bucket design makes it easy to check on them still (I can hide those ugly lids).
- Many more mini houses in the hutch depending on need. These can be insulated. Top shelves can have a lip added to keep hay in place.
- All this is made from rabbit-safe wood that can be replaced as needed (typically dried but untreated pine or maple)
- Bottom of the hutch-designed with your needs in mind!
- Bottom can be 1" wire so long as there is adequate hay and the rabbits aren't walking on it.
- Dirt floor can be managed with burrow-control
- There are also other cleanable, solid options that can be hosed off.
- Chicken wire should be buried around the perimeter at least, ideally through the whole area with deep, dig-zones.
- Of course, rabbit-friendly plantings are everywhere! Ideally in planters so they can re-grow without being gnawed down to stumps!
Check out this Sweet lil Bun Playland!
What I love: secure walls, dig pit, climbers, chewables. What I'd do: make sure there's no digging out, add some cooling and an insulated hide or deep burrow that can be accessed from the top.
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And of course, an air conditioned room dedicated to bun so they can access it any time is certainly a dream!
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Ear-resistable resources for your rabbit run:
They thought of everything:
https://www.omlet.us/shop/rabbit_products/outdoor_rabbit_run/
Fresh green hay delivered!
https://www.kwcages.com/feed-hay/hay.html
House Rabbit Society:
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