What is a rabbit cage?

Answer 1

A rabbit cage is a large contained habitat for a pet rabbit, for example: dog/pet crates, "condos" (multi-level cages; homemade versions can be made from wire grid squares, like NICs), exercise pens, hutches, etc.

Many "rabbit cages" sold in stores are not actually good for rabbits:

• Many are too small, especially for non-dwarf breeds (medium-size and large rabbits). Rabbit cages must be big enough to contain all the necessary supplies, and allow the rabbit to stretch and hop around. See the related question below about rabbit cages for details.
• Wire-grid flooring should be avoided because it's uncomfortable for the rabbit and can lead to sore hocks (infected heels -- this can become a serious illness).
• Solid walls (plexiglass) should be avoided because they prevent air flow and encourage filthiness.

Some people choose to skip the cage entirely and keep the rabbit in a 100% bunny-proofed room instead, or use baby gates to section-off parts of the home. How "free range" your rabbit can be will depend on the details of your home -- the most important thing is to keep the rabbit healthy and safe.

Rabbits need time outside their cage every day, 3-4 hours of socializing, playing, and exercising. If the cage is on the small side, the rabbit needs even more time outside of it, like 6 hours. Every area the bunny has access to should be bunny-proofed.

See the related questions below for more info and helpful links!