Newbunnies
Young Bun
Hi there,
We are getting two mini lops as first time rabbit owners. Before they arrive in mid September I want to get everything set up for them. At the moment I'm trying to choose between a couple of set ups and wondered if I might have your thoughts.
The first is this set up here:
http://homeandroost.co.uk/product/6ft-chartwell-double-rabbit-hutch-run-combo/
The advantage of this one is that it could be sited close to my house (I have a very large garden backing on to farmland and woods) which would be good in winter for nipping out to check on them etc and also perhaps as a fox deterrent. (I've seen foxes in my garden, so know there are lots around) Equally, you can buy insulating and rain covers that would fit both the hutch and run. I also feel if the rabbits are closer to the house my teen daughter will have more interaction with them than if they are at the end of our long garden on a dark, winter's night.
The second option is a variation of this: (in the 8x4 version, with a solid back and side on the run)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DOGKENNEL...-KENNEL-RUN-/252066486548?hash=item3ab0555914
This would be good as you can walk in so great when it rains but is too tall to fit underneath the windows at the back of my house so would have to be on a paved area which is higher up the garden and out of sight. I would also need to attach an additional run at some point for extra space.
My worry with this type of set up is rats. Because we live in a semi rural area I worry that rats would chew their way in to this set up more easily as it is not as raised off the ground. Also, would I need to buy a hutch to go inside the sleeping area too? How would I ensure it was warm enough in winter/cool enough in summer? I've spoken to the man that makes them and he uses 19g 1x1/2 wire, so that is fine escape/fox wise, but I'm worried about rats chewing in.
I have read lots of stories about rats getting into sheds- and my sister in laws rabbit was attacked by a rat (but luckily survived) whilst living in their shed, hence my worry.
Any advice on which would be the best set up in terms of comfort for the buns, ease of use for us, and protection from foxes/rodents would be great. I'm trying to do this correctly so if there is something I'm missing please let me know!
Thanks for your help.
We are getting two mini lops as first time rabbit owners. Before they arrive in mid September I want to get everything set up for them. At the moment I'm trying to choose between a couple of set ups and wondered if I might have your thoughts.
The first is this set up here:
http://homeandroost.co.uk/product/6ft-chartwell-double-rabbit-hutch-run-combo/
The advantage of this one is that it could be sited close to my house (I have a very large garden backing on to farmland and woods) which would be good in winter for nipping out to check on them etc and also perhaps as a fox deterrent. (I've seen foxes in my garden, so know there are lots around) Equally, you can buy insulating and rain covers that would fit both the hutch and run. I also feel if the rabbits are closer to the house my teen daughter will have more interaction with them than if they are at the end of our long garden on a dark, winter's night.
The second option is a variation of this: (in the 8x4 version, with a solid back and side on the run)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DOGKENNEL...-KENNEL-RUN-/252066486548?hash=item3ab0555914
This would be good as you can walk in so great when it rains but is too tall to fit underneath the windows at the back of my house so would have to be on a paved area which is higher up the garden and out of sight. I would also need to attach an additional run at some point for extra space.
My worry with this type of set up is rats. Because we live in a semi rural area I worry that rats would chew their way in to this set up more easily as it is not as raised off the ground. Also, would I need to buy a hutch to go inside the sleeping area too? How would I ensure it was warm enough in winter/cool enough in summer? I've spoken to the man that makes them and he uses 19g 1x1/2 wire, so that is fine escape/fox wise, but I'm worried about rats chewing in.
I have read lots of stories about rats getting into sheds- and my sister in laws rabbit was attacked by a rat (but luckily survived) whilst living in their shed, hence my worry.
Any advice on which would be the best set up in terms of comfort for the buns, ease of use for us, and protection from foxes/rodents would be great. I'm trying to do this correctly so if there is something I'm missing please let me know!
Thanks for your help.