#BestForPets Magazine Edition #3 (Spring 2022)

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#BestForPets

Space requirements No rabbit can behave normally without enough space. So if you have a pair of rabbits – and remember that rabbits kept alone are very likely to be lonely, so keeping a pair is pretty much mandatory – then the total area of their house and run should be at least 6m2, with a run height of at least 1m (60 square feet; run height, 3 feet). So if you have a hutch that is 2.0 x 0.6 m (which is typical) then you need an attached run that is at least 2.0 x 2.5m. This may sound quite large but it will still only allow your rabbit to make about 4 hops before he has to stop – so bigger is always better when it comes to run size.

How to keep your rabbits active

Ways to increase activity If you provide the right environment, you can leave it to your rabbits to do the exercising. Here is what they need:

With the warmer weather upon us, it is great for your pet rabbits to be outside and active. Of course, they should have enough space to be active all year round, but now is a good time to think about what they need in the way of outdoor housing. If you need any advice on creating the perfect environment for your rabbits, contact the team at your local Healthy Pet Club practice for advice.

Enough space and height to: • Run • Binky • Jump • Stretch up to their full height

Platforms to jump onto

• Get away from each other and sit apart (see above for minimum requirements)

Places to hide

Somewhere to dig: If the run isn’t on grass, provide a large litter tray or an earth-filled planter

Access to the exercise run 24/7:

Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk so letting them out only during the middle of the day isn’t ideal.

Enriching their environment with tubes, tunnels, hideouts, willow balls, and hidden food will also help to keep them happy and active. Always be sure to leave both ends of tunnels unblocked, though – to feel safe, rabbits need to know that they have an escape route.

Do the best for your bunny by providing an environment that allows your rabbit to do all of these things.

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