How To Choose a Pet Rabbit Hutch or Guinea Pig Cage

By Steve Weater

Your pet rabbit or guinea pig is going to want some kind of living quarters as it is not likely that you are just going to let it run about freely. There are so many hutches and cages obtainable that it can be tricky to choose the right one for your rabbit or guinea pig. In addition to a hutch or cage, you may also need to find a run.

Hutches are primarily used for rabbits when you will be keeping them outside. They will permit your rabbit to stay snug in the cold months and cool in the warm months. They will also offer your rabbit with the right amount of air flow. When you are looking for a hutch, keep the following things in mind:

The size of your rabbit (current and future) The quantity of rabbits that will be included Durable material that is non-toxic Straightforward access to the inside for cleaning Level of security from wild predators Room for accessories, litter pan, and bowls

In addition to these considerations, you ought to also take into account how active your rabbit is. If you have a lethargic rabbit that doesn't jump or play much, the height of the hutch will not be as important. If your rabbit tends to run about quite a bit, you should make sure that the height of the hutch leaves adequate head room for the rabbit to hop or stand up up on its back legs.

Cages can be just as tricky to select. Pet rabbits and guinea pigs that will be kept in the house will need a cage. There are separate necessities for each of these pets. Rabbits and guinea pigs are quite alike, but rabbits are larger and have different dietary requirements.

Rabbit cages vary in size. If you have a smaller breed rabbit, a 24 x 36 inch cage will be adequate. If your rabbit weighs, or will weigh 8 pounds or more, you will want a bigger cage. A 30 x 36 inch cage will work well. Wire cages are not optimal as they can cause your rabbits to have tender feet, but if you do go for a wire bottomed cage, make certain that you incorporate some type of solid surface in part of it for your rabbit to stand on for relief.

For guinea pigs, solid bottomed cages are suggested, with a wire clip on top. The open-style top allows for air flow all-around your piggies and lets them see what is going on. The key thing with choosing guinea pig cages is to make certain that you have a big enough cage to house at least two pigs at the same time. Normally, it is suggested that you have two guinea pigs as with just one, you wind up with a lonesome and depressed animal " despite of how much you pet and love on your single guinea pig. They are more group animals and are happier when there is another one to play with.

Runs can be used for both rabbits and guinea pigs, and there are runs that are accessible for indoor and outdoor use. All a run is, in a nutshell, is a sort of playpen for your small animals. Runs are generally made from tall wire with open tops and bottoms. A run provides your rabbit or guinea pig with the occasion to do exercises and run about outside of the limitations of their hutch or cage, with no hazard. - 29953

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