Cage Size?

[Alexandria]

 In the next month or so, I’m getting either a Holland Lop or Mini Lop, and obviously I want to have everything ready before he gets here. I don’t have a lot of floor space to build a massive cage, so my plan is to build a cage that measures 4 feet long and 2 feet wide with 2 levels that are each 24 inches tall. My main concern is will each level of the cage be tall enough? I’m going to add a secure top so the rabbit won’t be able to escape or jump out, but I’m not sure if 24 inches will give him enough room to move around and stand up on his hind legs. I’m also not sure how tall Holland and Mini Lops are when they stand on their hind legs, so if anyone could help me with either of these questions, I would be really greatful so I’ll know if the height of each level of the cage will be sufficient.

Also, do you think the cage in general will be large enough for one rabbit, and if I decide to get another later on (which I am strongly considering), will the cage be large enough for two rabbits? 

I’m going to rabbit-proof my bedroom and designate a safe area outside so he can stay out of his cage and get as much exercise as possible (all supervised, of course), but he will have to spend time in his cage while I’m at work and during the night, so I want him to have pleanty of space in his cage and be comfortable.

Sorry for such a long post, but I haven’t been able to find anything helpful in my google searches. Also, thank you in advance for reading/replying.

[MoveDiagonally]

Welcome to BB and congrats on your soon to be bunny!

24 inches should be tall enough, my big ole English Lop can stand on his hind legs in 24″ so a smaller bun should be alright.

4′ X 2′, 8 sq ft, is the minimum for one rabbit so for two you’ll want to double it (4′ X 4′, 16 sq ft). The HRS also says that if you use the minimum your bun should get at least 5 hours a day out of their cage in a 24 sq ft area. If 5 hours a day is not realistic you’ll still want to do as much time out as you can so they can get their exercise.

I generally don’t like the idea of building up to meet the minimum requirements because the minimum is pretty small already.For example, I don’t think a two level condo with each level being 2′ X 2′ would be big enough even though it’s technically 8 sq ft.

Have you thought about X-Pens? You can extend them when you’re not using the space, i.e. when you’re at work and reduce their size when you need the space. If you get the taller ones you don’t have to worry about an escaping bun unless your rabbit is a prolific jumper/really determined.

[Alexandria]

 Thank you for answering, you were very helpful! I think I’m going to go with the Ex-pen. 

[MoveDiagonally]

I hope it works out for you and your soon to be bun! Don’t forget to drop by with some pics when you bring him/her home

30″ + height for the x -pen (36″ seems pretty common) should help prevent any escape attempts.

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