Rabbit playpens and runs: space, supervision and setup

How big should a rabbit run be?

For two average-sized rabbits, 3 x 2 m (10 x 6 ft) and 1 m (3 ft) high is the minimum, counting the shelter and the run together. The RSPCA, PDSA, Woodgreen and the Rabbit Welfare Association all give this figure, and PDSA calls it "the absolute minimum" and recommends much more. The space should let every rabbit run flat out, stretch out and stand up on its back legs without its ears touching the top.

The Scottish Government guidance splits it up: a shelter of at least 180 x 60 x 60 cm (6 x 2 x 2 ft) plus a run of at least 240 x 180 cm (8 x 6 ft), 90 cm (3 ft) high. It adds two simple tests: rabbits should be able to take three big hops end to end in the shelter, and run, not just hop, at least three times in the run. A giant rabbit's single hop can be 1.4 m (4.5 ft), so giant breeds need far more.

The House Rabbit Society in the US is happier with a smaller 1.2 x 1.2 m (4 x 4 ft) pen indoors, but only as a base, with at least 4 hours of running and digging outside it every day. We'd follow the UK figure: rabbits are most active at dawn, dusk and overnight, when most people are asleep, so a big space they can always reach does the job a supervised hour can't. Our guides to rabbit hutch size and rabbit cage size go into the shelter part in more detail.

Rabbit hutch with run: what to check before you buy

Most hutch and run sets sold together are smaller than 3 x 2 m. The Scottish guidance says plainly that many hutches on the market give considerably less space than two rabbits need. Before you buy, add up the floor area of hutch and run together, and check the height of the run in centimetres, not just the "for two rabbits" label.

• Hutch and run together reach at least 3 x 2 m (10 x 6 ft) of floor
• Run is at least 90 cm to 1 m (3 ft) high, so ears clear the roof
• The run joins the hutch permanently, with an opening the rabbits can use at any time
• Single-level, or ramps that are wide and shallow; Woodgreen advises against steep double-level hutch ramps
• Heavy-gauge mesh with strong fixings, and bolts rather than turn-buttons on doors
• A floor, underfloor mesh or skirt so rabbits can't dig out

Outdoor rabbit pens: keeping predators out and rabbits in

An outdoor run has to stop foxes, cats, dogs, rats and birds of prey getting in, and stop rabbits digging or jumping out. The RSPCA asks for heavy-gauge mesh with strong fastenings, and the Scottish guidance says runs must be escape-proof so rabbits cannot burrow under the sides.

• Mesh size. Smaller holes keep out more. Omlet's own walk-in run has 25 x 75 mm (1 x 3 in) mesh low down and 50 x 75 mm (2 x 3 in) higher up, and Omlet warns that the larger upper gaps may let smaller predators in.
• Roof. Always roof an outdoor run. Rabbits can clear a low side, and birds of prey come from above.
• Digging. Lay mesh under the run, fit a mesh skirt that lies flat on the ground outwards from the sides, or set the run on slabs with grass areas inside.
• Locks. Woodgreen asks for secure bolts on doors, so swap any turn-buttons or loose hooks for proper bolts or clips.
• Out of sight. The RSPCA advises keeping housing out of sight and smell of predators where you can.

Shade, shelter and the weather

Rabbits overheat more easily than they get cold. The RSPCA gives an ideal range of 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F) and says an outdoor run needs shade once it is sunny or close to 20°C (68°F). Put part of the run under a cover, a tree or a fixed board, and move the shade with the sun. In winter, keep the shelter dry and insulated and cover part of the run against wind and rain. Our rabbit temperature guide has the warning signs of heatstroke, and our guide to rabbit hutch covers explains how to cover without blocking air.

Indoor rabbit runs and pens

An indoor pen needs the same space as an outdoor one. The Rabbit Welfare Association says house rabbits need at least as much room as outdoor rabbits, and that dog crates and puppy pens are fine if they give 3 x 2 m (10 x 6 ft) of floor and 1 m (3 ft) of height. Most single puppy pens are far smaller, so you join two or three, or pen off part of a room.

1. Pick a calm spot. The RSPCA advises a quiet area away from the TV and loud speakers, and away from radiators, fires and draughts.
2. Lay non-slip flooring. The Rabbit Welfare Association suggests textured lino with fleece or vet bed on top, or carpet tiles and washable rugs. Slippery floors strain backs and legs.
3. Build the pen. Use panels around 90 cm to 1 m (3 ft) high, joined to give as much floor as you can. Cover any bars wide enough to trap a head or leg with mesh.
4. Add the essentials. A hide with two exits, a litter tray with hay beside it, water in a bowl, and a dig box. Give one more hiding place than you have rabbits, as the RSPCA suggests.
5. Rabbit-proof around it. Run cables through hosepipe or cable protector, move houseplants out of reach and protect skirting boards and table legs. Rabbits chew whatever they can reach through the panels.
6. Let them settle. The RSPCA advises leaving new rabbits in their enclosure for at least 48 hours before letting them explore further.

Once your rabbits are litter trained, you can open the pen to the whole room. Our guide to indoor or outdoor rabbits helps you decide which suits your home.

Folding and metal rabbit runs: are they any good?

Folding metal runs and pens are useful for supervised lawn time, indoors, or to extend a permanent run. On their own, most are too small and low for full-time use, and many have no roof or floor. Outdoors, stay with your rabbits, use untreated grass, and give shade and water.

Fill whichever space you pick with things to do. Tunnels, boxes, platforms and a dig box keep rabbits moving; see our rabbit enrichment ideas and our guide to rabbit tunnels.

Rabbit runs for sale: a few to look at

For whole set-ups, including hutches big enough to pair with a run, see our guide to the best rabbit cages, and for everything else your rabbits need, our complete rabbit care guide.