Setting Up the Perfect Rabbit Enclosure: Checklist

Whether you’re setting up for a new rabbit or upgrading an existing setup, having a comprehensive reference for what an ideal enclosure includes prevents the most common welfare-compromising omissions. This checklist covers every element a rabbit needs from day one, with the reasoning behind each requirement.

Space: The Non-Negotiable Foundation

Minimum: 3 metres x 2 metres combined living and exercise space (RWAF standard for a pair of average-sized rabbits)

Before everything else: if the space is inadequate, no amount of enrichment, bedding, or equipment will compensate. Space is the single most critical welfare variable in rabbit housing.

• Total combined space meets or exceeds RWAF minimum for your rabbit’s size and breed
• Height is sufficient for the rabbit to stand fully upright on hind legs (minimum 60cm / 2ft)
• Permanent, unrestricted access between shelter and exercise area (not locked in at night without run access)

Shelter Area Requirements

• Fully enclosed sleeping/shelter area that provides complete privacy and security
• Dry, draught-free, and waterproof (for outdoor setups)
• Insulated bedding — deep hay and straw in sleeping area
• Safe substrate on floor — paper-based pellets, kiln-dried wood pellets, or hemp bedding
• No cedar or untreated pine shavings — these are harmful

Exercise and Exploration Area Requirements

• Sufficient space to run at full stride (at minimum 3m in a straight line)
• Non-slip flooring — rubber mats, carpet, or grass; not smooth tiles or vinyl without covering
• Overhead cover — full coverage for outdoor setups (weather protection and raptor protection)
• Safe side construction — welded galvanised mesh minimum 16-gauge (not chicken wire) for outdoor setups

Litter and Hygiene

• Large litter tray (minimum cat litter tray size; larger is better)
• Safe litter substrate — paper-based, kiln-dried wood pellets; NOT clumping cat litter
• Hay rack positioned above or beside litter tray (exploits natural eat-and-toilet behaviour)
• Cleaning supplies available: rabbit-safe disinfectant (F10, diluted vinegar), dustpan and brush

Food and Water

• Hay available at all times — the primary food source (80%+ of diet)
• Fresh water available at all times — heavy ceramic bowl preferred over bottle (more accessible, more hygienic)
• Water container positioned where it won’t be easily tipped or soiled
• Food bowl for pellets (if feeding) — positioned away from litter area
• Leafy greens storage plan — fresh greens need to be available daily

Enrichment Essentials

• At least two hideaways/hides — enclosed spaces where the rabbit can get completely out of sight
• One tunnel minimum — increases exploration and provides security
• Chewing materials — apple or willow branches, compressed hay sticks, untreated cardboard
• Foraging opportunity — hay not just in a rack; some scattered, some in tubes or bags
• Digging outlet if possible — dig box with shredded paper, hay, or sand

Safety Checks

Outdoor Enclosures

• All wire is welded galvanised mesh, not chicken wire
• Anti-dig apron in place (buried wire or outward-extending apron on ground surface)
• All latches are bolt or padlock type (not spring latches that foxes open)
• No gaps larger than 25mm anywhere in the structure
• Overhead fully covered

Indoor Enclosures

• All accessible cables protected or removed
• Toxic plants removed from free-roam area
• No toxic cleaning products or chemicals accessible
• Smooth floor areas covered with non-slip matting
• No small ingestion hazards on floor

Comfort Items

• At least one flat raised platform or shelf — provides vantage point and varied levels
• Comfortable resting surface in sleeping area — deep bedding, soft mat, or fleece liner
• Favourite toys rotated regularly — prevents habituation and maintains enrichment value

Monitoring and Maintenance Equipment

• Scale for monthly weight checks (kitchen scale, target 100g accuracy)
• Cleaning supplies and stocked styptic powder for nail grooming
• Grooming tools appropriate to coat type
• Contact details for rabbit-experienced vet prominently accessible

Social Needs

• If keeping a single rabbit: plan for minimum 3–4 hours of supervised free-roam daily, and active human interaction during this time
• If keeping a pair: both neutered or spayed before housing together; bonded according to proper bonding process

The RabbitCare App

The RabbitCare App (free on Android) includes the complete version of this checklist as an interactive setup guide, plus daily care reminders for feeding, cleaning, and health checks. Download it free before your rabbit arrives so your routine is established from day one.

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References & Sources

1. RWAF — “Rabbit Housing Requirements” — rabbitwelfare.co.uk
2. House Rabbit Society (HRS) — “Housing Checklist” — rabbit.org
3. Harcourt-Brown, F. (2002) — Textbook of Rabbit Medicine, Butterworth-Heinemann
4. PDSA — “Rabbit Housing Guide” — pdsa.org.uk
5. Meredith, A. & Lord, B. (Eds.) (2014) — BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine, BSAVA