It’s time to set up a rabbit cage. Size matters and we should decide what size wire for rabbit cage floor right now.
Should a rabbit cage have a wire bottom? Can rabbits live on wire floors? What is the best thing to put on the bottom of a rabbit cage?
Let’s go through this process together and make sure our rabbit is safe, secure, comfortable and relaxed in a cage that suits their needs.
In this article, we’ll look at what size wire for rabbit cage floor and many other factors to keep rabbits happy and healthy.
What Size Wire for Rabbit Cage Floor?
Consensus across the board for many rabbit community members seem to agree that 14-gauge double galvanized wire works best for rabbit cage floors. The holes should be 1/2″ x 1″.
The next best solution is 16-gauge galvanized wire with 1/2″ x 1″ holes. This alternative or second option is intended for smaller breeds of rabbits.
16-gauge wire for larger breeds should require a resting mat on top of it followed by soft bedding for all wire floor types.
What Size Wire Is Best for Rabbit Cage Floor?
Use wire mesh that is welded for rabbit cages and also rabbit hutches. 14 gauge or 16 gauge are the preferred sizes for many rabbit breeds. 1/2″ x 1″ holes are great mesh sizes. Your rabbit will be suited to fit into a cage with holes that are not too small and not too large.
Nevertheless, adding a mat for resting and sufficient substrate wedding with the use of shredded paper, hay or other options are widely available once you established the wire floor.
Should a Rabbit Cage Have a Wire Bottom?
A wire bottom cage that is too small or too large can lead to complications for your rabbit . Some proponents advise against wire floors altogether. Some rabbits may end up with sore hocks or calluses.
A solid bottom cage has its own risks as well. The floor could become dirtier and encourage parasites or worms.
There are enough concerns with choosing wire over solid floors, but they are more sanitary. Choosing the right size wire mesh floor is best at 14-gauge or 16-gauge.
What Kind of Wire Do You Use for Rabbit Cages?
There is definitely one type of wire size that is most common and stands above the rest for most rabbit cages.
The most commonly used and highly recommended type is usually the 14-gauge wire that is woven with 1 or 2 inch mesh.
The smaller the size, the more you can keep your rabbit’s feet safe from getting stuck in between the open spaces.
Some rabbits may suffer from dislocated feet, sore hocks or broken limbs as result of incorrectly size wire for their cage floor. They could panic and have a heart attack on the spot.
What Do You Use for a Rabbit Cage Floor?
Once you have established the solid bottom floor options or wire mesh floor at the bottom of your rabbit cage, you can add to it for more comfort. You can use flooring such as:
- cardboard
- hay
- paper
- wood bedding
- marmoleum
- fleece
- aspen shavings
There are plenty of options available for you and your rabbit. Look into what your local pet shop is selling and make the decision to suit both your needs. You can always adapt and change things up in the future.
Can Rabbits Live on Wire Floors?
Yes. Plenty of rabbits have their cage lined with wire floors, but they have cardboard or other solid material such as a resting mat on top as well.
Wire alone could lead to sore hocks or infection and injuries. Try plywood covered linoleum or solid flooring options if you do not wish to use wire mesh flooring for your rabbit’s enclosure.
Will Rabbits Walk on Chicken Wire?
Rabbits are not meant to walk on chicken wire. Some rabbits can actually chew through many types of chicken wire. Most rabbits cannot.
Chicken wire is tough metal that your rabbit will use to sharpen or wear down their teeth. Rabbits can chew through:
- chicken wire
- plastic
- vinyl
- solid wood
If you choose chicken wire as a material for the door that locks or opens up to your rabbit’s hutch, this little animal can work its way through with dedicated hours of chewing until the opening is large enough to escape.
Do Rabbits Need Sawdust in Their Cage?
Sawdust is absorbent, but not recommended in it raw form for a rabbit’s enclosure. This material can cause:
- injuries
- irritation to the skin
- infections in the lungs
There are oil or phenols in the sawdust in most cases. Your rabbit could ingest these artificial oils and their internal organs could become inflamed including their livers.
Compressed or clumped sawdust pellets are used after being treated and made commercially available for rabbits, but raw sawdust is discouraged for your beloved pet.
Will 2 Inch Chicken Wire Keep Out Rabbits?
Wire with small holes that measure to 1 inch or smaller will help rabbits from getting hurt and causing damage to themselves or their surroundings.
Rabbit damage is a real issue in outdoor and indoor settings. You can set up garden fencing with chicken wire to keep out rabbits. It should be at least 2 feet tall and buried 2-3 inches deep into the ground.
What Is the Best Thing to Put on the Bottom of a Rabbit Cage?
The best choices depend on the size, breed and age of your rabbit along with your budget and space in your home.
A rabbit should benefit from a solid floor that is made of linoleum and tile. They are easy to clean as well, but you will have to do so more often as dropping do not fall out of the cage like they do with wire bottoms.
You can fix solid floors to the ground and create perfect spaces for exercise pens. A rabbit will feel more inclined to move around this space comfortably without worrying about getting feet stuck in wire. Cages with wire should be 1 inch holes or smaller to prevent injuries or sore hocks.
14 Gauge Rabbit Cage Wire
This is the popular type and size of wire to support the bottom of a rabbit’s cage. Welded wire mesh is the most common rabbit cage bottom and also for hutches as well.
You can choose 16 or 14 gauge depending on the size of your rabbit. ½ inch by 1 inch holes are the best mesh size for flooring proposes to ensure that your rabbit doesn’t get stuck or hurt.
There are plenty of other width sizes as well to consider such as: 10″, 12″, 14″ 15″, 16″, 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″, 48″, 60″ and 72″.
Benefits of Wire Mesh For Rabbits Cages
The wire mesh needs to stand up to the adverse effects of highly acidic rabbit urine that could cause corrosion or rust. ½ inch to 1 inch wire is best for the delicate paws of rabbits.
The holes are still large enough for their droppings to fall through. This makes the cage more sanitary compared to solid bottoms that need more cleaning and maintenance each day.
Wire mesh helps encourage rabbit health and overall growth.
Rabbit Wire vs Chicken Wire
Chicken wire is obviously meant for poultry and birds while rabbit wire is the subject of today’s article.
We are using rabbit wire to keep our rabbits safe and comfortable while protecting them from the elements and possible predators as well.
Rabbits in many places are able to chew through chicken wire on occasion, but will not be able to get through rabbit wire that is 14-16 gauge.
Best Rabbit Cage Wire
Wire can cause damage to the delicate feet of rabbits including sore hocks or calluses. They can be uncomfortable, but why do we want to use them? The main reason I believe is for sanitary cleanliness.
Your rabbit’s urine and dropping can leave the cage and drop underneath through the wire mesh openings. Wire cages are very easy to clean for rabbits that are not litter trained.
Over time, you can switch from wire cage to solid floor or place resting mats and more bedding for the comfort of your trained rabbit. Go for 14-16 gauge wire that has holes 1 inch by 1/2 inch.
Conclusion
Any wire that is more than 16 gauge will encourage more chewing and damage to your rabbit. Dwarf breeds of rabbits may benefit more from 16 gauge wire than 14 gauge which is best for medium to large breeds.
Rabbits won’t cut their feet on wire mesh due to their lighter frame compared to larger animals. When the holes are too large, this can lead to injuries. If the cage is placed outdoors, watch out for snakes that could fit through holes that are too wide.
A rabbit who gets their feet caught in the holes of a cage that are too wide could panic and have a deadly heart attack on the spot. This is why we thought today’s article is helpful for you and the overall health of your rabbit in a cage.
Thank you for visiting PocketPetCentral.com for the best information to help you enjoy the life of your pocket pet companion in a fun, safe & healthy way.
