Should you get a rabbit hutch or a rabbit run?

Answer 1

Both.

If you want to keep your rabbit outdoors, you need a hutch and run. You need a hutch that is rabbit-proofed to keep your rabbit safe when you're not there to watch. You need a run so that your rabbit can exercise and play and socialize with you every day.

Consider keeping your rabbit indoors. It's widely recommended. It's much easier to keep your rabbit happy, healthy, and safe when she/he is indoors.

If you keep it outdoors:

The hutch needs to be secure from predators. Spend a lot of time making sure it's secure: many people have been (sadly) surprised at how wily predators can be. It should be secure from prowling humans as well. It needs to be roomy, too. It should include:

• a litter box
• a water source
• a hay source
• a hiding area1
• comfy resting surfaces
• protection from the elements2
• toys/diversions/play structures
• enough room left over to stretch out, stand up on hind legs, hop a few times

1 Rabbits have died of fright when a predator is stalking them outside their hutch. They need a place to go where they can't be seen, where they can feel secure. This could be a cardboard box, or something more elaborate.

2 Rabbits need protection from wind, damp, heat (they need airflow and shade), extreme cold, extreme heat (bring them inside; provide air conditioning, fans, frozen tiles, frozen water bottles, etc.)

The run should let the rabbit really run around. Stock it with play structures, herb garden, etc. Your rabbit needs at least four hours of exercise and socializing every day. You should also observe your rabbit daily and keep track of its behaviours (drinking, eating, peeing, pooping, energy, mobility; that way you'll know when something is wrong before it's too late).