Every rabbit owner wants the best kind of cage for their little bunny. It is important to choose the appropriate style to ensure that your pet is properly taken care of. These adorable creatures are highly adaptable and aren’t the type to complain; but don’t you want nothing but the best for them! “What cage should I buy for my rabbit?”, “Are multi-level cages a good idea?” For those who have these questions, we are here to answer them!
A multilevel cage is not only a great idea for your rabbit but also for those who want to enjoy seeing them. Although expensive, multilevel cages are an excellent investment. They make for better living space by offering pluses such as:
- Enough space for your bunny to comfortable move around
- Safe way to escape/avoid predators
- Better utilities
Contents
Why Your Rabbit Needs a Multi-Level Cage
Rabbits are fun, playful animals that need enough space to be active. Statistically, rabbits require up to five hours of physical activity to remain healthy. It is not always the safest or the best option to leave them running out in the yard or at home. This is when multi-level cages are useful. Your bunny can still enjoy a roomy space to play around in a cage while feeling protected.
Multi-level cages give your rabbit the feeling of a nested home that they need. They satisfy all the requirements that good living space for a rabbit requires. According to the House Rabbit Society, rabbits would be thrilled to have a ramp function in their little home!
Types of Material Most Suited for a Rabbit Cage
Majority of the cages that are sold are made of coated wire mesh. These cages ensure the safety of your rabbit even when they chew on them. Typically, these cages have plastic floors which allow your rabbit to comfortably stand or to relax on.
Note: Do not purchase a cage that has wire flooring for your rabbit.
Materials such as carpets, rugs and wood for the frame are suitable for a rabbit cage. However, rabbits have a habit of chewing on their cage, ultimately wearing down some of these materials. While they are still safe for your rabbit, it is necessary to periodically replace them.
More Cages for Rabbits
A multilevel cage or a rabbit hutch can make an excellent cage for your bunny. Nevertheless, there are more options than you can consider that suit your situation better.
There are several options to choose from when it comes to rabbit cages. This ranges from basic wire cages to larger ones that allow your rabbit some physical activity. Your rabbit can enjoy a simple place to live in small cages, but they greatly restrict your rabbit’s movement. Most times, rabbits spend time outside of their cages. It is important to allow your bunny to play around to get enough exercise.
Attaching a hutch while exposing your rabbit to outdoor elements is an excellent idea too. Many owners opt for either larger cages or simply create a large, enclosed space in their backyard or a field.
There are numerous other ideas that other pet owners have come up with that you can try. Check out this attached video of good and bad cage ideas for your rabbit:
Predatory Problems
The location of the cage is a vital factor to consider. There could be other animals around that could pester or be harmful to your little friend. There are many quick solutions to this problem. Especially for those who have an indoor cage for their bunny, predatory problems should not be an issue.
Small cages are also a way to prevent predatory problems as they are easier to keep away. You can either take them off the ground or take them inside. Doing this with larger or more complex cages becomes quite a task.
Most multilevel cages and hutches don’t have a floor. These open-floor cages are generally placed on either grass or dirt. This can be unsafe for your rabbit at times as predators can find their way in by digging through the ground. These cages may also enable your rabbit to escape if not placed properly at times, putting them at a higher risk of predatorial encounters.
The best solution to open bottom cages is to place them on solid material such as concrete. This way, you can ensure that no other animal can make their way into your bunny’s cage while still preserving the cage’s functionality.
Creating A Safe Cage Environment for Your Rabbit
As discussed earlier, picking the right cage for your rabbit is vital. Since your rabbit will spend a lot of time in its cage, it is important to get it right. There are always additions you can make to the cage to make it more safe, homely, and fun!
- The first thing you need to ensure that your bunny has a constant source of food and water. Your rabbit will like living in its cage more if there is a sufficient nutrition supply. Hence, always replenish the food and water in clean bowls.
Also, pay attention to how your rabbit likes to drink water: you can either use a drinking bowl or hang a bottle from the cage. You can try both to see what suits your bunny best. If you go with the bowls, pick ones that won’t topple over easily. You can try using atypical bowls to avoid this kind of spillage.
- Next is the litter box. Choose a nice litter box to place in the corner of your rabbit’s cage. Adding a litter box to the cage is a great idea because it will keep it a lot cleaner.
- You can also put some hay and other snacks for your bunny to chew on as well. Using materials like hay or straw will give your bunny a nest-like feeling that they enjoy.
Avoid adding materials such as coconut husks, wood chips, etc. Many owners forget that these can be dangerous for their rabbit and use it to build the cage floor. We recommend using shredded paper instead of other potential choking hazards.
Conclusion
Despite the higher price point, multilevel cages are a good investment to make. However, it is important not to focus on buying an expensive cage for your rabbit. Instead, pay attention to whether your rabbit can perform all their important activities in the cage. A cage must offer all the protection that your rabbit needs. Ensure that the cage you pick serves its purpose and most importantly, makes your bunny feel comfortable.