Rabbit Housing: Setting Up Safe, Spacious Living Space

The common pet rabbit housing paradigm is wrong. Rabbits do not need cages. Rabbits need free-roam access to a secured space where they can run, binky (happy jump), and express natural behaviors. A rabbit confined to a small cage develops: Behavioral issues (aggression, destructive behavior, boredom stereotypies like bar-biting), Physical problems (obesity, muscle atrophy, arthritis from inactivity), Psychological stress (anxiety, learned helplessness). Free-roam housing prevents these issues entirely.

Daily: Check water bowls, scan for hazards, spot-clean litter boxes. Weekly: Full litter box clean, check shelter/hideouts, inspect flooring. Monthly: Deep clean enclosures, check for chew damage, evaluate enrichment.

Rabbit-Proofing by Room: Electrical (cover all wires, unplug unused outlets), Plant Toxins (remove lilies, daffodils, oleander), Household Items (secure baseboards, remove plastic bags), Chemical Hazards (remove cleaning supplies, pesticides).

Common Problems & Solutions: Rabbit Chewing Baseboards (increase hay, provide safe chew toys, block access), Rabbit Won't Use Litter Box (observe natural elimination spots, enlarge box), Rabbit Overheating (keep below 75°F, provide cool hideouts), Rabbit Breaking Limbs (provide non-slip flooring, offer spacious free-roam).