Rabbit Hutch Covers

Rabbit hutch covers are specifically designed to fit snugly over and around your rabbit hutch and provide additional weather proofing. Some hutch covers may include insulation and some have clear plastic panels that replace or fit over the hutch doors.

When choosing a rabbit hutch cover, you may want to consider:

* The size (or measurements) of your rabbit hutch. Some manufacturers will offer standard size hutch covers, however, if your hutch is not a standard size, you may need to look around to have a custom made one produced.
* What type of weather protection the rabbit hutch cover provides - most rabbit hutches are already waterproofed. Simply covering the hutch in a waterproof fabric will offer very little benefit to your pet's comfort. Will it fit snugly and stop a wet or cold wind from accessing your pet? Is it insulated?
* How easy the cover is to place on and off of your rabbit hutch. Can you gain access to your rabbit quickly and easily even when on?

While these are all questions to ponder as you purchase your rabbit hutch cover, the ultimate goal is still to keep your pet safe, warm in cold weather, and comfortable in warm weather.

When picking a rabbit hutch cover, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Measure your rabbit's hutch and write down the exact dimensions. The cover will need to be snug fitting with no loose corners to provide the best environment for your pet.

Rabbit hutch covers also require doors and windows which provide different sheltering needs. These openings provide ventilation and a necessary cool air flow through the warmer part of the year.

You should also keep in mind cleaning requirements. Male rabbits mark their territory frequently. Washing your hutch cover frequently should be made a habit to avoid the desire to throw your cover away when it gets rank smelling. Hutch covers are NOT normally washed in a washing machine, but can be scrubbed or sprayed with a cleaner that is safe for your pet like the product below.

the Pet Loo 16-Ounce Critter Habitat, Cage and Hutch Cleaner

Because of the cover's nylon coating, hutch covers should never be placed in a dryer either.

Rabbits are sometimes considered exotic pets, so many pet stores do not carry hutch covers.

If you live in an extreme weather region, your rabbit hutch may require some insulating along with a rabbit hutch cover to ensure your rabbit's safety and well being. Of course, depending upon what kind of rabbit hutch cover you purchase, some of them already provide insulation sufficient for your pet's comfort.

Here are a few tips on how to easily insulate a rabbit hutch in extreme weather conditions:

An old blanket or a section of carpet covered by a tarpaulin will easily help to keep a rabbit hutch insulated. During the day, the front should be open for ventilation purposes and, at night, most of the hutch should be covered. Don't forget to always leave a small area open for proper ventilation. Ensure that the tarp is help snugly against all corners of the hutch and that the elements do not gain access to the inside of the cage causing your pet discomfort.

During extreme weather, move the rabbit hutch to a shed, overhang, or side of the house where rain and wind are blocked. Do not put the rabbit hutch in a garage where your car may cause a health hazard because of fumes.

You want to winterize your pet's bed area. A small box with an entrance hole will keep your bunny warmer than a large box with multiple entrances. Provide a warm resting pad inside of the box for added comfort. The rabbit's body heat will warm up the area quickly. Lining the floors and/or walls with newspaper will also help to insulate your pet from extreme temperatures.

While some hutches have runs connected to them for an area your rabbit can exercise in, not all of them do.

You may be able to give your rabbit the opportunity to hop around the house in safety or you may want to teach your rabbit to accept a harness and leash. Be warned, your bunny may not be happy with his harness at the beginning and may chew through one or two before he learns to leave it alone!

Start off slow. Place the harness on your rabbit and let him get used to it. It may take a day or two before he forgets about his harness and doesn't stress about it. Petting and talking to him while the harness is on may help to calm him.

Next, attach the leash and take your cues from the rabbit. Is he frightened or stressed? Is he still trying to chew the harness off? Make sure you take your time when getting your rabbit used to a walking harness and leash. Don't expect to buy a harness, put it on your pet, and think you are going to have a great run outside. That is NOT going to happen.

With a bit of patience, your bunny CAN get accustomed to a comfortable body harness and learn to enjoy the freedom that being on a harness can give. And don't forget, you won't be taking your bunny for a walk, but you'll be following your bunny around as he enjoys his exercise.

Only pull on his leash (always as gently as you can) if/when he looks like he wants to investigate an area that may not be safe for him.