House rabbit: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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A puppy training folding fence 26 or more inches high serves as a simple [[pen (enclosure)|pen]], called an exercise pen or x-pen. It provides more free space and is easier to clean than some traditional [[Cage (enclosure)|cage]]s. Multiple x-pens can be joined to enlarge the enclosed area. An x-pen’s portability is useful for travel with rabbits and for introduction and bonding.

A multiple-level condo is used to minimize floor space while keeping the rabbit quarters large. The rabbit condo can be made by using cable ties and storage cubes available at home supply stores ([http://breyfamily.net/bunnycage.html sample building instructions]). [[Corrugated plastic]] and [[carpet]] remnants are commonly used as flooring. A multiple-level condo provides the rabbit plenty of jumping options and variety. The owner chooses the dimensions and layout.

Yet another option is a large dog cage. House rabbit organizations caution against using a grid floor, as this will cause sore [[hock (zoology)|hocks]] (sores or hair loss on the bottom of the rabbit’s back feet). Since they do not have pads on their feet, rabbits rely on the natural, thick hair growth on the bottom of their feet for protection against the elements and to cushion them from the surface they are walking on.<ref>{{citation | title = Declawing Rabbits | accessdate=2009-06-17 | publisher = Wisconsin House Rabbit Society | author = Paul-Murphy, Joanne, DVM | url = http://www.wisconsinhrs.org/Articles/Declawing%20Rabbits.htm}}</ref> When this hair is worn off by constantly being on a grid floor or by being kept in an unsuitably small enclosure, even soft flooring like carpet becomes painful to walk or lay on. Carpet or linoleum can be added to a cage that has a grid floor to protect the rabbit’s feet or sometimes the grid can be removed.