What to line my rabbits shed floor with?…

Lov_Elly22

Lov_Elly22

New Kit
Me again! Post no.2👋
So I haven’t gotten my shed yet, but I know the sizing - it’s 10ft x 6ft - and I’m planning out what to put inside. It’s got an ‘inside’ area which is 4ft x 6ft and then the ‘play’ area attached which is 6ft x 6ft (I’ve also got a 6ft x 6ft grass run to attach via tunnel). I’ve heard lots of different opinions flooring.
Some say that washable outdoor rugs are great because they’re obviously washable, but also tightly woven so the rabbits can’t chew them - however I’ve heard they don't provide enough cushioning for their feet!
Another option I’ve heard is the fluffy foam mats - not just the regular connecting foam mats because they’d chew them, but these are carpeted so they’re soft for the feet and the edges of each square aren’t accessible so they can’t chew them. They’re also washable too. Is that the best option?
Or maybe both combined? The mats underneath and rug on top? I don’t know😂There’s too many options and opinions out there!😮
I think whichever one I choose id put some softer pee pads/liners underneath hides and near litter trays just for ease of washing and comfort but I’m trying to figure out what would be the best overall flooring for them!
I also know that a good way to stop chewing floors is to give lots of toys which I will, but then again I think some rabbits chew floors whereas some don’t - I don’t know who I’m adopting yet but maybe the answer is to just choose one and see how my rabbits react?
Any advice/recommendations would be very appreciated!🥰
 
I use textured lino. It's hardwearing and really easy to clean (a quick sweep out and wipe over), which means it's also useful in controlling EC. You can get offcuts cheaply online.

In a shed, I would run the edges slightly up the wall (so water doesn't seep under the edges & rots the floor) and use thin wood battens to fasten all the edges down, just in case you get a chewer. If you think you need to, you could add some insulation under the lino (you can get rolls of thin foamy stuff). I would probably also use some wood preservative or paint on the wooden floor first - to make it last longer and to stop urine soaking in.

You can add small rugs or carpet squares (eg from sample books) if you want or the bunnies find it too slippery (hence the textured lino). I wouldn't use big rugs or mats as they will be difficult to keep clean. Hay gets into everything, and when it's wet, mud will get everywhere as well. Just make sure that the rabbits don't chew carpet as it can cause gut blockages if swallowed.

I need to use a few sheets of newspaper under some litter trays - sometimes they miss the tray, plus water bowls get spilt (usually my fault) and it inevitably all goes under the trays.
 
Shimmer said:
I use textured lino. It's hardwearing and really easy to clean (a quick sweep out and wipe over), which means it's also useful in controlling EC. You can get offcuts cheaply online.

In a shed, I would run the edges slightly up the wall (so water doesn't seep under the edges & rots the floor) and use thin wood battens to fasten all the edges down, just in case you get a chewer. If you think you need to, you could add some insulation under the lino (you can get rolls of thin foamy stuff). I would probably also use some wood preservative or paint on the wooden floor first - to make it last longer and to stop urine soaking in.

You can add small rugs or carpet squares (eg from sample books) if you want or the bunnies find it too slippery (hence the textured lino). I wouldn't use big rugs or mats as they will be difficult to keep clean. Hay gets into everything, and when it's wet, mud will get everywhere as well. Just make sure that the rabbits don't chew carpet as it can cause gut blockages if swallowed.

I need to use a few sheets of newspaper under some litter trays - sometimes they miss the tray, plus water bowls get spilt (usually my fault) and it inevitably all goes under the trays.
Click to expand...
Oo thank you!😊 Sounds good, I think I might try textured lino - could you provide a link/photo of one? Is it the sort of stuff that has little circles/bumps on it?

I have the option with my shed to add a ‘easy, wipe-clean flooring’ so I guess that would act as a wood preservative as nothing would be able to soak through to the wood. It might feel like a waste to add that type of floor if I’m not going to use it, but it doesn’t add much more to the overall price I don’t think so that might be an idea!

I was thinking of adding some small carpet pieces or rugs under the hides and things. What do you think of liners? Like the ones I have for my Guinea pigs - they’re thin and flat (no possibility of chewing unless they have access to the edges), and very absorbent - I could put them in the ‘high-traffic’ areas instead of rugs/carpet.

And yes I was definitely thinking of using newspaper for the litter trays👍
 
Lov_Elly22 said:
Oo thank you!😊 Sounds good, I think I might try textured lino - could you provide a link/photo of one? Is it the sort of stuff that has little circles/bumps on it?

I have the option with my shed to add a ‘easy, wipe-clean flooring’ so I guess that would act as a wood preservative as nothing would be able to soak through to the wood. It might feel like a waste to add that type of floor if I’m not going to use it, but it doesn’t add much more to the overall price I don’t think so that might be an idea!

I was thinking of adding some small carpet pieces or rugs under the hides and things. What do you think of liners? Like the ones I have for my Guinea pigs - they’re thin and flat (no possibility of chewing unless they have access to the edges), and very absorbent - I could put them in the ‘high-traffic’ areas instead of rugs/carpet.

And yes I was definitely thinking of using newspaper for the litter trays👍
Click to expand...
Oh I also heard that seagrass rugs are safe for them to have because they’re safe to ingest if they chew them - not sure how easy that would be to clean though. Maybe that could go under the hides?🤔So tricky!😅
 
Non-slip bathroom / wetroom / camper van lino flooring example:

www.ebay.co.uk

BLACK Sparkle / Glitter / Twinkle Effect Flooring / Vinyl / Lino Floor | eBay

Black Sparkly Vinyl Flooring. Top quality heavy duty vinyl, will not tear, mark or stain from normal use! Stain resistant. Anti-slip finish (R10 >36 rated safety floor). For example 2m x 2m = enter 4, For 3m x 2m = enter 6.
www.ebay.co.uk

Most of it is sparkly, but it comes in diffrent colours.
 
Shimmer said:
Non-slip bathroom / wetroom / camper van lino flooring example:

www.ebay.co.uk

BLACK Sparkle / Glitter / Twinkle Effect Flooring / Vinyl / Lino Floor | eBay

Black Sparkly Vinyl Flooring. Top quality heavy duty vinyl, will not tear, mark or stain from normal use! Stain resistant. Anti-slip finish (R10 >36 rated safety floor). For example 2m x 2m = enter 4, For 3m x 2m = enter 6.
www.ebay.co.uk

Most of it is sparkly, but it comes in diffrent colours.
Click to expand...
Oh I see, different to what I thought but I kinda like the sparkly effect🥰Thank you!
 
Lov_Elly22 said:
Oh I also heard that seagrass rugs are safe for them to have because they’re safe to ingest if they chew them - not sure how easy that would be to clean though. Maybe that could go under the hides?🤔So tricky!😅
Click to expand...
I wouldn't over think it at the moment. Get the basics sorted first and see how it goes. Somewhere to sleep / keep warm, big litter trays, somewhere for hay, water bowl, food bowl. Everything accessible and cleanable.

Don't forget padlocks and decent latches on the doors.
 
Shimmer said:
I wouldn't over think it at the moment. Get the basics sorted first and see how it goes. Somewhere to sleep / keep warm, big litter trays, somewhere for hay, water bowl, food bowl. Everything accessible and cleanable.

Don't forget padlocks and decent latches on the doors.
Click to expand...
Oh I’m definitely overthinking it haha😂I just like to be prepared I guess and find the best options but you’re right, as long as I have the basics I can then develop it and find what works.
And yes padlocks 100%, I’d be too nervous without them!😊
 
I keep indoor Rabbits, but if I kept them outdoors I’d use EVA stable matting for shed floors. It’s very hard wearing, it’ll last years. It can be washed down and disinfected. If well fitted there is no seeping of urine getting under it and it is chew proof and slip proof. Providing better traction for a hopping Bunny than vinyl/lino. So whilst the initial outlay might be a bit pricey I think it’d be worth it in the long run.

An example here
www.arkmat.co.uk

EVA Stable Floor Mats or Gym Mats | ARKMat

Lightweight, Easy to install Black EVA Stable or Gym Flooring Mats from the UK's leading supplier to the equine & fitness industries.
www.arkmat.co.uk www.arkmat.co.uk

Have you thought about insulation too?

 
Last edited:
My bunnies are outside in a shed with attached run, so a similar set-up to what you're planning. The flooring is very similar to how Shimmer has suggested. It is non-slip lino with no raised pattern. We have also run it up all of the walls a little way and secured it with off-cuts of the weldmesh that we used to contruct the runs, to prevent chewing. I've not seen any of the rabbits that we've had here, have an issue with slipping. I think that's possibly because there isn't an area in the shed where they can run fast (outside runs are for that), as we have a large litter tray, a cardboard hidey box and large pieces of wood to provide interest and exercise. They tend to hop mainly in this area.

Whatever you put on the floor needs to be practical. I can very easily sweep the floor whenever it's needed, which is at least once a day and wiping out is very quick too. Chewing is something that it is important to monitor. You won't always see it happening. For that reason too, you will need to ensure that anything made of wood inside the shed is of a type that is OK for bunnies to nibble and also hasn't been treated with anything. I tend to go for things, which are simple, basic and practical. I wouldn't want to add pieces of carpet or rugs as I don't think it's necessary, plus they could be difficult to keep clean and I wouldn't want the worry of chewing. Also I tend to sometimes put food, especially forage, on the floor for them. Sweeping away remaining tiny bits becomes easier with the lino.
 
www.ebay.co.uk

Stable Floor Matting | Pink EVA 24mm EVA Cushioned Mats For Horses & Livestock | eBay

However, these mats are Lightweight, Easy to handle, EVA. EVA is sold in 18, 24, 34 or 44mm for the floor. There are so many mats available it is often difficult to know which ones to buy. If buying rubber then these are generally sold 12 or 18mm with 12 being for small horses, 18mm for large...
www.ebay.co.uk

Haven't bought it yet but I'm in the middle of insulating and boarding up my shed and I'm planning on using this on the floor
 
InspectorMorse said:
I keep indoor Rabbits, but if I kept them outdoors I’d use EVA stable matting for shed floors. It’s very hard wearing, it’ll last years. It can be washed down and disinfected. If well fitted there is no seeping of urine getting under it and it is chew proof and slip proof. Providing better traction for a hopping Bunny than vinyl/lino. So whilst the initial outlay might be a bit pricey I think it’d be worth it in the long run.

An example here
www.arkmat.co.uk

EVA Stable Floor Mats or Gym Mats | ARKMat

Lightweight, Easy to install Black EVA Stable or Gym Flooring Mats from the UK's leading supplier to the equine & fitness industries.
www.arkmat.co.uk www.arkmat.co.uk

Have you thought about insulation too?

Click to expand...
Ok great thank you! I’ll have to have a good think about what’s the best option😊
And yes my shed is going to come insulated which makes life easier!
 
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