How to Set Up a Bunny Cage
Attention, all bunny lovers! If you have just gotten a pet rabbit, then you are well-aware that there are many factors that come to taking good care of your new, furry friend.
Of course, there’s the aspect of providing it good, nutritious food, clean water, toys, and of course, lots of love and attention; however, what many pet owners neglect to know is that finding the right cage, as well as correctly setting it up, is necessary for the safety and well-being of your button-nosed companion. That is why in this post, we will offer you a step-by-step guide on how to search for, as well as set up, the best bunny cage for your rabbit, with ease and precision. No more hairy situations! Let’s get started.
Before you set up your cage…
1. Choose your cage!
The most obvious (and most important) thing is to find the best kind of cage for your bunny friend. While hutches are good for keeping more than one rabbit, they are big and heavy, as well as not suitable for placing indoors. Cages are better suited for the house, but are meant as a temporary place for your pet to eat and sleep in, especially if you want it to roam around the family room (supervised, of course).
Another thing to consider when picking your cage is the size, depending on how many rabbits you have. It is also encouraged to get wired cages to allow better airflow, as well as a urine guard around the sides, as rabbits tend to spray when urinating.
How to set up your bunny cage:
2. Line the cage with bedding.
Whether the cage’s bottom is made of wire or hard wood, you will need to cover it with bedding in order to keep the surface nice and soft for your pet to walk on. Straw or hay work well, but many owners choose to use the former, since it provides heat in the winter and is safe should your rabbit decide to chew on it. Pack at least five to six inches of bedding into the cage, and spot-clean it daily. Change out the entire bedding at least once a week.
3. Top up the litter box.
Just like with the bedding, your bunny’s litter box needs to be filled with lining. The best items to use for this area are newspaper pieces, litter, and straw. Layer these items in the order mentioned, and make sure that the litter you are using is specifically for rabbits, as other types might be harmful to your small friend. Change the hay daily, and the rest of the litter box on a weekly basis.
4. Provide food and water.
When it comes to good food for your rabbit, hay is a safe bet: it’s versatile as cage bedding, and for nourishment. Grass is also a common part of the diet, and providing fresh fruits and vegetables daily will help round out your pet’s daily nutrition.
For water, make sure you purchase a bottled sipper, instead of a water bowl, as it can easily tip over or be used as a litter box instead. Change the water daily to keep it clean and fresh for your pet to drink from.
5. Give your bunny toys to play with.
Of course, you cannot always be around to play with your furry friend; that is why providing a couple of toys will assist in keeping it entertained, as well as preventing it from chewing on other objects, such as the cage or even telephone cords. Pieces of apple or celery double very well as food and toy, but other items such as cardboard or toy balls will do, too. There is no need to purchase bunny-specific toys at the store when you can do it yourself at home!
… and you are set! That was not too hard, was it? Finding and setting up a good bunny cage does not take a lot of time, but it does take some effort and planning in order to ensure that your pet is comfortable and safe. From initial preparations when it comes to choosing the cage to lining the bedding and doing the litter box, all of the steps for providing a good home for your rabbit can be done easily.
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