Cross Posted:
This warning is not intended to scare owners nor to dissuade them from using these cages but simply to point out a couple of safety issue's which should be addressed for the sake of your rabbits wellbeing. Ferplast style cages are extremely useful as an indoor housing source being attractive and easy to clean but please bare these points in mind before housing your rabbits in them.
1.The side door.
The standard opening mechanism is for the wire door to open downwards. This would not be a problem except that house rabbits are often encouraged to jump in and out of the cage on their own. We have heard several reports of rabbits limbs becoming entangled in the door causing fractures and other injuries, some of which have lead to an amputation being necessary.
We advise that owners using these cages in this manner use a pair of pliers to remove the door and then either re-hang it from the top of the cage door frame so the door opens upwards (and can be secured open with a peg if needed), remove the door permenantly or simply remove the door when the rabbit is exercising, as if the hooks that function as hinges are left 'open' the door reattatches and closes repeatedly without issue's.
2.The top door.
A hidden danger with a slightly more traumatic outcome. Please ensure that the upper door is always secured shut by it's hooks, all the time. We have heard of rabbits persicoping, pushing the door upwards with their heads and then trying to retract them and becoming stuck. This in effect leaves the rabbits hanging and either suffocates them or if they struggle, breaks the neck. It can only take a few seconds of unattended time for this to happen, please don't take the risk. It is also not unheard of for rabbits to escape from an unsecured lid.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, it could save somebuns life.