Once you have decided that a bunny is your companion, your first consideration will be to create a suitable home.

Whether you choose one of the many sizes and styles of enclosures at your local pet store, build your own, or create a unique buy-build hybrid, your Wooly should be housed indoors. Despite their thick coats, Woolies are very intolerant to changes in the weather.

Since the Jersey is a dwarf breed, a cage as small as four square feet will provide enough space, but bigger is better. You can create a larger enclosure without sacrificing floor space by buying or building in levels connected by ramps.

Make sure your enclosure has an opening big enough for you to get your bunny out. If the bunny is allowed to roam indoors (rabbit-proofed areas only!), a side opening will allow him to get in and out of the cage on his own. The opening should be smooth or plastic framed to ensure unobstructed passage. If your cage has multiple levels, multiple access points will make cleaning easier.

Feed, hay, and water containers should be cage mounted to prevent spillage and contamination. Wire flooring allows droppings to fall into a removable tray, but even closely spaced wires can cause sores on rabbits’ feet. Fortunately, Woolies are easily litter box trained, making a wire floor unnecessary. Never use clumping litter or cedar chips, as both can be harmful if ingested.

Your Wooly’s home doesn’t have to be an unsightly box in the corner of your living room. It can be an attractive centerpiece and even be decorated according to the season. Never use electrical decorations in your rabbit’s cage. Any other decorations that could be harmful if chewed should also be kept out of reach of the bunny. A good rule of thumb is: what is safe is that the crib is safe in the cage. There are exceptions, however. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian or other animal care specialist.

Even the fanciest cage is still a cage, and your bunny will need the extra space to romp and roam. The more space they are given, the more content they will have!

Indoor Game Rhythms

For the safety of your bunny and their belongings, indoor spaces should be carefully prepared before being converted into playrooms. Unless your rabbit has been properly trained, never allow it to roam unattended in your home.

Mornings and evenings are ideal times to exercise outside the cage, as these are the times of the day when rabbits are most active. This is called ‘twilight’, as opposed to nocturnal (active at night) and diurnal (active during the day).

Bored bunnies misbehave. Even with plenty of room to run around, they still need toys that satisfy their need to chew. Magazines, popsicle sticks, and cardboard boxes work well and are a good investment to protect your floorboards and furniture. To avoid digging and nesting in the bottom of sofas and other low furniture, a 2×4 frame placed underneath will keep the space off limits.

If your rabbit persists in unwanted chewing, firmly saying “NO” while spraying with a water bottle acts as a good deterrent. However, don’t rely solely on training to prevent rabbits from chewing on wires, as they can be severely burned or even killed. Remove or secure any wires in your rabbit’s play space. Products to hide or wrap cables are available at most electronics and hardware stores. Never run cords under rugs. This represents a serious fire hazard.

Among the other dangers your room may contain, many popular types of houseplants are toxic to rabbits, including violets, philodendrons, and dieffenbachia. Toxic plants should be hung from the ceiling (don’t expect them to be secure on countertops) or removed from the area altogether. Again, if in doubt, consult a specialist.

If your rabbit is unable to return to its cage on its own, have a weighted litter box and water bowl available.

outdoor play places

Outdoor play areas should provide protection from the elements, predators, and other less obvious hazards.

Safety will be your main concern. Even if a rabbit is out of reach of predators, it can still be scared to death, so never leave it unattended. It only takes a moment for a dog to jump a fence or a bird of prey to dive down. Other threats include opossums, raccoons, dogs, and even skunks. Your rabbit should never be allowed to run around overnight.

Functionality is the second. A run should be large enough for your rabbit to run and play. A sufficient construction can be made with a heavy frame of wood and wire sides, top and bottom. The wire bottom will be necessary to keep your bunny from hiding. However, even if they are flush with the ground, wire flooring can cause sores on rabbits’ feet. For added comfort, cover the wire with a layer of straw, which rabbits love to nest in and chew on. Don’t forget the water bottle.

An enclosed area within the pen, such as a sturdy cardboard box, will give your rabbit a place to hide and rest. Some rabbit proof toys would also be appreciated. In general, what’s crib-safe is crate-safe, though there are a few exceptions. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian or other animal care specialist. Don’t forget the water bottle.

Be sure to design enough access points to facilitate cleaning. A garden hose will only go so far. At some point you will have to be able to reach the corners. Include a litter box and change it regularly. The straw should be changed weekly. We already mentioned the water bottle.

Woolies enjoy moderate temperatures. Your trail should be at least partially protected from direct sunlight and cold drafts, and well away from potentially poisonous plants such as oleanders, lilies, and tulips. Never use the race when it is cold, hot or rainy.