Hello – We will be getting a mini Rex in about 3 weeks (gift from my mother to my daughter) and I want to make sure I have a correct setup for this beautiful new bunny.  I have been researching and reading about indoor habitats – both on this forum and other information rabbit sites and still have some questions.  

First – the set up will be in my enclosed back porch for three seasons, and I have room to put an x-pen around the habitat (whatever is chosen) so it gets exercise while we are at home.  Both my husband and I work during the day, so bunny will be in its cage during the day then let out in the x-pen for as long as it needs when we get home until it is bedtime.  So I want to ensure that the bunny will have enough space during the day in whatever cage we have it in (hutch or crate).

Indoor hutches – while they look attractive I do not believe it will provide the bunny enough room for the time it is spent during the day.  I have a XL dog crate with two doors that I would like to use – saves on money and I believe provides more space for the bunny during the day.  I can also put a litter pan inside the cage.  BUT, my mother says that the cage “needs” to be off floor so it can be easily seen (which I disagree with) and that the bunny will slip through the cage grid/slots b/c it will be small.

Is this true? Anyone who has used a XL Dog crate experienced their rabbit slipping through the crate?  Again, I will have an x pen around the crate as well.  Also, would you put a sheet/towel around the outside of the cage to give it more privacy and a secure feeling?

I want to make sure I set up the best possible habitat for the bunny with the space we have.  Thanks in advance