There are lots of benefits to having a rabbit as a pet. Bunnies can make a great addition to any home thanks to their (usually!) small size and the fact they can often be left to their own devices. They don’t need as much care as a dog does, yet they’re still an intelligent animal that is cute and fluffy and can bring entertainment and love to many families.
However, just because a bunny rabbit may be an easier pet to look after than a 100 lbs canine, it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a good life in a good home. These animals need space to live comfortably and this starts with the right hutch. Not only does the best rabbit hutch need to be spacious, but it needs to meet all their needs as well as being durable and easy to clean.
With so many different hutches out there in the market, it can be difficult to know which one is going to be best for your furry friend. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Below we’ll discuss where you should keep your pet rabbit, what to look for in a hutch and even show you some of our top picks.
What is the Difference Between a Rabbit Hutch and a Rabbit Cage?
Often the terms “rabbit hutch” and “rabbit cage” are used interchangeably, but they are in fact different things. While there are indoor rabbit hutches, a hutch is normally placed outside, while a rabbit cage is more of an indoor home. You’ll also commonly find cages are made out of plastic and wire mesh, while a hutch is usually made out of wood, metal wires and sometimes even plastic for flooring.
One is not necessarily better than another — it all comes down to personal preference. The larger your rabbit is, the more likely they are going to benefit from a hutch rather than a cage because hutches are usually bigger. Cages are also usually transportable, so are preferable if you travel a lot with your rabbit.
Should my Rabbit Hutch be Indoors or Outdoors?
Just like choosing between a hutch and a cage, choosing to house your rabbit indoors or outdoors comes down to personal preference. If you have the space outside, you may want to keep your rabbit outside because a hutch can take up a lot of room inside. However, living outside can be dangerous for a rabbit because they are more accessible to predators such as foxes.
Some owners like to keep their pet in an indoor rabbit hutch because they are closer to them! Many bunnies are kept as house rabbits and spend no time outside. They are given free rein of the house and are trained to use a litter box.
Keeping your rabbit outside allows them to live more like they were intended — and they have the fur coat to keep them warm! A hutch outside will also smell less than one kept inside, although you won’t get away with cleaning them out any less! At the end of the day, it all comes down to what works for you and your bunny.
Features to Look For in a Rabbit Hutch
Standard or Multi-Level
There are two different types of hutches: standard and multi-level. Standard hutches are just one level, with a place for your rabbit to exercise, eat and sleep. Multi-level hutches have multiple floors, with ramps to help your rabbit move easily. This gives your bunny more space to roam and exercise.
Whether you choose a standard or multi-level hutch will depend on how active your rabbit is and how much space you have. Multi-level hutches take up more room but are the hutch best suited to active rabbits. You’ll also need to take into consideration the size of your rabbit when choosing the best rabbit hutch.
Size
There is no point in buying a large hutch if you don’t have space for it. However, if you don’t have the space for a hutch, you probably don’t have the space for a rabbit. The hutch needs to be at least four times the size of the rabbit, but we recommend much bigger.
If you have a baby bunny, you should buy a hutch based on their predicted adult size. Your rabbit will be very uncomfortable if they don’t have enough space to move around in, which can lead to loss of activity and depression in your bun. This can then lead to a shorter life expectancy.
Durability
Rabbits can destroy things if they really want to! Bunnies love to dig and chew, so your cage must be able to withstand this. There is no point in spending a lot of money on the best rabbit hutch if you are going to have to replace it within a few months because your rabbit has broken it. Metal cages with a plastic bottom are a popular choice among rabbit owners because they cannot be chewed through.
Elevation
Keeping your rabbit outside makes them more likely to be eaten by predators, especially animals such as foxes. If your rabbit house is elevated on stilts, your rabbit will be much more safe from these predators. Many elevated homes are four to five feet above the ground.
Removable Bottom Pan
If the bottom of your bunny hutch is removable, it will be much easier for you to clean. You can remove the bottom and sanitise it, without having to lean into the hutch to clean it. Normally, a removable bottom pan is found on indoor hutches rather than outdoor hutches.
If you’re looking for the best rabbit hutch for your cuddly friend, take a look at the best sellers we recommend below. These are all available to you on Amazon.
The Best Rabbit Hutch Reviews
1) TRIXIE Small Animal Hutch with Outdoor Run, X-Small
Make sure your rabbit has plenty of space to bounce around with the TRIXIE Small Animal Hutch that comes with an Outdoor Run. It’s also perfect for other small pets, like guinea pigs, and is built from solid wood with a glazed pine finish, ensuring it lasts for years with minimal upkeep. The non-slip ramp provides safe passage between the hutch’s two levels, and the detachable run offers a secure area for enjoying some fresh air. Plus, accessing the inside is easy, as both the roof and the run feature a hinged design that opens from the top.
The roof is rain proof so you don’t need to worry about this hutch being destroyed from weather damage. The roof also lifts up for easy cleaning. It is worth noting that while this is a great addition to a larger outside enclosure, it should not be the only space for your rabbit as it is not big enough.
Key Features:
- This sturdy wood hutch with an easily removable run is built to last, requiring minimal upkeep over the years.
- Ideal for housing a single rabbit, several small breed rabbits, guinea pigs, and other petite pets.
- The two-tiered design includes a cozy upper-level hideaway connected by a non-slip ramp; a hatch door allows you to control access between the two levels.
- Both the hutch and the run have roofs that open upwards for easy access, and a slide-out plastic tray makes cleaning simple and quick.
- The hutch is finished with a weather-resistant coating both inside and out; overall dimensions are 61 x 20.75 x 27.5 inches. The hutch on its own measures 30 x 21 x 28 inches, while the run measures 31 x 21 x 23 inches.
2) Coziwow by Jaxpety 2-Tier Outdoor Wooden Rabbit Hutch with Ramp
Coziwow by Jaxpety designed this hutch for pet owners who want their animals to have a good life. The large size is suitable for multiple pets and perfect for both bunnies and guinea pigs. Up to four animals can live inside comfortably. Made from wood, the exterior of the hutch has a weatherproof coating to keep it safe from the elements and mesh screens that keep predators from reaching your pets.
You’ll find two doors on the front that open and close smoothly and another door that lets you separate the animals from each other. The hutch also has removable trays on the bottom that collect the waste your animals produce without getting your hands dirty. This hutch with two stories is suitable for outdoor and indoor use.
Key Features:
- Upgraded to plastic tray
- Sturdy Construction & Weatherproof
- Spacious Space & User-friendly Design
3) Aivituvin 32” Indoor/Outdoor Rabbit Hutch
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this hutch is a great way to give your pets a safe place to live without worrying about predators. Each of the three trays on the bottom pulls out smoothly to help you empty their waste. Those trays let them hop around without getting waste on their paws and also keep your hands clean. While the bottom level has a large and open space, there is also a ramp that helps bunnies reach the second floor.
There are two doors on the front that help you easily get the rabbits in and out as well as another door to separate the levels. Thanks to the wheels on the bottom, you’ll have no problem moving this hutch around your home or yard. The wood hutch is suitable for rabbits and other small animals such as guinea pigs.
Key Features:
- Rabbit hutch with 3 DEEP removable pull out tray
- Guinea pig cage on 6 wheels easily to move
- Large open roof cage for bunny
4) TRIXIE Pet Products 2-in-1 Rabbit Hutch with Insulation
This two story home from TRIXIE is perfect if you have more than one rabbit but you want to house them all together. With two different levels, there is a ramp between the two that allows your rabbits to move easily around the hutch. However, each level also has a retreat area that is enclosed and can be used separately if you need to keep your rabbits apart. All you need to do is remove the ramp and close the hatch door, and you have two separate hutches!
The hutch is made from wood with metal wiring and there are also removable plastic panes for the windows. This means that you can keep your bunnies safe overnight and you won’t have to worry about predators getting throw the mesh. The hutch is sturdy and weatherproof and there is styrofoam insulation in the outer walls for added protection from the elements. A hinged roof allows for easy cleaning and there are two removable trays, too.
Key Features:
- Removable plastic panes
- Hinged roof with locking arm opens
- 2 pull-out plastic trays
5) Pawhut Deluxe Large Wooden Rabbit Hutch
The Pawhut Deluxe wooden hutch is a large rabbit hutch, perfect for multiple bunnies. It can also be used for other animals such as hedgehogs, hamsters and guinea pigs. With two levels, there are multiple ramps to the enclosed upper box that allow easy access to and from the large living area and run. This hutch is made from fir wood and heavy duty wire mesh to keep your animals safe at all times. The roof is also waterproof so the hutch can stay outside at all times.
This hutch provides your rabbits with lots of space to run around, particularly on the first level. There is a slide-out tray for easy cleaning of the enclosed upper level and the doors are lockable but still provide excellent air circulation. This home does require assembly but it is easy to put together and has a durable construction.
Key Features:
- Easy access to pets
- Run area provides open feeling for pets
- Multiple ramps
6) Merry Products Tudor Rabbit Hutch
The Merry Products Tudor rabbit hutch is a stylish and comfortable home that’ll be sure to brighten up your garden or yard! This large hutch is perfect for three to four rabbits and two levels for them to roam around. The upper level is enclosed with a roof and is accessible by a ramp from the lower level that is surrounded by wire. There is even a lockable attic right at the top of the hutch for further storage!
This rabbit hutch is made of durable wood and metal. The roof is also waterproof and weatherproof. The upper level is lockable so you can keep your rabbits safe at night and there are doors on the lower level to allow your rabbit free rein over the yard during the day. There is also a removable bottom pan for the upper area as well as two extra doors that makes cleaning much easier.
Key Features:
- Extra storage space
- Attic is also provided
- Comfortably holds up to 3 – 4 rabbits
7) Aivituvin 42” Two-Story Rabbit Hutch With Wheels
This rabbit hutch helps you breed and keep rabbits along with other small animals and makes the job easier than you might think. With two stories and a small staircase inside, your pets will love climbing up and down the stairs to peek out the openings. Those openings sit on the front of the hutch and have a mesh covering that keeps animals from chewing through it. Thanks to the two trays in the bottom, the hutch makes it easy to clean up after your pets. Those trays collect all of their waste and will not leak. The hutch comes in a soft gray color that matches your home and retains its design when used outside.
Key Features:
- Four stronger metal wheels
- Allow the bunny to quickly enter
- Four lockable front doors
8) Petsfit Outdoor Rabbit Hutch
This Petsfit rabbit hutch is designed to house one bunny. Made from sturdy wood and wire, this hutch is durable and will last outside for many years. There are two levels to this hutch which can be accessed through a ramp. The upper, enclosed level will keep your rabbit dry if it rains while also giving them somewhere to sleep. The downstairs area gives them a good amount of space to move and there is a door so they can also have access to the garden.
Both the upper and lower areas have a pull out tray for easy cleaning. The three doors on this hutch are lockable to keep your rabbit safe from predators, too. This hutch is easy to assemble with pre-drilled holes and, although it is designed to be used outside, it can also be used inside.
Key Features:
- Made of sturdy wooden pieces
- Easy to assemble with pre-drilled holes
- Hinge roof can be opened easily
For more reading on Rabbit Cages & Hutches, check out these other guides:
- Best Rabbit Carrier Buyers Guide
- Best Rabbit Cage Guide
- Best Indoor Rabbit Hutch Guide
- Best Rabbit Nesting Box Reviews
Summary
Making sure your rabbit has a good home will improve their quality of life massively. No bunny wants to be stuck in a small hutch with no space to roam, so giving them adequate room will keep them happy and full of life. You’ll want to make sure your rabbit hutch is durable so they can’t chew through the wire or wood and other predators can’t get in, and think about purchasing an elevated hutch if your bunny lives outside throughout the year to keep them extra safe. Whether you choose to house your bun indoors or outdoors, always ensure they have enough hay and fresh water.
