Wire for the cage floor?

[Apollo’s Slave]

Someone mentioned wood shavings.....The reason animals shouldn't have pine or cedar shavings is because it emits chemicals when the animal urinates on it. It really is awful. I used to have hamsters and i found out then and due to research.

Thanks! I couldn’t remember the reason and couldn’t find it when I googled it! I’ll have to remember that in case that comes up again

 

[Blue eyes]

^ Yes. Phenols are emitted from the shaving which can damage their respiratory system. Aspen shavings are considered safe and so are kiln-dried pine. Cedar is never safe. Pine that is not kiln-dried is not safe.

Having any loose bedding anywhere other than the litter box can confuse bunny as to where he should go potty.

 

[BunBun71]

In my country wired floor is forbidden to have in bunny cages and need to be solid floor. I use wood floor but did the mistake of not getting wood that can handle water, even though the whole floor it’s covered with a water resistance paper type.

The other outdoor bunny have a litter box in his hutch but he have a tray with a blanket on which I can pull out. His floor it’s made of a plastic tray. He’s litter trained and always go on the litter box or in the run. But his cage it’s tiny.

So I wouldn’t recommend a wired floor. Even with solid floor one of my bunnies manage to get sore paws.

I love your avatar, @Hermelin!

 

[Cluckin'Bunny]

Thanks guys! Very good information!

 

[Julie&Bunnies]

Wire floors can be good if the correct wire is used and an alternative material resting area is also provided. Not so good if inappropriate materials are used and/or the rabbit has no place to go for relief from the wire.

Best is 12 gauge galvanized after weld rabbit wire. If you can't get it, 14 gauge works in a pinch but is less durable over time.
Always provide a piece of plywood, an EZ Floor mat, or some other place for the bunny to get off the wire if they choose.
Don't use chicken wire, lightweight hardware cloth or anything that the bunny"s foot could get caught in.

 

[Cluckin'Bunny]

Yes, thank you @Julie&Bunnies

 

[Eve84]

I personally would not use wire. I would use a plastic bars.

 

[Cluckin'Bunny]

@Eve84 - Why?

 

[Donna Standar]

I think aspen shavings is good but not pine or cedar

Pine is ok as long as it's kiln dried.

 

[Eve84]

@Eve84 - Why?

I’m not sure but I think wire is quite sharp and it would hurt their feet maybe also it wouldn’t be comfortable for them to sit or stand on it or even lying - that’s just my thought.

 

[Cluckin'Bunny]

Ok.

 

[Pumpkin]

My bunny is housed indoors so I wouldn't know, but I do know that wire bottom cages can hurt your bunny's feet. The only reason wire bottom cages were used, is because the bunnies weren't litter trained so the poop and pee fell right through their cage and into a tray underneath so the bunnies weren't living in their poop and for an easy cleanup. But if your bunny is litter trained, then you don't need wires on the bottom. If you do put wire on the bottom, put something else on top so it doesn't hurt your bunny's feet.

 

[Donna Standar]

My buns are inside and the floor is tiled, but the upper floor is wood. Wire can give them very sore feet. Also my buns are litter trained , and it's so much cleaner

 

[Cluckin'Bunny]

Yes, thank you. I'm planning to get already litter trained bunnies (hopefully).

 

[Donna Standar]

Thats grea

Yes, thank you. I'm planning to get already litter trained bunnies (hopefully).

That's great...easier for both of you. My baby bunny has been litter trained since 8 weeks old. Followed the mom's habit, so much easier..good luck

 

[Cluckin'Bunny]

Thanks @Donna Standar