The Really Big Hutch
We at Forsham are never afraid to accept constructive criticism. A customer expressed the view that even our 6ft Proper Hutch fell short of her requirements for good rabbit welfare. The Rabbit Welfare Association and the largest rabbit rescue in the UK, 'Bobtails Rabbit and Guinea Pig Rescue' state that any bunnies hutch should be long enough for the rabbit to take at least 3-4 hops without bumping it's nose on the end, to stand up on its back legs (an important part of normal behaviour) and periscope their surroundings. The rabbit hutch should be tall enough to allow bunnies to do this without being hunched over or folding its ears against the roof.
As bunnies should always live in pairs (unless house bunnies, when the owner is home the majority of the time) they must be able to lay down together, stretched right out in any given direction inside their hutch. (The best pairing is male/female, neutered and spayed and vaccinated for Myxomatosis and VHD.)
With these guidelines, and discussions/advice from one of our rabbit ladies, we have exceeded the 'Rabbit Welfare Association' minimum hutch size of 5ft x 2ft x 2ft, for two small breed bunnies. In association with the largest rabbit and guinea pig rescue in the UK 'Bobtails Rabbit and Guinea Pig Rescue', based in Surrey www.bobtailsrescue.org.uk We have built a really wonderful bunny home.
I don't think we can be accused of exaggeration, the RBH has a base of 7 1/2ft x 2 1/2ft and stands nearly 3 1/2ft at the back wall.Bunnies will love the space and security that comes with the RBH.It is predator and weatherproof and will pass any rescue centres home check.A truly wonderful really big hutch.
Approved by the Rabbit Welfare Association.
