Does this pen work for a bunny?

[Renee]

So basically, I am becoming an indoor rabbit owner for the first time! I am picking up an eight week old holland lop doe on friday, and was setting up the pen today. Originally, the rabbit was going to be outside, as I had a 5×4′ rabbit hutch plus a run that would have given the rabbit plenty of space. However, due to a special request from the breeder, I am now keeping the rabbit indoors, which I was NOT prepared to do. So, I went into my basement and found an old large dog crate I had. I washed it down with diluted bleach, put some stuff in there, and there yah go! A rabbit cage. My question is, will this work long term? The dog crate is a metal, size large. I put a litter box, a hiding spot, and all her dishes in, and they fit comfortably. I’m willing to put in a second level, but don’t really know how without power tools?

Of course she’s get plenty of play time, and roam time as well as walks on a harness outside, so this is by no means her only space. What do you think? 

[Renee]

ALSO: I don’t know where to put the pen! Right now the dog crate is situated in my basement, but I’m worried that that’s too isolated and cold. (between 55-62* F). The other option would be to put the pen in the nook I have in my bedroom, which would guarantee that she got more socialization, but my room is warmer than what most people consider comfortably (75-78*F) which one is better???

[skysblue]

I heard dog crate doesn’t last very long due to the biting. I can’t bet on that though. As for the temperature, i think both are okay, as long as it doesn’t go over 80F. I think the rabbit will enjoy more of the socialisation.

[Mimsy]

Low temperatures are not as big of a worry as high. If it’s a huge difference from what she was in previously it may be a problem, since she wasn’t able to adjust to it slowly. (like going through fall to winter adjusting to a colder house temp) Heat above 78 degree’s is too hot.

Some folks use the large dog kennels and they can work. I would say especially for smaller buns.

Since she is a lone bun, I would actually want her placed somewhere that is more busy, unless you have like a finished basement, where you watch tv a lot or such. Rabbits are very social, so if you have a lone bun you are her warren.

Ours is a single bun and she is in are dining area, which has a pretty good view of most of the main living part of the house. She’s potty trained, so she stays out during day and only goes back in when it’s bedtime for us or if no one will be home. She does sleep a lot during the mid part of the day, but even when sleeping she chooses to sleep where we are. My computer is in my bedroom, so she will lay against my wall in here while I’m on it. Sometimes under the parrot cage next to my husband out in the living room, sometimes next to the dog..which is usually by the heater in the winter months.

[Emma T]

I have a large dog metal dog crate for my cage as well… I’ve had my rabbit for 6 months and my cage has worked great! I just make sure to take her out and let her run around and play outside her cage whenever I can which is fun for me and she enjoys it haha!

Hope this helps

[Renee]

Thanks all! I actually ended up putting miss Briar-Rose in my room, since I’m there all the time doing work, and she get’s quite a bit of out-of-cage time. I compromised and lowered the temp in my room, so it’s about 70-75 in their most often now, and she doesn’t seem to be affected. She’s doing quite well, and actually enjoys spending time in her little cage!

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