Is Your Rabbit’s Hutch Making Your Rabbit Depressed?

Do you think your rabbit is happy? Do you see your rabbit hopping around in the hutch? Standing up on their hind legs and stretching out fully? Or is your rabbit showing signs of depression and stress? Forgive the amount of questions but it is important to consider the welfare of your rabbit and how happy they are in their life. Rabbits spend a lot of time in their hutches and runs and if the space provided isn’t suitable it can lead to distressed rabbits that live depressing lives. No one wants that for their pets, but sadly many rabbit owners are not aware that their pet is sad and lonely and living in unsuitable conditions.

Symptoms of Depression & Stress in Rabbits

There are signs and behaviours that will let you know if your rabbit is unhappy. The symptoms to watch out for include:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Insomnia
• Hiding
• Dribbling
• Lack of movement

Many symptoms can also be related to illness so it is important to take your pet to the vet for a full check-up to ensure there isn’t an underlying issue that requires treatment.

How Can You Help Your Rabbit?

As a rabbit owner it is your legal duty to meet your rabbits’ welfare needs and this includes providing a suitable environment. You can do this by providing your rabbit with a home life that allows them to perform their natural behaviours. The hutch needs to be suitable for the size of your rabbits, giving them enough space to hop, jump, stand tall and stretch out unhindered. There needs to be separate spaces for your rabbit to sleep and feel safe, go to the toilet and relax, eat and play. A run is also an essential item and should not be seen as a luxury or optional extra. The more safe space you can provide the better and it should be the norm for all rabbit owners to focus on space, exercise and combatting boredom and depression.

How happy do you think your rabbit is? Is the hutch causing stress, sadness and inhibiting the natural behavior of your pet? Check out our suitable hutches that have been designed to improve the welfare of rabbits. We have a wide selection to choose from.