Housing min?

[ItsAmandaYall]

I don't have a rabbit yet, but am doing my research. I'm only allowed to keep him/her outside, due to space/smell/husband. On another forum they said that a 30"x24"x18" was enough for a NZ/Cali/Rex. RWA (UK) says the minimum hutch size should be 6'x2'x2 and a run of 8'x4'. ASPCA (US) says 4'x2'x2 with large run. Also, RWA says rabbits are social animals and shouldn't be alone. I looked into neutering/spaying and have seen quotes of $300. So, now I'm confused on what to do about cage mates and what cage size. Thank you.

 

[whiskylollipop]

Mine are indoor buns. Rabbits don't smell at all, as long as you keep their cage and litterbox clean. I sniff mine all the time - they've never had a bath in their lives but always smell like fresh sweet hay. Once neutered and toilet trained, they can have full run of your house, with a little cage for sleeping in at night. I've got a small apartment, that's what I do. I just like the company though, keeping them outside is perfectly fine as long as temperatures don't get too high.

Get two sisters and you probably won't have to spay. As for hutch size, just use common sense. If they get to be outside the hutch a lot in a large run, a smaller hutch is fine. If they'll be locked up in the hutch most of the time, or the run is small, then get a nice big one they can play in. Three bunnies long x three bunnies wide per bunny resident is a good minimum to start with imho.

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

I would go for the biggest cage/hutch you can. With smaller cages, they get pretty cramped once you add a litter box, food and water dishes, toys, a bed and other items, there it not much space left for the rabbit to move around.

Not all rabbits get along. Some certainly do prefer company, but others prefer people. Siblings or rabbits raised together from a young age might not get along as they reach maturity. I would not recommend keeping intact rabbits together. They tend to just get along and really are not bonded. I have seen pairs of intact females that have been together for a while that do have issues. Many people think that if they are not fighting, they are ok to live together. When they are spayed or neutered, they tend to get along better.

 

[missyscove]

I have indoor rabbits too and they live in a 42 inch dog crate but have free run of my bedroom whenever I'm at home.
If they're not going to have time outside of their cage, you basically want the largest setup you can afford and fit in the space available.
I'm not sure what country you're in (guessing US or Canada since you're using $) but $300 definitely seems along the lines of a spay/neuter for a rabbit. You may be able to find some cheaper options if you contact local rabbit rescues and find out what vet they use.

 

[Blue eyes]

Spayed/neutered rabbits tend to get along and bond better. But rather than worry about spay costs and the bonding process, it would be easier and less costly do get an already bonded (& fixed) pair of rabbits from a rabbit rescue. I've done this a few times myself. Much easier.

As far as keeping rabbits indoors, it really can be a breeze. And it's true that they really don't smell. I've never bathed any of my rabbits (it's actually not recommended). I find I only need to change the litterbox twice per week and when I do, it's not because there is any smell.

Well, that's my encouragement anyway about indoor rabbits. There are some nice outdoor set-up photos here . And for seeing what indoors can be like, check here.

 

[curiouscarrot]

It doesn't do anything for your space/husband reasons and everybody has already said it, but I can confirm that they don't smell. I have a sensitive nose and if there's anything around to smell, I'll smell it (I'm sensitive to perfume, always use unscented soap and stuff). Their poo doesn't smell. It has a little bit of a "barnyard" scent, but there's no pongy "poo" smell from it. The only smell from their wee is the smell from whatever they've wet. As I'm a new bunny owner I'm trying out different litter. Some of it smells when wet, others don't. The wee itself only smells if you leave it sitting about. If you empty the trays frequently, there's no stink from them at all. The bunnies themselves don't smell either. They keep very clean, there's nothing cuter than their little face-washing routine.

 

[Azerane]

I agree with the others, go for the biggest hutch you can afford and fit in the space you have available. If you're opting for a larger breed, you do have to keep in mind that you need to put food bowls, litter tray and toys in the hutch and then the rabbit still needs to be able to sprawl out, hop around, and stand up fully on its hind legs. Basically, don't go for the minimum just because that's the smallest required, it's a minimum for a reason and more of a guide, they would much prefer you used a larger hutch too

 

[funbun]

Hi,
I don't know where you are located, but in Sacramento, California - the SPCA will spay a bunny for $60 and neuter is $35 - So, keep checking around your area & you might find a better deal