Pet Housing

Rabbits need far more space than a traditional hutch provides. The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) recommends a shelter of at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft for a pair of rabbits, permanently attached to a run of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high. This lets rabbits hop, stand fully upright and run, rather than sitting still for long periods. Rabbits are social and should be kept in pairs or compatible groups, often a neutered male and female. Larger breeds need more room than the minimum. The space should be available at all times, not only for a few hours a day.

A 6ft rabbit hutch is a good starting point, but on its own it is not enough space for rabbits. A 6ft hutch can meet the shelter part of the RWAF guidance (6ft x 2ft x 2ft), but rabbits also need a permanently attached run of at least 3m x 2m x 1m for a pair. A rabbit hutch and run combined is a better base, and adding more run space or giving access to a secure, fenced area of the garden is better still. Rabbits kept in small spaces can become bored, overweight and prone to health problems, so more room is always the better option.

A pair of guinea pigs needs an enclosed hutch of at least 120cm x 60cm (about 4ft x 2ft), and many welfare groups recommend more, plus a run for daily exercise. Guinea pigs do not climb or jump much, so floor space matters more than height. They are sociable animals and should be kept with at least one other guinea pig. A guinea pig hutch and run should include a hiding place, deep bedding and plenty of hay to eat. An outdoor guinea pig hutch needs extra protection in cold weather, as guinea pigs are more sensitive to low temperatures than rabbits and are often moved indoors in winter.

An outdoor rabbit hutch stays warm in winter when it is kept dry, sheltered and well bedded. Position it out of the prevailing wind, ideally against a wall or fence, and raise it off the ground so damp does not collect underneath. Fill the sleeping area with plenty of fresh hay or straw and change it often, as wet bedding loses its warmth. A breathable hutch cover over the mesh on cold or stormy nights helps, as long as some ventilation remains. Water bottles and bowls can freeze, so check them at least twice a day. A shed is another option, but never a garage used by a car.

A dog kennel should be large enough for the dog to stand up, turn round easily and lie down fully stretched out. A simple guide is to measure the dog from nose to base of tail and from the floor to the top of the head, then allow extra room on each measurement. Small breeds such as Jack Russells need far less space than large breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds. The enclosed sleeping area should not be so large that it struggles to hold warmth, while an attached dog run gives space to move about. A walk-in dog kennel and run makes cleaning and checking on the dog much easier.

Dogs can spend time in an outdoor dog kennel, but most welfare organisations advise against keeping dogs outside full time. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, owners must provide a suitable place to live, a proper diet, fresh water and the chance to behave normally, which for dogs includes company. A kennel used outdoors needs a dry, draught free and shaded sleeping area, fresh water at all times and protection from extreme heat and cold. Dogs are social animals, so daily walks, play and time with people are essential. Elderly, very young and short coated dogs cope less well outdoors.

A rabbit hutch should be spot cleaned every day and fully cleaned at least once a week. Daily cleaning means removing wet bedding, droppings from the toilet area and any uneaten fresh food. A weekly clean involves removing all bedding, scrubbing surfaces with a pet safe disinfectant, rinsing, and letting everything dry before adding fresh bedding. In warm weather cleanliness matters even more, because dirty bedding attracts flies that can cause flystrike, a serious and potentially fatal condition. Rabbits should be checked at least twice a day in summer. A hutch with a large maintenance door makes cleaning quicker and less stressful for the animals.

A rabbit hutch is made fox proof by using strong welded wire mesh, secure locks and a base that cannot be dug under. Thin chicken wire is not enough, as foxes can tear or push through it. Heavier mesh, such as 14 gauge welded mesh, gives far better protection. Doors should close with bolts or latches that a fox cannot nudge open, and padlocking them overnight adds security. Runs on soil or grass can be protected with paving slabs, a mesh floor or mesh buried around the edges. Fixing mesh to the inside of the frame with staples and battens makes it harder to pull away.

The best base for a dog kennel and run is a solid, level and easily cleaned surface such as concrete or paving slabs. A hard surface is simple to hose down, stops dogs digging out and drains better than grass, which quickly turns muddy in a run. A slight fall towards one side helps water drain away. Timber bearers or a raised floor under the enclosed kennel keep the sleeping area off cold, damp ground. Grass and gravel are less hygienic for a permanent dog run. Liverpool Sheds supplies combi bases and bearers and installs dog kennels and runs free across Merseyside.

Treated timber is generally safe for rabbit hutches and dog kennels once the treatment has fully dried. Modern preservatives used on garden buildings are designed for outdoor timber and are not considered harmful to animals after drying, although airing a new hutch for a few days is sensible. Older products such as traditional creosote should never be used on pet housing. Any paint or stain applied later should be water based, labelled as safe for animals and left to dry completely before pets go back in. Rabbits and guinea pigs chew, so providing safe chew items and fresh hay helps protect the timber and keeps teeth healthy.