Indoor Housing for Pet Rabbits

Learn how to create a safe, indoor environment for your rabbit. We share our recommendations on enclosure setup and space requirements, bunny-proofing, and toys.
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Enclosures and pens

Where should you house your rabbit

Rabbits should be housed indoors to keep them safe from parasites and predators. Put your rabbit in the room that will be used for exercise and play time. The room should have indirect, natural sunlight. Rabbits do not do well in the heat, so room temperatures should never exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit (nor go below 50 degrees in the winter).

What size pen should you get

The pen should be at least 4 ft x 2 ft (or 8 sq ft per rabbit) and high enough for your rabbit to stand up fully and hop around. ​Most cages sold at pet stores are too small for a rabbit, but exercise pens ("x-pens") like this folding metal exercise pen on Amazon can make a great space.
You can also make a modular pen from C&C or wire grids, which can be purchased on Amazon or in home goods stores like Target.
Do not use the grids for the flooring of the pen. Wire-bottom enclosures can lead to sore hocks, causing pain and discomfort for rabbits.
​For flooring, you can use linoleum or vinyl that sits on top of a piece of sanded plywood. All of these materials can be purchased at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowes.

What should you put in the pen

In the pen your rabbit needs access to water, hay, a litter box, a place to hide (a "hidey house"), and toys.
​Rabbits like to use the litter box when they eat, so put the litter box under or near the hay rack. You can use a standard size (large) litter box, but low entry boxes are good for small or senior rabbits.
We recommend using natural wood pine pellets or recycled paper for the litter material, for example, America's Choice pine pellet bedding or ​Carefresh natural paper bedding.
Do not use pine or cedar shavings, clay litter, or corn litter. They can cause liver damage or digestive blockages if inhaled or ingested.

Exercise

Rabbits need physical exercise to promote and maintain muscle tone, bone density, and a healthy weight. Exercise also stimulates gut motility. ​A rabbit that does not have free range of a room or the home needs a bare minimum of 2 hours a day out of the pen.
Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. This doesn't mean that your rabbit won't be active outside of these hours, but if possible, try to schedule their exercise during these times. Rabbits exercise in spurts, where they will be active for a short time before taking a break and repeating again. If your rabbit takes a break, don't assume that they are done exercising.

How to bunny proof your home

Rabbits love to explore, and have a natural tendency to chew. Keep your rabbit safe by blocking or restricting access to household items that can hurt them.​
  • Houseplants
  • Electrical cords
  • Furniture
  • Baseboards
  • Carpet
​If you cannot relocate the electrical cord, block off access and also cover the cord with a thick cord protector.

Enrichment

Rabbits need mental stimulation or they will get bored or depressed. A bored bunny can exhibit destructive chewing, but chewing is also just a natural behavior. The best way to deal with your bunny's tendency to chew on your belongings is to provide plenty of safe toy alternatives that are more satisfying to them.