There are a variety of cages and hutches designed for rabbits available from pet shops or Online Pet Stores and it is also possible to build a home for your rabbit.

Rabbits are sociable although bucks (males) often fight and so are best not kept together. Does (females) will live happily together though provided they are introduced at a young age. A single buck (male) will live with a doe (female) or group of does but obviously breeding will occur and the buck will need to be removed prior to the birth of any litter.

When buying two or more rabbits to live together it is not necessary to get rabbits from the same litter but it is best that they should be roughly the same age and size (and sex if you do not want to breed them).

Hutch

The most common type of rabbit cage is a wooden hutch. The smaller hutches available are approximately 30-36 inches in length and these are the minimum size suitable for a dwarf rabbit although a larger hutch is preferable. Larger rabbits, or two or more rabbits to be kept will require a larger hutch.

Most hutches have an enclosed area where the rabbit can shelter to seek privacy or sleep and an "open area" with at least one side consisting of wire mesh.

Rather than buy a hutch it is of course possible to build one using wood and wire mesh quite easily but care should be taken to ensure there are no rough edges, nails or anything that can harm the rabbit.

If intending to keep the rabbit outside it is important to buy a hutch with a waterproof roof in order to prevent the wood soaking up water and becoming damp and cold in periods of bad weather. Hutches that have a plain wooden roof are designed to be kept indoors.

There are also hutches available with a wire mesh "run" attached intended to be placed over grass in order for your rabbit to have ready access to natural forage.

The disadvantage of a wooden hutch is that the wood soaks the urine and so if kept indoors deep bedding and frequent cleaning is needed to keep the cage free from smell.

Rabbits can also gnaw the wood and so any hutch may need repairing from time to time.

Plastic Cages

For those that wish to keep their rabbits indoors there are a number of rabbit cages with a plastic base and either a ventilated plastic or a rigid wire top. Any cage with a plastic top should have plenty of ventilation to avoid condensation build up. As with a hutch this type of cage should be at least 30-36 inches in length for a single dwarf rabbit, and larger for bigger or two or more rabbits to be kept together.

The plastic cages often allow the top to be unclipped from the base making it easy to get the rabbit out of the cage or to clean the cage and are lightweight and durable.

As well as the cage there are various "furnishings" that you need to provide and also other items which you may like to consider to keep your rabbit amused and happy.

Floor Covering

A covering is required for the floor of the cage to provide a comfortable surface for the rabbit and also to soak up the urine. The most common type of floor covering available is woodshavings - fine sawdust should be avoided as this can cause irritation to the eyes.

Cedar woodshavings (usually distinguished by a red tint) should not be used as the phenols they contain can cause severe irritations in rabbits. Although Pine is a softwood Pine shavings cause less problems than Cedar and kiln dried Pine can be used without problems.

Any form of scented shavings should be avoided as these can also cause irritation and Corn cob bedding is not generally recommended as it has a tendency to mould and rabbits have been known to eat it and it can then swell when wet.

Nesting Material

A rabbit will appreciate some bedding material in which to "nest" and this is best provided with a deep layer of wood shavings and large amounts of hay.

Any hay given should be clean and free from dust or mould as the rabbit will eat the hay as well as use it for a bed (see Feeding) and this is vital for their digestive system. Therefore hay needs to be topped up daily.

Timothy hay or a grass hay is best given although alfalfa hay can be given to young growing rabbits and also to pregnant and nursing mothers. However, alfalfa hay is considered too high in calcium for continued use throughout adulthood although can be given as an occasional treat.

Straw should not be used as the sharp edges can injure a rabbit eyes.

Water Bottle

A rabbit requires constant access to water and this is best provided by using a water bottle attached the side of the hutch or cage attached at a height that the rabbit can comfortably reach. Water bottles with ball-bearings in the tube tend to be less prone to leaking than those without.

If the rabbit is kept outside it is important to ensure the water does not freeze during the winter months and therefore it may be necessary to insulate the water bottle by wrapping some padding or thick cloth around it and checking daily to ensure that the water has not frozen. Be aware also that a completely full water bottle may crack if the water inside becomes frozen and expands.

Food Dish

A ceramic food dish is best provided. These are heavy enough not to be knocked over by the rabbit and cannot be chewed.

Other Equipment

If the hutch or cage does not allow access to the grass purchasing a "run" is a good idea to allow your rabbit time to exercise and feed on grass.

The run should be placed over an area of grass that has not been soiled by other animals and not had any chemicals used on it and situated so that at least part of it is sheltered from direct sunlight on a hot day. A water bottle should be fixed to the side of the run when being used