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Rabbit enclosure size calculator

Enter how many rabbits live together to see the minimum floor space, based on the guidelines of the German veterinary association for animal welfare (TVT).

How many rabbits live together?

Minimum floor space

65 sq ft (6 m²)

for example 3 × 2 m (about 10 × 7 ft)

One side at least 2.4 m (about 8 ft), so rabbits can take three hops in a row (TVT).

Guinea pig enclosure

Tall enough for them to stand up on their hind legs without their ears touching the top (TVT). The RWAF says 1 m (3 ft 3 in).

A cage (at least 150 × 60 × 50 cm, 59 × 24 × 20 in) only counts as a hideaway and must always stay open (TVT).

Outdoors, half of the space needs shade all day – all of it for rabbits with red eyes (TVT).

Applies to rabbits up to 3 kg (6.6 lb). Larger breeds need a lot more room (TVT).

Where do the numbers come from?

From leaflet no. 157 of the German veterinary association for animal welfare (TVT): at least 6 m² (65 sq ft) for two rabbits, and at least 20% more for each extra rabbit. We count 20% of 6 m², so 1.2 m² (13 sq ft) per rabbit. British welfare groups arrive at the same space: 3 × 2 m and 1 m high for two (RWAF, PDSA, RSPCA).

The short answer

Two rabbits need at least 6 m² (65 sq ft) of floor space, plus 20% for each extra rabbit (TVT). One side should be at least 2.4 m (about 8 ft) long. British welfare groups arrive at the same space: 3 × 2 m (about 10 × 6.5 ft) and 1 m high for two rabbits (RWAF, PDSA, RSPCA). Example: four rabbits – at least 8.4 m² (90 sq ft).

How we calculate: formulas and sources

Minimum space by number

AnimalsFloor space
265 sq ft (6 m²)
378 sq ft (7.2 m²)
490 sq ft (8.4 m²)
5103 sq ft (9.6 m²)
6116 sq ft (10.8 m²)
8142 sq ft (13.2 m²)

Questions

How big should an enclosure for two rabbits be?

At least 6 m² (65 sq ft), with one side at least 2.4 m (about 8 ft) long (TVT). British welfare groups say 3 × 2 m (about 10 × 6.5 ft) and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) high (RWAF, RSPCA).

How much space for each extra rabbit?

The TVT says at least 20% more. We count 20% of 6 m², so 1.2 m² (13 sq ft) per rabbit.

Is a hutch or cage enough?

No. A cage (at least 150 × 60 × 50 cm, 59 × 24 × 20 in) is only a hideaway and must always stay open (TVT). A hutch should never be the only shelter (RWAF).

Can a rabbit live alone?

No. The TVT rejects keeping rabbits alone – they need at least one companion.

Do levels count?

The TVT allows the space to be spread over several levels. The RWAF doesn’t count levels, platforms or tunnels: the 3 × 2 m (about 10 × 6.5 ft) should be one connected area.

Does this apply outdoors?

Yes, outdoors too: at least 6 m² (65 sq ft) for two. Half of it needs shade all day – all of it for rabbits with red eyes – plus a shelter where all of them can lie stretched out (TVT).

Sources (4)