Welcome to the rabbit world branberry! Yes, dog kennels can be used as cages, but I would not recommend that particular one. Here’s why: rabbits chew, and chew, and chew! Something made out of fabric, such as that kennel, is not ideal. Your little fluffer may very well chew a hole and escape! Also, you may find that fabric is hard to clean if bun has an accident. I would recommend trying something like this:

https://www.chewy.com/frisco-fold-carry-double-door-dog/dp/116522

Or if you want to try an x-pen, this is what I have:

https://www.chewy.com/frisco-dog-exercise-pen-step-through/dp/125049

In the case of an x-pen, cover the floor with something that will protect it, i.e. linoleum, a tarp, plastic, and then layer fleece or other soft material on top. Make sure whatever you settle on is at least 8 square feet, and at least 36-48 inches high. I thought 30 inches would be high enough but turns out Timothy can get quite a bit of height! Remember, smaller rabbits tend to be able to jump higher than you expect.
Hope this helps!!!

I agree, best not to go with fabric. Also, make sure you do your research! Rabbits can make delightful pets, but you have to know how to care for them properly. There is a lot of good information on this site. Be aware that bunnies are not the cute, cuddly, always-want-to-be-held type of pet. If this is your expectation, think again! Everybun is different so it is possible that you’ll end up with a sweet, cuddly personality- but don’t expect it. Don’t pick your rabbit up unless you have to! Bonding with them takes time, so be patient and don’t force them to allow you to handle them. When you first get bun, take it slow- let them settle in and just be “around” for the first few days. Feed treats and pellets from your hand to build trust and have them associate you with something good. You may already know these things, but I thought I would reiterate these things because it’s best to do things right the first time, rather than learn from mistakes! Good luck with new bun, feel free to post with any questions- we’re all very willing to help you learn how to care for your bun!

The style of the cage seems fine to me. Are you planning on letting the bunny out for floor time, or perhaps allowing him/her to roam? The cage, while it may seem big to you, won’t be enough room in the long run. If you go with that cage, you should allow about 3-4 hours of time outside of the cage every day for exercise.

That is a good size crate, to be used in addition to adequate out of cage time every day, but you may want to think about getting a double door crate instead of a single door one. I have heard people say that it’s impossible to reach all the way (4 feet) to the back of the crate to clean or if you needed to get the bunny out, without crawling in yourself. The crates with 2 doors are much easier to work with. One door is on the end and the other is on the side, so you can access all parts of the crate.

Yay! Another suggestion I have is to use Yesterday’s News cat litter. It is made from recycled newspaper and is safe for rabbits. It is much quicker and easier to clean up than paper bedding! Also I feel it’s better because it is more absorbent, so its not like bun is standing in pee all day in the litter box. I wish I had used that at first.

Yes, they would appreciate something soft to lay on rather than the bottom of a plastic crate! I had a litter box in the corner and just a blanket in my buns cage. It is not necessary to have them in pairs, if they receive enough love and care from you then they can be perfectly happy. I got a second rabbit just because I work so I am gone 9 hours out of the day. If you want a second rabbit, be aware that both have to be spayed/neutered and you have to go through a bonding process, you can’t just put them together.

All good info so far!
Since you haven’t already gotten your bun, check out shelters and rescues in your area. They will have already spayed/neutered buns!
Rescues also often have already bonded pairs looking for homes, which saves you a ton of time, stress , and money!

Solo females should be spayed for health reasons (uterine cancer rates are very high if they aren’t spayed), and behavioral reasons for both male and female buns.

So exciting!

I would also recommend considering using compressed pine pellets (it is very important that they are pellets and not shavings) as litter. They also may be sold as ‘wood stove pellets’ or ‘equine bedding’. Yesterday’s News, as BunNoob said, is great, but pine pellets work just as well and seem to be a little bit less expensive. I buy mine from Tractor Supply, $6 for 40 lbs., but any local feed or farm store should have them.

@ Tim&Alfie Oh maybe I will check those out, I pay $16-20 for 30lbs of yesterdays news, depending if petsmart has what they call a “sale” ($3 off lol). I don’t think I have a tractor supply in my immediate area though. P.S. I almost named my second bun Alfie, such a cute name! <3

@branberry That’s awesome that you got the two! Your bun will be happy with a nice, spacious cage! As Dana already mentioned, it is especially important to spay a solo female because of the risk for reproductive cancer. Personally, I would recommend neutering a solo buck as well because both of you will be better off. You won’t have your things peed on and he won’t be *excuse my French* so sexually frustrated LOL

Posted By BunNoob<3 on 7/25/2017 1:40 PM

@ Tim&Alfie Oh maybe I will check those out, I pay $16-20 for 30lbs of yesterdays news, depending if petsmart has what they call a “sale” ($3 off lol). I don’t think I have a tractor supply in my immediate area though. P.S. I almost named my second bun Alfie, such a cute name! <3 

Yes, they work pretty well for me. They’re really absorbent, and they control smell. However, they do smell strongly of pine themselves, so if that bothers you or you are allergic it might not be the best choice. I’d expect you could order them online, or even find something similar (they are tractor supply brand) at a feed store. Here’s the link:

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/equine-fresh-pine-pellet-stall-bedding-40-lb?cm_vc=-10005

And thanks! My sister and I are still deciding if it’s short for Alfalfa or Alfonzo.  I like Alfalfa, but we both just call him Alfie.

oops, i guess i accidentally quoted my own post XD

LOL no worries! I like Alfonzo!! It makes him sound like an old time gangster hahaha

I actually found a Tractor Supply about 15 miles from me, so thanks for bringing that up, that’ll save some money!!

Run Timmy! Your brother is in the Mafia! Hahaha! XD
No problem! Glad I could help!