The Negative Effects of Hutches / Small Cages

Bunnies that live outdoors in small, confined hutches face several health and welfare risks. These include:

1. Limited Space and Lack of Exercise: Tiny hutches restrict a rabbit’s ability to hop, stretch, and explore, leading to muscle atrophy, obesity, pressure sores, deformities, and poor bone health. This confinement can also cause behavioural issues such as boredom, stress, and depression due to isolation, lack of enrichment, and inadequate care.

2. Parasites and Infections: Outdoor rabbits are more exposed to fleas, ticks, mites, and other internal and external parasites. They are also at greater risk of infections from wild animals or environmental conditions, including bacteria or viruses like Myxomatosis, coccidiosis, E. cuniculi, and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease.

3. Temperature Extremes: Rabbits are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Extreme heat can quickly lead to heatstroke, while cold temperatures can cause hypothermia or even death. Hutches offer little protection from extreme weather, and the lack of proper insulation, shelter, or bedding increases these risks. Without adequate ventilation in hot weather or sufficient warmth in cold conditions, rabbits can suffer from dangerous temperature-related health issues.

4. Poor Diet: Outdoor rabbits may not always have reliable access to fresh food and water. A lack of a balanced diet and consistent access to water can lead to serious digestive issues, such as gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis), which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

5. Stress and Anxiety: Being confined to a hutch with limited space, social interaction, and mental stimulation can cause rabbits to experience anxiety and stress. Chronic stress weakens their immune system, making them more susceptible to illness and diminishing their overall physical and mental well-being.

6. Predator Risk: Outdoor rabbits are vulnerable to attacks by predators such as bears, rodents, cougars, wolves, mink, raccoons, birds of prey, and even neighborhood pets.

7. Lack of Proper Vet Care: Outdoor rabbits may not receive regular veterinary care or vaccinations, leaving them more susceptible to preventable diseases. Being kept outside often means that signs of illness are overlooked, as they are out of sight and out of mind.

8. Foot Problems: The hard floors of hutches can lead to sore hocks or other foot injuries and deformities, especially if rabbits don't have soft bedding or an appropriate surface to stand on. Many hutches feature wire bottoms, which, while practical for waste management, are harmful to a rabbit's feet.

9. Spinal Issues: Spinal health is another significant concern for bunnies living outdoors in small, confined hutches. The lack of space to move freely can lead to:

Scoliosis: The inability to move freely can cause the spine to develop an abnormal curvature over time.

Arthritis: Limited movement and poor posture in small spaces place undue strain on the spine and joints, potentially leading to arthritis, especially in older rabbits.

Vertebral Damage: Chronic confinement can weaken the spine, resulting in pain, immobility, or even vertebral fractures in severe cases.

These spinal issues can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and an overall decreased quality of life for the rabbit. Regular exercise, space to move, and proper support (e.g., soft bedding) are essential for maintaining spinal health.

Ensuring that a rabbit has ample space, regular exercise, a balanced diet, protection from extreme temperatures, and regular veterinary care is essential for their health and well-being.

When caring for any animal, ask yourself: "If I were this animal, how would I want to be cared for? Can I provide the nurture and care this animal deserves? If I were a rabbit, would I want to be locked in a tiny box? Is this a good quality of life?"

This is not an acceptable way for any animal to live. We, as humans, need to be better. We must teach the next generation to compassionately care for and treat animals.

If you know someone who has animals living in conditions that you know are wrong, step up and be their voice because they cannot speak for themselves. Animals suffer in silence, and that is not okay.