How often should I clean my rabbit hutch?

Rabbits are naturally clean animals, and a messy or soiled living area can quickly lead to a range of health problems.

The build-up of urine and droppings (especially when rabbits are kept in bonded pairs or groups) creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. This can increase the risk of illness and, in severe cases, lead to flystrike. Otherwise known as ‘myiasis’, this serious condition is where flies lay eggs on your rabbit and the hatching maggots begin to feed on their skin.

A wet or dirty hutch can also attract pests, encourage skin irritation, and lead to chills in the winter, causing your bunnies a great deal of unnecessary stress. If you have any questions about your rabbit’s care, Petplan customers can access Pet Expert Chat. Simply log into your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area to chat with an expert who can offer advice on any health concerns.

Not only does regular cleaning help to prevent the build-up of bacteria and ammonia from urine – supporting your rabbits’ respiratory health – it also benefits you, as it helps to stop unpleasant smells from developing.

One of the most common questions owners ask is: how often should you clean a rabbit hutch? While every rabbit is different, a general rule is:

• On a daily basis – spot check their hutch, removing any soiled bedding, uneaten food and wet patches.
• On a weekly basis – do a thorough deep clean, replacing all bedding, scrubbing the enclosure, and washing feeding bowls and litter trays.

Cleanliness is even more important when treating rabbits that are unwell. For example, if you are treating your rabbits for E.cuniculi (a parasite that attacks the central nervous system), their home needs to be thoroughly cleaned daily or they could become reinfected.

Ultimately, if you’re wondering how often you need to clean a rabbit hutch, the answer is fairly simple: as often as needed to keep it dry, odour-free and comfortable for your pets.

Follow this easy guide to make cleaning out a rabbit hutch easy and stress-free for both you and your bunnies:

1.  Wait until your rabbits are in their run, or move them to a secure place away from the cleaning area.
2.  Take a patch of unsoiled bedding and keep it to one side.
3.  Grab the layer of newspaper lining the bottom of their hutch and roll it up, removing all bedding, litter and hay in the process.
4.  Once this is done, use a dustpan and brush to sweep the area clean.
5.  Clean the surfaces with warm water and a rabbit-safe cleaner (more on this below).
6.  Similarly, scrub food and water bowls, litter trays and toys, watching out for green algae build-up.
7.  Air dry everything thoroughly before lining the hutch with fresh newspaper, and refilling the hutch and litter tray with fresh bedding.
8.  Pop the unsoiled bedding from earlier back into the hutch – as bunnies scent-mark their homes, they’ll appreciate hopping back into a familiar smell.

When you’re about to tackle cleaning a dirty hutch, it can be tempting to raid your kitchen cabinet for a strong disinfectant. So, can you use Dettol to clean a rabbit hutch? The answer is no – standard Dettol contains chemicals called phenols, which are toxic to rabbits. Even when rinsed, the residue left from cleaners like this can remain and harm your pet.

Instead of using kitchen cleaners, it’s important to use pet-safe disinfectants specifically designed for small animals. Many pet stores sell these specialist cleaning products.

Look for unscented, non-toxic options and always follow the dilution instructions on the bottle. If you’re after a DIY solution, white vinegar mixed with water can also be an effective, natural alternative.

Bedding plays a big part in your rabbits’ day-to-day comfort, and there are a few different options available at pet stores. These include:

• Paper-based bedding. This is one of the best options for rabbits, as it’s super absorbent, dust-free and gentle on sensitive paws. It’s also soft and comfortable for rabbits to burrow in, making it ideal for creating a cosy space. Look for bedding made from recycled paper, as it’s better for the environment,
• Hay. While hay is essential to your rabbits’ diet, it can also make great bedding material. It provides a comfortable base for your rabbit to rest and nestle in, and rabbits love to chew and eat it as well. Hay needs to be changed a bit more frequently to keep the hutch clean and prevent it from becoming damp and mouldy.
• Wood shavings. If you choose wood shavings as bedding, opt for dust-extracted varieties to avoid irritating your rabbits’ respiratory system. You should also steer clear of cedar or pine shavings, as they contain oils that can be harmful to rabbits’ sensitive lungs. Wood shavings are great at absorbing moisture, but need to be changed regularly to keep odour and bacteria at bay.

Whether your rabbits live indoors or outdoors, using a litter tray is highly recommended, and your bunnies should have access to it at all times. Litter training rabbits is usually straightforward, as they naturally prefer to go to the toilet in one specific area.

When introducing a litter tray, place it in the area your rabbits already tend to use, and move some soiled bedding or droppings into the tray to encourage them. Most bunnies will quickly get the idea and begin using it regularly.

A clean living space is one of the most important parts of caring for your rabbit. With good daily and weekly habits, the right products, and their best interests at heart, you’ll keep your bunnies happy and hopping for years to come.