Long story short, rabbits need a lot more space than you may think! Any reputable charity will rehome rabbits to a minimum space of 3m x 2m and a minimum height of 1m, giving them space to stand, run and jump. This applies to both indoor and outdoor setups.

Providing ample space for rabbits to move around, exercise, and exhibit natural behaviours is essential for their health and well-being. Living wild, bunnies would spend some of their time tucked up underground in a burrow, and the rest of it in open fields, woods and hills, running large distances and enjoying the fresh air. Our pet rabbits crave both security and space too, so it’s important to make sure they have access to both.

When planning your rabbit’s environment, remember to check the size of the
following:

Many people choose to use a hutch as part of their setup. Most hutches are too small (when used by themselves without a run) to offer adequate space for rabbits to exercise, stretch, and exhibit natural behaviours like hopping. However, combined with a rub, a hutch offers rabbits some indoor shelter where they can keep warm, dry, shady and feel secure. Remember to provide them with healthy, natural bedding to keep their home comfortable and clean.

Regardless of whether rabbits are kept indoors or outdoors, they should have access to a
larger exercise area where they can stretch their legs and engage in physical activity. This area could be a rabbit-proofed room indoors or a secure outdoor playpen or enclosure. Providing supervised time outside of their primary housing area for daily exercise and mental stimulation is essential for rabbits' physical and emotional well-being.

If you are choosing to house your rabbits outside, you need to ensure the whole area is predator proofed and protected from the elements. For example, they will need shade, somewhere like a hutch to keep warm, and protection from foxes and cats.

You can find more information on rabbit space requirements and recommendations provided by the Rabbit Welfare
Association.