A cotton-white rabbit is as cute as a button but is quite a handful if left to roam freely. The good news is that you can contain your cuddly friend indoors, with some freedom to frolic (after you have thoroughly rabbit proofed your home, of course). A rabbit cage will serve as a place where it can rest after a play session.
http://www.rabbitcageplans.org/
But how do you pick out the right cage for your pet? Here is some advice from the experts.
How to choose a rabbit cage
http://rabbitbreeders.us/supplies/cages/
Most rabbit owners prefer to keep their pets indoors with some room to frisk around outside daily. There are considerations to bear in mind, wherever you decide to contain yours.
All pet shops have a wide variety of rabbit cages available. Most of them have similar designs, with a wire frame on top and a plastic tray at the bottom. If all of them look alike, how would you go about deciding on the best one for your pet?
1. Size
Cage size is a top consideration. Rabbits may be small creatures, but the phrase “bunny hop” did not come about for nothing. Many owners take cages home only to find that they are too small for their furry charges, which love to romp. Most of them the measure about 100 by 120 cm (3.4 by 4 inches).
Large, commercial cages are the most suitable for rabbits. Get the biggest cage you can, even if your rabbit is young. They grow quickly and will need extra space within six to eight weeks.
2. Height
Many owners make the mistake of buying cages which are too short. A cage should be tall enough for your pet to stand on its hind legs. As a rough gauge, it should be at least 18 inches tall.
3. Floor
The floor of a cage is an important point to ponder, as it can affect the health of your pet. Cages with wire floors may cause sores on your rabbits’ feet. If you own a Rex breed, do not keep it in a wire cage, as they have only a thin layer of fur covering their feet.
4. Tray Depth
It goes without saying that the deeper the tray, the better. You will be able to put more litter and hay in it. If the cages available to you are perfect except for the depth of their trays, circumvent this by using a deep litter tray to contain the litter.
5. Cage Door
You will need a door that is wide enough to let your rabbit through. Large doors will also make it easier for you to clean the tray. Make sure that the cage you choose has at least one side door. Lifting your rabbit from the side is less threatening than carrying it from above.
6. Bars
Pick out a cage with plastic bars, as they will not rust. The bars will look unsightly if your rabbit chews them, but this is harmless.
7. Indoors and Outdoors
Most owners will keep their rabbits in cages indoors or hutches outdoors. The considerations of size, height, bars, tray depth, the floor, and the door will apply either way. Hutches are your best bet for keeping your rabbits outdoors.
An important consideration when containing your pets outdoors is safety. Rabbits are prey animals, so remember that large animals will want them. Leaving them in an open pen outside is risky.
The hutch should also offer protection from the elements. The roof of the cage should fall at an angle towards the rear so that the rain can fall off it.
Top 7 best cages for your frisky rabbits
The wide variety of rabbit cages available to you spoils you for choice. It will be easier for you to make a decision with a breakdown of the ten best ones.
1. Deluxe Habitat by Living World
This rabbit habitat, by Living World, ensures your pet’s safety. It is a hybrid cage with an upper wire frame and a base made of plastic. A balcony with an access ramp makes it easy for your pet to run around. A tip-proof dish prevents food from spilling. It measures a massive 46 inches and is ideal for keeping your pet indoors. Many owners recommend it because of its large size.
https://www.amazon.com/Living-World-Deluxe-Habitat-X-Large/dp/B007BNE1YA/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1478487674&sr=1-1&keywords=rabbit+cages
2. The Stilt House by Advantek
This enclosure by Advantek has a stilted resting box, a high ramp, and a broad, roomy base. In a beautiful auburn and white colors, it is a perfect complement to an outdoor setting. Lightweight, roll-resistant lumber, it is easy to carry around. It is an ideal outdoor home for a few rabbits. Owners mentioned that it is easy to assemble.
https://www.amazon.com/Advantek-Stilt-House-Rabbit-Hutch/dp/B0087BI9KW/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1478490486&sr=1-2&keywords=rabbit+cages
3. The Penthouse Rabbit Hutch By Advantek
This single-level hutch has everything your little pet needs to feel cozy and safe. The stilts make it difficult for predators to reach. Access doors to the main living area and the rabbit nesting box make it easy for you to reach for your pet. It comes with a base tray that is easy to clean. Measuring 36 by 18 by 28 inches, it is a pleasant abode for a single rabbit.
https://www.amazon.com/Advantek-The-Penthouse-Rabbit-Hutch/dp/B007SQUKB8/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1478487769&sr=1-3&keywords=rabbit+cages
4. Chicken Coop Rabbit Hutch Wood House by Merax
At 48 by 19.7 by 41 inches, this is an incredible home for one or two rabbits. With two separate homes and two trays, there is plenty of room for them to romp. The durable wood it is made of does not wear down. The pull out drawer is easy to remove and clean. A reviewer commented that her rabbit shuttles about in this coop easily.
https://www.amazon.com/Merax-Rabbit-Hutch-Wooden-Animals/dp/B017LTC24Y/ref=sr_1_7?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1478490486&sr=1-7&keywords=rabbit+cages
5. The Midwest White Wabbitat Rabbit Cage
This cage is the epitome of versatility, with slide out and front accesses for easy reaching and cleaning. A secure side latch allows you to open it with one hand. The floor, though made of wire mesh, supports rabbit feet. The best boon of this cage is that it is foldable.
https://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Wabbitat-Folding-Rabbit-Cage/dp/B0002AT3K6/ref=sr_1_9?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1478487769&sr=1-9&keywords=rabbit+cages
6. Living the Dream Rabbit Habitat by You and Me
If you have only one rabbit, this habitat is one of the best places to keep it. To assemble it, you only need to snap the wire frame onto its plastic base. A ramp takes your rabbit to the second level of the cage; there is plenty of space for it. The top and front doors make it easy to access and clean. You may slip on the wheels to move it around. An owner remarked that it is large enough for her five-pound rabbit.
https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Living-Animal-Habitat/dp/B011CVWA0S/ref=sr_1_14?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1478490486&sr=1-14&keywords=rabbit+cages
7. Rabbit Hutch/Chicken Coop by Confidence
This hutch, made of furniture grade wood, will suit your rabbits to a T. Two levels enables smooth movement. There is a spacious running area that will keep your pets happy. Made of heavy duty steel wire, it is highly durable. Users mentioned that they could contain their rabbits in it with no fear of predators.
https://www.amazon.com/Confidence-Rabbit-Hutch-Chicken-Coop/dp/B00OOKBFR4/ref=sr_1_15?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1478490486&sr=1-15&keywords=rabbit+cages
With friendly advice and a few recommendations, picking out the right cage for your cage is no hassle at all.