Your rabbit's hutch will be an area he feels safe and comfortable in and it is important you prepare it properly and maintain it regularly.
The Site
The site of your rabbit hutch is important as wind, rain, heat and direct sunlight can all affect your rabbit.
If you are placing the hutch outdoors, it will need to be on a level surface, have a waterproof roof and be in a sheltered area away from direct sunlight, wind and rain.
If your rabbit is to be housed indoors, keep him in a room of constant temperature, away from any draughts or direct sources of heat and out of direct sunlight.
Hutch Preparation
Before you go to collect your rabbit, you should prepare the hutch so he can be put straight inside when you bring him home.
Use the following steps:
Spread a thick layer of wood shavings or litter made from wood pulp across the floor of the hutch.
Put a good amount of hay in the hutch for your rabbit to feed on and nest in. Place most of it in the enclosed end of the hutch.
Fill the food dish with rabbit food and place it in a suitable area of the hutch
Fasten a full water bottle to the side of the hutch at a height that is comfortable for your rabbit to reach. Make sure water flows from the spout by testing it with your finger, if not, squeeze the bottle gently to get the water to flow.
Add any extra cage accessories, such as a hay/salad rack, in a suitable place.
Hutch Cleaning
Your rabbit's hutch will need to be cleaned weekly. Take your rabbit out of his hutch and remove the floor covering, hay and any left over vegetables and rabbit food, and replace it all with new.
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