Flemish Giant Hutch/Run Dimensions

[Feathers n Fur]

Curious to know...those of you who keep rabbits outside. Would a 4x5 or 6x3 hutch together with an 8 x 5 run plus the space under the raised hutch be enough room for a giant rabbit? I figure the entire square footage to be about 20 sq ft inside plus about 60 sq ft outside to total around 80 sq ft.

Thoughts?

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Sounds like your bunny would have a great living space! I can't imagine a rabbit being uncomfortable in that. Please make sure you have a dig guard in place all around that run or your bunny will dig out, and provide a nice enclosed box of some kind just a bit bigger than the rabbit inside to the have a safe dark cubbyhole to sleep in and keep warm in the winter!

 

[Feathers n Fur]

Being that Flemish Giants can grow to be quite large +_ 20 lbs I want to be sure to provide enough space. I've read so many wonderful things about this breed that I believe this is the breed I for me. They seem to be the most docile of the large breeds - I like them big! I've had a dutch and a small lop about 20 years ago (not at the same time) and both were a little on the "wired" side and neither liked being touched or held. I know each rabbit has their own personality but I think I would like to go big!

I plan to lay chicken wire to cover the entire ground in the run. Is that an ok barrier?

As far as an enclosed box, I was thinking of closing off a small section in the back of the hutch with an entry way to the rest of the hutch to make a more cozy space.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

80 sqft is a lot of space. People often think my 4X4 cages for my NZWs are too big, but I am in meat production. They're pretty happy in them along with being taken out into a 4X4 run sometimes. I think your rabbit will do fine, just remember to provide other stimulation (toys and stuff). And the chicken wire on the ground should be fine for the bunny, but won't keep predators out. Just keep in mind that foxes can chew through that.

 

[Feathers n Fur]

Thanks for your thoughts ChocolateMouse. I plan to start construction soon. Yes, I will include lots of toys for the bunny. with all of the roosts and things in the chicken run you would think they live in a playground. No worries - all of my critters get plenty of things to play with as well as attention from me!

 

[Bunnylady]

My usual take on cage size is that the cage really can't be too big for the rabbit. If you need to catch the rabbit, and you can't because he can elude you, the cage may be too big for you, but for the rabbit, it's fine.

A couple of thoughts on your run . . . . One is that foxes aren't the only things that can chew through chicken wire - rabbits can do it, too. It also rusts pretty fast when in contact with the ground, so it really won't provide a barrier for long. Other wire may be more expensive, but it'll last a great deal longer and be much more secure.

Another concern is parasites. Rabbits in cages seldom get worms, but rabbits on the ground are exposed to the worms and other parasites of the wild rabbits, and can get them. There is also a very large fly called a Warble Fly that is known to lay eggs on rabbits that live on the ground. Warble larvae can get very large; they live just under the skin. It's a bit unusual to see warbles on pet rabbits, but as far as I know, they are never seen on those that are caged well above ground level. You will need to be particularly watchful and regular with your de-worming schedule with a rabbit on the ground.