Cage

What is the recommended size of a cage for a satin or new zealand rabbit?

What is the recommended size for the cage of a satin or a new zealand rabbit. I have a satin/new zealand cross rabbit. She is breed for market rabbits so she will have babies but i will move half of them to a different cage once they reach a certain age. What would be a good size for her cage?

Public Comments

1. The minimum size is enough space so the rabbit can lay down in both directions and stand up on the hind legs with enough room. It should be bigger than that, especially with kits. Large breeds should have at least 30 inches by 30 inches. 18-20 inches is usually tall enough. You should separate the kits into 2 cages, one for the males and one for females. The doe doesn't need to stay with the kits. Be prepared for each kit to need it's own cage as it gets older.
2. I raised Satin/NZ crosses for meat. I had 5 kits each in 2, 30X36 inch cages. The doe was in the same size cage when she kindled and until they kits were weaned at 5 weeks. She was then put into a 30X30 cage and the kits went into the 2, 30X36 cages. They were butchered at 10 weeks and they each weighed 5 pounds and dressed out at 2 1/2 each.
3. They may be small, but rabbits require a lot of room for housing and exercise. They have powerful hind legs designed for running and jumping. Get your pet a cage that allows him to move freely. The minimum recommended cage space for a single rabbit of a small- to medium-sized breed is four feet wide, two feet deep and two feet tall. Although wire-bottom cages are common, they can ulcerate a rabbit’s feet. If you have a wire cage, cover the bottom with a piece of wood or corrugated cardboard. Better yet, buy a cage with a solid bottom. Please put down plenty of straw, hay or aspen shavings so your pet can make a cozy nest.