Starting life with a rabbit: why isn't a hutch enough?
In pet stores, rabbits are usually sold together with a small cage, which gives the impression that "this is all they need." The UK's Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) has been saying the exact opposite for years: its campaign is even called "A Hutch is Not Enough". Rabbits are made for running, jumping, standing up on their back legs, digging and, most importantly, living with another rabbit.
- Space: According to the RWAF, the RSPCA and the PDSA, a pair of rabbits needs a space of at least 3 m × 2 m × 1 m high that is all in one piece and always accessible. A hutch shouldn't be the only or main living space.
- A companion: Rabbits are social animals; the RSPCA recommends that they live with at least one other friendly rabbit.
- Diet: The foundation of the diet is unlimited hay (about 85 percent).
- Temperature: According to the RSPCA, the ideal temperature for rabbits is 10–20 °C (50–68 °F).
- Hiding places: One hiding place per rabbit, plus a spare.
How much space?
Three major UK animal welfare organizations agree on the same measurements: for a pair of average-sized rabbits, at least 3 meters long, 2 meters wide and 1 meter high. The RSPCA gives this as a "minimum" and adds: the bigger, the better.
The RWAF also explains why these measurements matter:
- 3 meters of length lets a rabbit run, not just hop.
- This space should be all in one piece, and the rabbits should be able to reach it at all times; a few hours of roaming a day isn't enough.
- The upper level of a two-story hutch, ramps and tunnels don't count toward the space; they're great for enrichment, but they don't replace floor area.
According to the RWAF, a hutch (shelter) shouldn't be the only or main living space for rabbits. For a shelter used as a sleeping area, the RWAF recommends at least 1.8 m × 0.6 m × 0.6 m. Small hutches where a rabbit can't stand up on its back legs can lead to spinal problems, weight gain and other health problems.
Indoors or in the garden?
Rabbits can live either indoors or in a safe outdoor area. The space rule is the same for both. For rabbits living indoors, the RSPCA recommends:
- A quiet corner: A large, safe area in a quiet part of the house where they won't be disturbed.
- Hiding places: A dark shelter and one hiding place per rabbit, plus a spare. The shelter should be big enough for all the rabbits to fit in together; they may want to rest together.
- Floor: Solid and non-slip. Shiny laminate, wooden floors and tiles can stress rabbits because they're slippery; you can cover them. Avoid wire floors, which can hurt their feet.
- Toilet: Rabbits can be litter trained; the RSPCA recommends one litter tray per rabbit, plus a spare. Keep the toilet area away from the sleeping area.
- Temperature: The ideal range is 10–20 °C (50–68 °F). Keep the area away from drafts, radiators and fireplaces.
Making your home safe for a rabbit is a topic of its own: rabbit-proofing your home.
Why at least two rabbits?
According to the RSPCA, rabbits are social animals, and their best companion is another friendly rabbit. Rabbits that live alone can become stressed and develop unusual behaviors. We've covered this separately: why rabbits shouldn't live alone
First shopping list
- A large living space: At least 3 m × 2 m × 1 m. A corner of a room indoors, or a safe run in the garden.
- Shelter and hiding boxes: One per rabbit, plus a spare.
- Hay: Plenty of it, and good quality: dry, sweet-smelling, dust-free and mold-free. More details: rabbit diet.
- Litter trays: One per rabbit, plus a spare.
- Water: Fresh water at all times.
- For chewing and digging: Safe things to chew and an area where they can dig.
- Non-slip floor coverings.
Caring for a rabbit is a long journey
People often think rabbits are short-lived, but according to the RWAF, rabbits can live more than ten years. So before you get a rabbit, make sure you can give it enough space, companionship and time for years to come. In the first few days, visit a vet who is experienced with rabbits and get their advice on general health, vaccinations and neutering.
You can keep track of your rabbit's hay, litter and food stock with Food & litter supplies in Tüylüm: it calculates when they'll run out and reminds you before they do. Vet appointments and weight are kept in one place, too.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't the rabbit cage from the pet store enough?
According to the RWAF, a hutch shouldn't be a rabbit's only or main living space. Rabbits need access at all times to a single space of at least 3 m × 2 m × 1 m where they can run, jump and stand up on their back legs.
Is it enough if I let my rabbit out for a few hours a day?
According to the RWAF, the recommended space should be open to rabbits at all times; a space they can reach only at certain hours doesn't meet this need. When rabbits are outside their enclosure, the RSPCA recommends always supervising them.
Are rabbits a good first pet for children?
The RWAF recommends caution here: when rabbits are lifted off the ground, they can feel as if they've been caught by a predator and often react aggressively; building trust takes time and patience, and it happens entirely on the rabbit's terms. Also, rabbits can live more than ten years and need daily care, yearly vaccinations and vet bills. Make the decision as a family, and make sure an adult is always responsible for their care.
Keep track of your pet's care in TüylümLog vet visits, vaccine and medication dates, and we'll remind you when it's time. Share it all with your family in Home.
Sources
- Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund · Minimum space requirements for pet rabbits
- Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund · A Hutch is Not Enough
- Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund · Think you want a rabbit?
- RSPCA · Creating a good home for rabbits
- RSPCA · Keeping rabbits in your home
- PDSA · Creating the ideal home for your rabbits
By Tüylüm · Published and last checked: October 24, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Write to [email protected] and we'll fix it right away. Photos are from Wikimedia Commons, used under the license shown below each photo.
