Jersey Wooly Outdoor Play Places

Jersey Wooly Outdoor Play Places

Even the most luxurious cage is still a cage, and your bunny will need additional room to romp and roam.  The more space they are given, the more content they will be.  Outdoor play areas must provide protection from the elements, predators and other, less obvious dangers.  

Safety will be your primary concern.  Even if a rabbit is out of the reach of predators, it can still be frightened to death, so never leave your rabbit unsupervised.  It only takes a moment for a dog to jump a fence or a bird of prey to swoop down.  Other threats include possums, raccoons, dogs and even skunks.  Your rabbit should also never be left in its run over night.

Functionality is second.  A run should be large enough for your rabbit to run and play.  A sufficient construction can be made from a heavy, wooden frame and wire sides, top and bottom.  The wire bottom will be necessary to keep your bunny from burrowing out.  Even if flush with the ground, however, wire flooring can cause sores on bunny feet.  For additional comfort, cover the wire with a layer of straw, which rabbits love to nest in and chew.  Don’t forget the water bottle.

An enclosed area within the run, such as a sturdy cardboard box, will give your rabbit a place to hide and rest.  Some bunny-proof toys would be appreciated as well.  Generally, what is crib safe is cage safe, although there are some exceptions.  When in doubt, ask your veterinary doctor or other animal care specialist.  Don’t forget the water bottle.

Be sure to design enough access points to allow for easy cleaning.  A garden hose will only go so far.  At some point you’ll have to be able to reach into corners.  Include a litter-box and change it regularly.  Straw should be changed weekly.  We already mentioned the water bottle.

Woolies enjoy moderate temperatures.  Your run should be at least partially protected from direct sunlight and chilly drafts, and well away from potentially poisonous plants, such as oleander, lilies and tulips.  Never use the run when it’s cold, hot or raining.

For additional information, follow these quick links:

Building a better bunny house: www.therabbithouse.com
How to handle your bunny: www.3bunnies.org/handling.html
Basic bunny care: www.raising-rabbits.com/rabbit-care.html
An extensive list of hazardous plants: www.3bunnies.org/poisonous_plants.htm
The American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club: www.andrc.net
The American Rabbit Breeder’s Association: www.arba.net