Where to put hay for free roam bunny

[whitebunny]

I'm interested in getting rid of my bunny's cage and letting him free roam. I'm thinking about a hidden litter box setup as a 'home base' - like those HOL storage containers from IKEA customised for bunnies. Would putting hay above his litter box be sufficient or should I put hay in other places in his free ranging space? I'm just worried that if there's only one place for him to get hay, he won't eat enough of it as I don't think he would want to sit in a litter box just to eat.

 

[Blue eyes]

I don't think he would want to sit in a litter box just to eat.

Actually that is usually just what they do like to do! I (and many others) put hay directly into the litter box. This is my primary way of feeding hay. I add new hay on top twice per day so there is always fresh hay available.

Even free roam bunnies do well with a "home-base" cage/area -- a place that they know is there's alone and in which they know they will not be disturbed. I don't know the size of the Ikea stuff you mention, but I'd suggest that the space be large enough to accommodate a litter box, water bowl and a little lounging space as well. In my experience, buns like to have a space of their own -- even if allowed to free roam.

I recently posted this picture of such a space I had years ago. (I had just cleaned the litter box but hadn't yet added hay when they snuggled right in --hence the photo.) It's not so pretty (I don't like the 2nd level look), but it demonstrates the idea.

 

[Blue eyes]

This is the home base cage I use now.

 

[whitebunny]

Thanks for the reply! I was thinking something like this as it's nice and discreet, with food and water bowls placed outside. It's 50cm width and 100cm length.
https://images.app.goo.gl/SxBGrMXwqu75mx1D9

Would placing hay directly into the litter box be better than using a hay rack?

 

[Blue eyes]

That looks like a neat idea. How to offer hay is up to you. I find it easy to just add it to the litter box. If you use a rack, just be sure the openings are very large so bunny doesn't have to work to get at it.