There are lots of benefits to having a rabbit as a pet. Bunnies can make a great addition to any home thanks to their (usually!) small size and the fact they can often be left to their own devices. They don’t need as much care as a dog does, yet they’re still an intelligent animal that is cute and fluffy and can bring entertainment and love to many families.
However, just because a bunny rabbit may be an easier pet to look after than a 100 lbs canine, it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a good life in a good home. These animals need space to live comfortably and this starts with the right hutch. Not only does the best rabbit hutch need to be spacious, but it needs to meet all their needs as well as being durable and easy to clean.
With so many different hutches out there in the market, it can be difficult to know which one is going to be best for your furry friend. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Below we’ll discuss where you should keep your pet rabbit, what to look for in a hutch and even show you some of our top picks.
What is the Difference Between a Rabbit Hutch and a Rabbit Cage?
Often the terms “rabbit hutch” and “rabbit cage” are used interchangeably, but they are in fact different things. While there are indoor rabbit hutches, a hutch is normally placed outside, while a rabbit cage is more of an indoor home. You’ll also commonly find cages are made out of plastic and wire mesh, while a hutch is usually made out of wood, metal wires and sometimes even plastic for flooring.
One is not necessarily better than another — it all comes down to personal preference. The larger your rabbit is, the more likely they are going to benefit from a hutch rather than a cage because hutches are usually bigger. Cages are also usually transportable, so are preferable if you travel a lot with your rabbit.
Should my Rabbit Hutch be Indoors or Outdoors?
Just like choosing between a hutch and a cage, choosing to house your rabbit indoors or outdoors comes down to personal preference. If you have the space outside, you may want to keep your rabbit outside because a hutch can take up a lot of room inside. However, living outside can be dangerous for a rabbit because they are more accessible to predators such as foxes.
Some owners like to keep their pet in an indoor rabbit hutch because they are closer to them! Many bunnies are kept as house rabbits and spend no time outside. They are given free rein of the house and are trained to use a litter box.
Keeping your rabbit outside allows them to live more like they were intended — and they have the fur coat to keep them warm! A hutch outside will also smell less than one kept inside, although you won’t get away with cleaning them out any less! At the end of the day, it all comes down to what works for you and your bunny.
Features to Look For in a Rabbit Hutch
Standard or Multi-Level
There are two different types of hutches: standard and multi-level. Standard hutches are just one level, with a place for your rabbit to exercise, eat and sleep. Multi-level hutches have multiple floors, with ramps to help your rabbit move easily. This gives your bunny more space to roam and exercise.
Whether you choose a standard or multi-level hutch will depend on how active your rabbit is and how much space you have. Multi-level hutches take up more room but are the hutch best suited to active rabbits. You’ll also need to take into consideration the size of your rabbit when choosing the best rabbit hutch.
Size
There is no point in buying a large hutch if you don’t have space for it. However, if you don’t have the space for a hutch, you probably don’t have the space for a rabbit. The hutch needs to be at least four times the size of the rabbit, but we recommend much bigger.
If you have a baby bunny, you should buy a hutch based on their predicted adult size. Your rabbit will be very uncomfortable if they don’t have enough space to move around in, which can lead to loss of activity and depression in your bun. This can then lead to a shorter life expectancy.
Durability
Rabbits can destroy things if they really want to! Bunnies love to dig and chew, so your cage must be able to withstand this. There is no point in spending a lot of money on the best rabbit hutch if you are going to have to replace it within a few months because your rabbit has broken it. Metal cages with a plastic bottom are a popular choice among rabbit owners because they cannot be chewed through.
Elevation
Keeping your rabbit outside makes them more likely to be eaten by predators, especially animals such as foxes. If your rabbit house is elevated on stilts, your rabbit will be much more safe from these predators. Many elevated homes are four to five feet above the ground.
Removable Bottom Pan
If the bottom of your bunny hutch is removable, it will be much easier for you to clean. You can remove the bottom and sanitise it, without having to lean into the hutch to clean it. Normally, a removable bottom pan is found on indoor hutches rather than outdoor hutches.
If you’re looking for the best rabbit hutch for your cuddly friend, take a look at the best sellers we recommend below. These are all available to you on Amazon.
The Best Rabbit Hutch Reviews
1) Trixie Pet Products Natura Small Animal Home
This small animal hutch from Trixie is perfect if you have a smaller rabbit. This roofed enclosure can be attached to an outdoor run, so you rabbit can enjoy being outside but can also hop inside if they want somewhere to sleep! This home has a ramp for easy access in and out and there is a lockable front door.
The roof is rain proof so you don’t need to worry about this hutch being destroyed from weather damage. The roof also lifts up for easy cleaning. It is worth noting that while this is a great addition to a larger outside enclosure, it should not be the only space for your rabbit as it is not big enough.
2) Advantek Stilt House Rabbit Hutch
The Advantek Stilt House is a large enclosure designed for one to two rabbits. With two stories and ramps to allow your rabbit to move freely, you can lock your bunny in the nesting box over night so they are elevated and safe from any predators. The rabbit-friendly wire that surrounds the hutch also helps to keep your furry friend safe.
This hutch is made from rot-resistant wood that can be kept outside at all times. The nesting box has a removable bottom pan for easy cleaning and there is a window so you can check on your sleeping bun whenever! A door on the side of the hutch allows your rabbit to come and go as they please, too. Even better, the auburn and white coloring of the hutch looks good in any setting!
3) CO-Z Topnotch Rabbit Hutch
Similar to the Trixie small pet home we mentioned above, the CO-Z Topnotch rabbit hutch is designed to be an addition to a larger run. An enclosed area with a roof, this hutch is a great place for your rabbit to sleep or rest, but it also has a ramp so they can have access to the outside, too. Designed for one to two rabbits, it is a large space but shouldn’t be used on it’s own.
This CO-Z hutch is made from anti-corrosion wood that is weather-proof and can be kept outside at all times. It is also easy to assemble and very durable. The door to this hutch is lockable so you can keep your bun safe from predators, and the roof opens easily for simple cleaning.
4) TRIXIE Pet Products 2-in-1 Rabbit Hutch with Insulation
This two story home from TRIXIE is perfect if you have more than one rabbit but you want to house them all together. With two different levels, there is a ramp between the two that allows your rabbits to move easily around the hutch. However, each level also has a retreat area that is enclosed and can be used separately if you need to keep your rabbits apart. All you need to do is remove the ramp and close the hatch door, and you have two separate hutches!
The hutch is made from wood with metal wiring and there are also removable plastic panes for the windows. This means that you can keep your bunnies safe overnight and you won’t have to worry about predators getting throw the mesh. The hutch is sturdy and weatherproof and there is styrofoam insulation in the outer walls for added protection from the elements. A hinged roof allows for easy cleaning and there are two removable trays, too.
5) Pawhut Deluxe Large Wooden Rabbit Hutch
The Pawhut Deluxe wooden hutch is a large rabbit hutch, perfect for multiple bunnies. It can also be used for other animals such as hedgehogs, hamsters and guinea pigs. With two levels, there are multiple ramps to the enclosed upper box that allow easy access to and from the large living area and run. This hutch is made from fir wood and heavy duty wire mesh to keep your animals safe at all times. The roof is also waterproof so the hutch can stay outside at all times.
This hutch provides your rabbits with lots of space to run around, particularly on the first level. There is a slide-out tray for easy cleaning of the enclosed upper level and the doors are lockable but still provide excellent air circulation. This home does require assembly but it is easy to put together and has a durable construction.
6) Merry Products Tudor Rabbit Hutch
The Merry Products Tudor rabbit hutch is a stylish and comfortable home that’ll be sure to brighten up your garden or yard! This large hutch is perfect for three to four rabbits and two levels for them to roam around. The upper level is enclosed with a roof and is accessible by a ramp from the lower level that is surrounded by wire. There is even a lockable attic right at the top of the hutch for further storage!
This rabbit hutch is made of durable wood and metal. The roof is also waterproof and weatherproof. The upper level is lockable so you can keep your rabbits safe at night and there are doors on the lower level to allow your rabbit free rein over the yard during the day. There is also a removable bottom pan for the upper area as well as two extra doors that makes cleaning much easier.
7) TRIXIE Rabbit Hutch with Outdoor Run
Another rabbit hutch from Trixie, this hutch is large and will give your rabbit adequate room to move around. Like many of the hutches on this list, this is another multi-level hutch that gives your rabbit access to an outdoor area and an enclosed upper level through a ramp. There are three doors on the front — one for access for your rabbit and two for ease of cleaning — as well as access from above through the roof panels and run top.
This hutch is durably made with wood and metal. The roof has waterproof panelling to keep your rabbit dry, too. There is a removable bottom pan for the enclosed area, again to make cleaning simple, and the entire hutch is lockable to keep your bunny secure.
8) Petsfit Outdoor Rabbit Hutch
This Petsfit rabbit hutch is designed to house one bunny. Made from sturdy wood and wire, this hutch is durable and will last outside for many years. There are two levels to this hutch which can be accessed through a ramp. The upper, enclosed level will keep your rabbit dry if it rains while also giving them somewhere to sleep. The downstairs area gives them a good amount of space to move and there is a door so they can also have access to the garden.
Both the upper and lower areas have a pull out tray for easy cleaning. The three doors on this hutch are lockable to keep your rabbit safe from predators, too. This hutch is easy to assemble with pre-drilled holes and, although it is designed to be used outside, it can also be used inside.
Summary
Making sure your rabbit has a good home will improve their quality of life massively. No bunny wants to be stuck in a small hutch with no space to roam, so giving them adequate room will keep them happy and full of life. You’ll want to make sure your rabbit hutch is durable so they can’t chew through the wire or wood and other predators can’t get in, and think about purchasing an elevated hutch if your bunny lives outside throughout the year to keep them extra safe. Whether you choose to house your bun indoors or outdoors, always ensure they have enough hay and fresh water.