Rabbit Housing 101: How to Set Up the Perfect Enclosure for Your Bunny

Singapore might be tiny, but your rabbit’s living space should be anything but. While a lot of people assume a rabbit is happy tucked away in a small cage, the truth is, bunnies are busy, curious creatures who need plenty of room to stretch, play, and zoom. Setting up a proper enclosure is less about putting up four walls and more about building a home that lets your rabbit act like, well, a rabbit.

Size Matters (And So Does Layout, etc.)

When creating a safe indoor enclosure for your rabbit, the first thing to remember is: bigger is always better. Ideally, the space should be at least three to four times the size of your rabbit fully stretched out.

Thinking of what to buy? Look for large, ready-to-go rabbit enclosures like exercise pens, rabbit cages, or indoor hutches. Exercise pens are a great option because they’re versatile, expandable, and easy to move. If you have more space, you can also use a large playpen or even rabbit-proof an entire room for them to roam free.

Flooring matters too, as rabbits have delicate feet that don’t appreciate slippery tiles or wire. A soft, non-slip base like foam mats, thick fleece blankets, or even an old linoleum offcut will make a big difference. Inside the enclosure, you’ll need the basics: a litter box filled with rabbit-safe litter and hay, a heavy water bowl (they do love to knock things over), a hideout or two for privacy, and lots of toys to keep them busy.

If you’re planning to let your rabbit explore beyond their pen, bunny-proofing is essential. Cover any tempting wires, protect your furniture legs, and keep any suspicious-looking plants well out of reach. A simple baby gate can be a life-saver for blocking off danger zones.

Whatever you choose to set up, do it somewhere draft-free, shaded, and in a part of your home where you actually spend time. Bunnies are social and would very much prefer not to be exiled to the damp laundry area. No one likes feeling like an afterthought, least of all a rabbit with opinions.

Indoor vs Outdoor Housing: Why Indoor Living is Best

Singapore’s heat is no joke, and rabbits do not have sweat glands. They can overheat frighteningly fast, so indoor housing is safest by far. A comfortably air-conditioned room in the 20–24°C range (60–75°F) is ideal.

While it is not illegal to keep rabbits outside of your HDB flat, housing a rabbit outdoors (for example, in a HDB corridor) is incredibly stressful for the animal. Rabbits are prey animals by nature; loud noises, extreme weather, and unfamiliar scents can cause them serious anxiety, leading to long-term health issues. They thrive best indoors, where they feel secure, comfortable, and part of the family.

Kitting Out the Ultimate Bunny Pad

Inside the main enclosure, you’ll want about 1–2 inches of high-quality, paper-based bedding. Add a litter box in a corner and have a hide box, a hay rack, and a small bowl for pellets. Water should be offered either in a sturdy bowl or bottle.

And then there are toys. You’ll want a good selection: untreated wood blocks, cardboard tunnels, paper tubes, digging boxes, and hard plastic baby toys they can toss around. Mental stimulation is just as vital as exercise unless you fancy your furniture being redesigned via gnawing.

Cleaning: It’s a Weekly Affair

Spot-clean litter boxes and bedding daily. Replace soiled patches and remove uneaten food before it turns into a chemistry experiment. Clean food and water containers with antibacterial dish soap and rinse well.

Once a week, do a deep clean: take out everything, scrub the enclosure down with vinegar or a small animal cleaner, and disinfect with a 3% bleach solution (properly rinsed and dried afterwards). Your rabbit will pretend not to notice but will secretly appreciate the effort.

Additionally, rabbits naturally pick corners to do their business, so make it easy for both of you. Pop a litter box in the favourite spot, line it with compostable litter, and place hay either inside or just above the box. Rabbits love to snack and go at the same time; it’s a lifestyle choice we won’t question.

Set Up Your Own Bunny Haven Today

Building the perfect home for your rabbit isn’t about splashing out on fancy gear or cramming every last toy into a tiny space. It’s about giving them the freedom to run, stretch, dig, and loaf about like the charming little oddballs they are.

Whether you’re setting up a roomy indoor pen or rabbit-proofing your home for a free-roamer, the real trick is making sure your bunny has space, stimulation, and a safe, cosy spot to call their own. Get that right, and you’ll have one very happy rabbit — and an even happier you.

Note: All images from Pexels.