Build rabbit housing
Rabbits are quiet and efficient, but they suffer badly in heat. Shade, airflow and enough space come first.
How
- Floor space per rabbit housed alone (Ohio State): under 2 kg (4.4 lb) 0.14 m2 (1.5 sq ft); 2 to 4 kg 0.28 m2 (3 sq ft); 4 to 5.4 kg 0.37 m2 (4 sq ft); over 5.4 kg 0.46 m2 (5 sq ft). Minimum height 41 cm (16 in). Does with litters need more.
- Aim for 7 to 21 C (45 to 70 F) for adults; rabbits tolerate heat poorly.
- Ventilate to remove heat and ammonia without draughts, and protect hutches from rain and predators.
- Give fresh water at all times; Ontario figures show rabbit water use roughly doubles at 30 C compared with 10 C.
- Give constant access to grass hay plus pellets with 15 to 20 percent crude fibre. For pets and breeding stock, hay should be most of the diet, about 85 to 90 percent (Merck Veterinary Manual).
- Low-fibre diets raise the risk of severe digestive illness, especially in young rabbits (Merck). Penn State treats commercial pellets as a complete ration for meat rabbits, so keep hay available either way.
- For breeding meat rabbits, see animals-29.
Sources
- Rabbit care and housing (4H-31). Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline), accessed 2026-11
- Water requirements of livestock (Factsheet 23-023). Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), accessed 2026-11
- Diet for rabbits. Merck Veterinary Manual, accessed 2026-11
- Rabbit production. Penn State Extension, accessed 2026-11