Housing


Enclosures

Outdoor rabbits must have a hutch measuring a minimum of 1m2, with 24/7 access to an attached run measuring a minimum of 3m x 2m for up to two rabbits. The enclosure must have a minimum height of 1m (Herd, n.d.-c). For outdoor rabbits, measures must be taken to ensure the enclosure cannot be escaped either by digging or jumping out, as well as providing protection from potential predators, such as mesh and a roof (Herd, n.d.-a).
For indoor rabbits, a minimum pen or bedroom size is approximately 2m x 2m, with the rabbits having access to a rabbit-proofed free-roam area for a large part of the day (Herd, n.d.-c). Hard flooring must be covered to protect the hocks (Herd, n.d.-a).

Additional information about enclosures can be found at Westley’s World's Housing Guidelines and Enclosure Guidelines pages.


Enrichment

Wild rabbits spend the majority of their time foraging or eating, meaning companion rabbits who don’t need to forage often become lazy, overweight, or bored. Enrichment can be used to encourage rabbits to forage and keep their bodies and minds active (Herd, n.d.-b).

Additional information about enrichment can be found at Westley’s World's Enrichment page.


References
Herd, J. (n.d.-a). Enclosure, run & pen bases. Westley’s World. https://www.westleysworld.com/thefiles/enclosure-run-amp-pen-bases
Herd, J. (n.d.-b). Enrichment - Let's play! Westley’s World. https://www.westleysworld.com/thefiles/enrichment-lets-play
Herd, J. (n.d.-c). Housing guidelines. Westley’s World. https://www.westleysworld.com/thefiles/housing-guidelines