Housing your rabbit in an exercise pen (commonly known as an x-pen) can be a big improvement over the idea of a cage. With a cage your rabbit’s space can be limited and he can become frustrated at being in a smaller space when you are away or asleep at night. X-pen living gives bunny more space, while still keeping him safely contained, during those times when you are not at home or need to keep bunny enclosed. Even for “jumpers” x-pens can be a good choice, simply by attaching some shade cloth (found in garden centers) or special-made wire tops made by pen manufacturers.
Bunny’s x-pen not only holds his litter box, water and food dishes, but it can also hold a Cottontail Cottage, toys, and most anything he desires. What really makes them great is:
1) You’re getting more space for your money (x-pens cost the same or less than most rabbit cages).
2) Bunny has more room to roam and feels “freer” while still in a safe place.
3) Pens are flexible and can be configured in any shape to suit your available space.
4) They are easy to clean and portable, too.
Below are photos of a variety of “x-pen” setups for bunny.
Honey’s pen is situated in the family room, next to the sofa. Honey is a “jumper,” so the family has purchased a 36″ high pen. She has a big box of hay, her stuffed toys, and her ball. She is quite comfortable and gets a lot of attention in this location. They have placed a piece of indoor/outdoor
carpeting under Honey’s pen to protect the floor.
This lucky pair has 2 exercise pens combined to make an extra large space, complete with a 2-story cardboard mini-haven playhouse. Notice the rug is low-pile with no loops or long strands to chew.
Smudge is a spoiled boy who has a wooded cottage and a hammock-style lounging bed. A guinea pig exercise pen protects the baseboards and wall against chewing.
This x-pen is configured in a square, 48″ wide on each side. It’s been placed onto a special-built platform to contain any mess and protect the hardwood floors. You can also see that a square of indoor-outdoor carpet has been placed onto the floor to protect it. This pen houses a group of three bunnies, Calli, Bebe and Oliver, including their Cottontail Cottage playhouse, a really large litterbox, and still plenty of room for toys and the necessities of life. The pen is 24″ high as these bunnies are not inclined to jump out.
The above photo is what we call a rabbit palace! These bunnies have it all! Guessing they saved their allowance for quite some time to put all this together. The trash can hay feeder is a DYI that’s easy to fill and provides plenty of fresh hay.
Here we have an full room for the bunnies. A baby gate at the doorway can be a good way to keep the bunnies in their room, but still allow them to see out into the hallway.
Here, the homeowner has used an XL dog crate with attached exercise pen. The door to the dog crate remains open for the bun to come and go as he pleases.
Sources for the materials seen on this page are:
Exercise Pens:
- San Diego House Rabbit Society, Bunny Supply Store: They sell 24″, 30″, and 36″ x-pens from their store.
- KW Cages, Santee, California (San Diego County)
- Precision Pet Products: Their x-pens can be purchased online from a variety of retailers. Petco has them on sale periodically, online.
- Midwest Homes for Pets: Available online from a variety of retailers.
- Most pet supply stores
Other links to x-pen housing ideas: