Hi! I’m a soon to be first time rabbit owner. I just moved into a new property that has the space to get rabbits and I’m really excited! I have several spots around my property that I think would make great choices to set up my rabbits’ new homes but I wanted some input from experienced owners.
I’m located in the high desert in Northern New Mexico for climate reference. I want to get 2 Angora rabbits (undecided on specific variety yet, will depend on availability mostly) to start with but I want to allow space to expand because I’d like to get more in the future. (To be clear, these are for my personal pets and not for breeding. I’ve always wanted bunnies but have never had the space. I’m aware of grooming requirements as I have long haired dogs and brushing animals is relaxing for me!)
I have several options where I can put my rabbits home base + more options for a run area. I planned on housing each rabbit individually with runs being adjacent so they can socialize safely during playtime. I was planning on building enclosures myself and haven’t fully decided if I should go more in the hutch/condo style or more open/free roam style. Once I show my location options, the flexibility will hopefully make more sense.
For any of the following options, I would of course adjust the space as needed (ie heater/fan, lighting, shade, more security for their safety, etc.). I just need help decided which space is the best option to transform 🙂
Option 1 – pen in the barn. Shaded, with wire openings for ventilation. Exposed to weather partially but still mostly enclosed. Can build open pens for roaming or hutches.
Option 2 – in the barn itself. Shaded, no wire openings for ventilation but not climate controlled either so may require a fan at times. Enclosed, can build pens or hutches again.
Option 3 – on the patio. Shaded throughout most of the day. Exposed to the weather, ventilation a plenty. Hutch style makes most sense here so I would set up their run area in the barn/somewhere else.
Please give me any input you have! I’m not getting the rabbits until the space is ready (obviously) but it’ll be at a minimum after January. So I still have time to take in any ideas and adjust my plans accordingly 🙂 Thank you!
by hottofroggo