Best Bedding for Outdoor Rabbit Hutch

Hello, rabbit lovers! It’s Chondon, your Bunny Guru, back with another very important subject for our outdoor bunnies: finding the best bedding for their hutches. 

After ten years with rabbits, I have learned the best bedding for outdoor rabbits to keep them comfortable and warm.

So, let’s hop right in!

Why proper bedding is important

First thing’s first—why should you be concerned about what bedding your rabbit gets?

Much like humans will not want to sleep on a bed that’s not comfortable, rabbits need a bed that is soft, warm, and dry; much more, in good bedding, a bunny can be a world of difference to its health and happiness.

Good bedding helps to:

• Keep your rabbit warm

• Provides a soft surface to lounge on

• Absorb moisture

• Control odors

• Something to burrow into – after all, bunnies love digging!

• Offer resting surface

Well, now take a look at some ideal bedding for outdoor hutches.

Straw

So when I got Mango, this cute little rascal, I started off using straw for bedding. It seems to be one of the traditional options for the outdoor hutch, and here’s why:

Pros	Cons
Cheap	Less absorbent
Good insulation, especially during winter.	Can also get moldy if not changed frequently
Rabbits love digging in it	Kind of a little pokey
Insulates

Wood Shavings

Next up, we have wood shavings. That is what I use for Tango and Rupa, my mini-lop duo, and they seem to love it.

Pros	Cons
Very absorbent	May be dusty
Odors are controlled well	Toxic for rabbits: cedar shavings
Soft and comfortable

Paper-Based Bedding

If you want to be a little more environment-friendly, then the paper-based bedding could be your best bet.

Pros	Cons
Very absorbent	More expensive
Dust-free	Not as insulation-heavy as other options
Biodegradable	Some rabbits may initially try and eat it.

Personal experience: I’ve been using a paper-based bedding for Tango and Rupa for the last while, and boy—it’s very good at keeping the whiffs at bay.

Hay

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But Chondon, isn’t hay for eating?” You’re right, but it can also make great bedding! In fact, I sometimes use it as a top layer in Mango’s hutch.

Pros	Cons
Natural and safe	Not all that absorbent
Encourages foraging behavior	Can get messy
Always available

Little story: Mango loves to munch on his bedding when I give him hay; he acts like it’s an all-you-can-eat kind of buffet.

Fleece Blankets

Now, here’s one blanket that might surprise you: fleece blankets! I have used these for my bunnies during colder months, and they just love them.

Pros	Cons
Soft and warm	Not absorbent alone
Can be washed and reused	Can get hot during summer months
Easy to clean	Has to be washed regularly

I use fleece blankets on the top layer of my bedding pile in winter. The bunnies especially like to sleep in them!

My Personal Recommendations

Over the years, with endless experimentation using Mango, Tango, and Rupa, I have found that often a mix-and-match of beddings works best. Here’s what I do:

1. Base layer: Either wood shavings or paper-based bedding is placed on the floor. These absorb moisture and thus help to control odors.

2. Middle layer: I add a layer of straw or hay. This will keep it warm and also provide my bunnies with something to burrow into.

3. Top layer: In winter, I add perhaps a fleece blanket on top to really keep it warm. Just be careful not to let your bunny chew it!

Keep in mind that every rabbit’s different. What works on my bunnies doesn’t have to work on yours. It’s all about trial and error and finding what your fur baby likes best.

Tips on Bedding Outdoor Hutches

1. Keep it clean: Whatever the bedding, make sure you change it often. Dirty bedding will cause health problems for the bunny.

2. Use more in winter: If the weather is cold, use more bedding to keep your bunny nice and warm.

3. Keep dry: Wet bedding gets all moldy and will make your bunny sick. Change it right away if it gets damp.

4. Look out for allergies: Some bunnies may have a sensitivity or allergy to some bedding materials. If you notice your bunny start to sneeze or have eye problems, then change to another type of bedding.

5. Don’t forget about the litter box: Even with bedding, your outside hutch should still have a concentrated litter area. This makes cleanup easier and helps your bunny to be neat and clean.

Bedding Don’ts

Now that we’ve gone over the good stuff, let’s hit on what you don’t want to use:

Cedar shavings: This is dangerous for bunnies due to the oil they emit.

Clumping cat litter: This can hurt a bunny if ingested.

Sawdust: It is too dusty and could cause respiratory problems.

Whatever be the bedding, cleaning should always be done regularly. How often? Again It depends on the type of bedding used and also on how messy your rabbit can be.

Generally, spot clean every day and change it entirely every week.

What About Cost?

I know, I know. You must be thinking, “This all sounds good Chondon, but what about my wallet?” Do not worry I got you. Here is a quick breakdown of costs:

Straw: Normally the cheapest option

Wood shavings: Middle of the road pricing

• Paper-based bedding: Dear but a little goes a long way

• Hay: Cheap but you’re going to be changing it frequently

• Fleece blankets: More in front but they are reusable

Remember, whatever you choose, it’s an investment in your bunny’s health and happiness. Let me tell you, a comfy bunny is a happy bunny!

Final Thought

but it can actually make a huge difference in your bunny’s life. Be it traditional straw, cozy wood shavings, or environmentally friendly paper bedding, the important thing is to keep your rabbit comfortable and fit.

So, what bedding are you using for your outdoor bunny? Any of these options tried by you? Do let me know in the comments below.

If you have any questions, just drop a message. After all, that is what the Bunny Guru is here for, right?

Until the next time. Keep those bunnies hopping and happy!