rabbit cages Archives - Rabbit Hutches

Best Bedding for Rabbit Cages 2024

Kristi Crow — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Having the proper bedding in your rabbit’s cage is extremely important for your bunny’s health and happiness. The right bedding helps absorb messes, reduces odors, and gives your rabbit a comfortable place to rest. When selecting cage bedding for rabbits, there are several key factors you need to consider including absorbency, dust content, scent, texture, and safety. In this article we talk about Best Bedding for Rabbit Cages.

Key Factors to Consider

When evaluating different bedding options, keep these key factors in mind:

Absorbency – The bedding should soak up urine and feces to help keep your rabbit’s habitat clean and reduce odors. Highly absorbent litters need to be changed less frequently.

Dust Content – Dust can irritate your rabbit’s respiratory system and cause health issues over time. Choose beddings labeled as 99% dust-free or low dust. Stay away from litters with visible dust or particles in the air when you pour it.

Scent – Rabbits have a strong sense of smell so avoid heavily perfumed litters. Light, natural scents are ideal if any.

Texture – Consider your rabbit’s size and breed. Smaller breeds often prefer softer litters they can burrow in. Larger breeds do fine on pellets with some cushion.

Safety – Make sure the bedding is non-toxic and safe if ingested. Some litters can cause intestinal blockages or other issues if eaten.

Popular Rabbit Cage Bedding Types Here is an overview of the most common types of bedding used for rabbits including the pros and cons of each.

Paper-Based Litters

Paper litters like Carefresh and Kaytee Clean & Cozy are highly popular options for rabbit owners. The main pros are excellent absorption, low dust, and soft texture. Paper beddings are also warmer than other litters in colder weather. Just avoid heavily scented versions and change frequently to prevent ammonia build-up from urine.

Wood Stove Pellets

Wood pellets, often sold as equine or feline pine litters, offer great odor control at a very affordable price point. The pellets absorb liquids very efficiently while breaking down solid waste. The main downsides can include dust and a lack of cushiness. These are better for larger breed rabbits. Make sure to get untreated, all-natural wood pellets.

Recycled Paper Pellets

Eco-friendly options like Yesterday’s News unscented paper pellets are growing in popularity. They are created from recycled paper/pulp, providing high absorbency with lower dust. Recycled paper litters are very affordable too, often cheaper than traditional clay options. The biggest downside is they lack odor fighting capabilities compared to citrus or pine-based litters.

Aspen Wood Shavings

All-natural aspen shavings from kiln-dried wood make a pleasant-smelling bedding that most rabbits seem to enjoy. Aspen absorbs liquid waste effectively while allowing urine to pass through to the tray beneath. It stays nice and dry on top. Rabbits often like digging and burrowing in the shredded aspen pieces. Just be vigilant about properly cleaning urine soaked areas since aspen allows ammonia to pass through over time.

Grass Hays

An all-natural bedding choice is timothy, oat, or other grass hay. These work well directly in litter boxes allowing the rabbit to munch on the hay. It absorbs some urine and odors while encouraging natural grazing behavior. The downside of hay is it requires very frequent changing and cleaning which can drive up costs. Best used in tandem with another litter type.

Corn Cob Bedding

Corn cob is a very absorbent litter though not always dust-free. It effectively soaks up messes and controls ammonia odors. The pieces tend to be larger though so don’t work as well for small rabbit breeds. The other main downside is potential pest issues if pieces get strewn outside the cage. The crumbs can attract mice. Best to use sealed under a grate inside the enclosure.

Cedar & Pine Wood Shavings

Cedar and pine shavings have fallen out of favor due to potential respiratory risks from phenols and oils. However, kiln-dried pine and cedar containing lower oil content are still considered safe options by some owners. The strong woody scents help mask odors. Just know that pine/cedar is controversial and you’ll have to clean the cage more diligently to prevent build-up. Also avoid types with visible dust or particles.

Clumping Clay Litters

Traditional clumping clay cat litters should be avoided for rabbits according to most experts. If ingested, clumping clay can cause major gastrointestinal issues requiring emergency surgery in some cases. Even dust from clay litters may cause respiratory inflammation over time. Stick to paper, wood, hay, or natural fiber-based options to be safe.

Key Tips

When Using Rabbit Cage Bedding Once you choose an appropriate litter material, follow these tips to maintain your rabbit housing:

Spot clean wet areas and droppings daily
Remove soiled litter completely each week
Provide litter boxes in all resting areas
Use about 2-4 inches of bedding depth
Add a layer of hay on top for burrowing/eating
Avoid scented cleaners and deodorizers
Replace chewed or destroyed housing items

Monitor your rabbit’s litter habits and watch for signs of irritation or illness. Adjust the litter brand or type if needed until you find the perfect match. This will help create a healthy habitat and happy bunny. With the proper bedding and cage maintenance, your rabbit will thrive in their home. I sincerely hope you find this “Best Bedding for Rabbit Cages” article helpful.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also read this: Advantek White Picket Fence Rabbit Hutch Review

The post Best Bedding for Rabbit Cages 2024 appeared first on Rabbit Hutches.

What are the features of the MidWest Homes for Pets 158 Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home?

Kristi Crow — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:05:58 +0000

Finding the ideal rabbit cage that balances space, convenience and longevity in a single enclosure can be challenging. The Midwest Homes for Pets Wabbitat Deluxe 158 model aims to deliver a reliable wire mesh habitat for small rabbits loaded with handy features for both pets and owners alike. But what exactly does this upgraded condo include fresh out of the box? Let’s find out about What are the features of the MidWest Homes for Pets 158 Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home.

Product Details

The Wabbitat 158 Deluxe measures 46L x 24W x 16.5H inches offering small rabbits and bunnies nearly 7.5 square feet of living space across two floors when constructed. The entire frame and accessories are made of coated wire mesh or durable plastics able to contain rabbits up to 10 pounds recommended. MSRP pricing lands around $140. Now let’s explore what sets this model apart from more basic enclosures.

Multi-level living Space

A dividing shelf separates the interior into equal upper and lower enclosures connected by a built-in ramp giving pets the enriching ability to explore different floors. The ramp also removably clicks into place using hooks.

Lockable security Latches

Metal clasps running vertically up the corners allow the wire walls to fold up fully while the plastic tray base keeps the structure rigid. These slide-bolt latches also lock the habitat securely when collapsed preventing any unfolding mishaps.

Plastic slide-out Tray

Beneath the wired flooring area, a plastic tub pulls outward to dump waste directly without needing to reach inside the enclosure thanks to integrated side handles aiding smooth sliding motion.

plush Interior Hideaway

A 12” x 12” x 12” plush fabric miniature housing structure snaps into place letting shy bunnies burrow inside safely when seeking privacy away from external commotion or observations.

Pet feeding Dish

Molded into the pull out tray rests an integrated bowl perfect for filling kibble, vegetables and other snacks without requiring a separate accessory. The ribbed material deters tipping.

carrying Handle/Locking Clips

Integrated plastic handles at the cage top plus four locking side clips allow the collapsed habitat to be lifted and securely contained inside an included zippered nylon carrying case for simplified transportation.

Assembled dimensions: 46L x 24W x 16.5H inches
Floor area: Approx 7.5 square feet
Recommended for rabbits up to 10 pounds
Pet capacity: 1-2 rabbits

Conclusion

The Midwest Homes for Pets Wabbitat Deluxe 158 rabbit cage provides small rabbit owners with nearly 8 functional square feet of living space split over two levels. Helpful features range from interior ramps and hideaways up to a locking security design alongside external slide out trays maximizing waste management convenience for purchasers. By striking a pleasing balance between essential enrichment needs and portability, the Wabbitat aims to offer first-time owners an accessible introductory habitat meeting common new rabbit caretaking needs without overwhelming. If the premium features justify toppling alternative budget-priced cages for your new fuzzy friend, the 158 satisfies discerning shoppers wanting a fully outfitted convenient bunny abode worth the splurge. I hope this What are the features of the MidWest Homes for Pets 158 Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home article helps you.

The post What are the features of the MidWest Homes for Pets 158 Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home? appeared first on Rabbit Hutches.

How do I set up the MidWest Homes for Pets Wabbitat Folding Rabbit Cage?

Kristi Crow — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:56:24 +0000

The Midwest Homes for Pets Wabbitat Folding Rabbit Cage is a popular portable rabbit habitat that’s designed to provide a comfortable, secure enclosed den and play area for small rabbits. Setting up this folding cage for the first time does take a little bit of work to ensure it’s properly assembled, but once put together, it provides great living quarters for a rabbit that’s also convenient for travel or storage when not in use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up the MidWest Homes for Pets Wabbitat Folding Rabbit Cage.

Gather all Needed Parts and Tools

First, make sure you’ve unpackaged all the components of the Wabbitat cage and have them laid out and identified. The major parts will include:
– Top frame
– Base tray
– Divider panel
– Shelves/Ramps
– Feeder
– Water bottle
– Carry handle/Locking clips

You’ll need standard household tools like pliers, scissors, and potentially a small hammer or mallet.

Assemble the Frame and Hooks

The metal top frame pieces secure together via plastic connectors at the top of each corner to form a square enclosure. Each vertical post also has a metal hook for hanging internal accessories. Use pliers or a mallet to ensure all pieces are fully pressed into place so the joints feel snug and even. Installing the hooks correctly is key so shelves and ramps align properly inside later.

Insert the Base Tray

The plastic base tray with raised edges should fit snugly into the bottom of the assembled metal wire cage frame. Make sure it’s inserted evenly so no major gaps are showing at the seams. The tray adds stability while also containing any messes.

Attach the Front Door Panel

A divider panel will come with either a door cutout or plastic cover to swing shut the front open section of the cage for easy rabbit access. Use the provided clips to slide this into the front midline grooves securely. Test opening and closing the access door or cover to ensure smooth operation without risk of it falling off.

Mount Shelves, Ramps and Accessories

Using the built-in hooks, start hanging any platforms, ramps, feeding components or hideaways that came packaged with the Wabbitat model you purchased. Fit the pieces snugly into place without extra space showing. The parts often only stabilize well when locked in position correctly. Check the alignment by gently rocking them back and forth.

Add a Water Bottle

Attach the included water bottle with metal nozzle pointing inward onto the exterior wires using spring-activated clips or zip ties so it’s positioned inside and easily within reach when rabbits stand up without any sharp pokes. Test that water flows easily when using the metal ball bearing mechanism.

Set Up the Carry Case

The Wabbitat includes a handy nylon and mesh zippered carry case for easy transport. Unfold this and place the fully assembled cage onto the black nylon base, then zip up the sides securing the top clear mesh. Some models may require installing plastic locking clips to reinforce the carry case walls surrounding the cage. These ensure no accidental unzipping or collapsing mid-transport.

Conclusion

Once fully constructed following all provided instructions, the Midwest Homes for Pets Wabbitat offers a highly-functional living space for a rabbit that also conveniently folds down for storage or traveling. Just be attentive to periodically check clips, push-pins and tubes ensuring continual secure assembly with age and use over months and years. And with that, your rabbit is ready to hop happily into his or her new home! Enjoy. I hope this How do I set up the MidWest Homes for Pets Wabbitat Folding Rabbit Cage post helps you.

The post How do I set up the MidWest Homes for Pets Wabbitat Folding Rabbit Cage? appeared first on Rabbit Hutches.