How To Choose a Pet Rabbit Hutch or Guinea Pig Cage

By Steve Weater

Your pet rabbit or guinea pig is going to need some type of living quarters because it is not likely that you are just going to let it run about freely. There are so many hutches and cages obtainable that it can be tricky to decide on the right one for your rabbit or guinea pig. In addition to a hutch or cage, you could also want to get hold of a run.

Hutches are first and foremost used for rabbits when you will be keeping them outside. They will allow your rabbit to stay warm in the cold months and cool in the warm months. They will also give your rabbit with the right quantity of air flow. When you are looking for a hutch, hold the following things in mind:

The size of your rabbit (current and future) The quantity of rabbits that will be included Durable material that is non-toxic Trouble-free access to the inner recesses for cleaning Level of safety from wild predators Space for accessories, litter pan, and bowls

In addition to these considerations, you should also consider how active your rabbit is. If you have a lazy rabbit that doesn't jump or play much, the height of the hutch will not be as important. If your rabbit tends to run about quite a bit, you should make sure that the height of the hutch leaves enough head room for the rabbit to jump or stand up on its back legs.

Cages can be just as difficult to decide on. Pet rabbits and guinea pigs that will be kept in the house will need a cage. There are separate requirements for each of these pets. Rabbits and guinea pigs are quite alike, but rabbits are larger and have different dietary requirements.

Rabbit cages vary in size. If you have a smaller breed rabbit, a 24 x 36 inch cage will be sufficient. If your rabbit weighs, or will weigh 8 pounds or more, you will need a bigger cage. A 30 x 36 inch cage will work well. Wire cages are not optimal as they can cause your rabbits to have painful feet, but if you do pick out a wire bottomed cage, make certain that you include some type of solid surface in part of it for your rabbit to stand on for relief.

For guinea pigs, solid bottomed cages are suggested, with a wire clip on top. The open-style top allows for air flow on all sides of your piggies and lets them see what is going on. The key thing with choosing guinea pig cages is to ensure that you have a big enough cage to contain at least two pigs at the same time. In general, it is suggested that you have two guinea pigs as with just one, you wind up with a lonesome and unhappy animal " despite of how much you pet and love on your single guinea pig. They are more community animals and are happier when there is an additional one to play with.

Runs can be used for both rabbits and guinea pigs, and there are runs that are obtainable for inside and outdoor use. All a run is, in a nutshell, is a sort of playpen for your small animals. Runs are usually made from tall wire with open tops and bottoms. A run provides your rabbit or guinea pig with the opportunity to exercise and rush about outside of the confines of their hutch or cage, without risk. - 31376

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here