Cage Requirements:
A Jersey Wooly cage should be no smaller then 24" by 24". A wire cage with a wire bottom is the most convenient and sanitary. Wooden bottom cages can be used but need to be cleaned and disinfected often to prevent bacteria from settling in the wood. This is sometimes hard since wood is absorbent. Plastic cages can be used but if the rabbit has to sit in bedding this will not work to well with the Jersey Wooly breed since they have long fur the bedding will stick to them and most likely cause matted fur.
Outdoor cages: Rabbits must be protected from wind, weather and sun. They can tolerate cold temperatures much better then hot. The cage should be covered to keep them out of direct sun light. A shady, cool spot is best. During extremely hot temperatures a soda bottle can be filled with water and frozen. When placed in the cage, the bunny will lean against it to cool down.
A wood and wire coop, with a little hutch for the rabbit to go in to get out of the elements is fine. Remember, make sure the outdoor area has a roof over it. A rabbit will not sit in direct sunlight if it is very warm out. You will force the rabbit to sit inside its house which could be too hot. Under a shaded tree is ideal.
The Woolies long, thick coat provides good protection in very cold temperatures. But wind and dampness can be fatal. Take care with outdoor cages do not cover all four sides of your coop. You want to be very careful when protecting your rabbit cage from the elements that you still have adequate ventilation in the coops. A rabbit's urine can build up toxic ammonia and cause respiratory problems.
Indoor cages: There are many different models of indoor cages available. Stacking cages have become very popular. These are cages that can sit two or three on top of each other. Each cage has a drop pan under it to catch the droppings. The drop pan should be filled with exorbitant material like pine shavings or newspaper. Do not use Cedar shavings, they are toxic to rabbits. The drop pans need to be cleaned every few days.
Individual stacking cages are good for rabbits being kept in the house. They come with metal or plastic pull out trays.
Cleaning:The best way to sanitize is 10% bleach and water or a vinegar and water solution? All feces should be scraped away. A scrub brush dipped in bleach solution cleans the wire and kills any bacteria, it is also great for getting up any hair the rabbit has shed in the cage. A blow torch can be occasionally used on wire cages to burn fur off the wire.
Crocks and Water bottles should be scrubbed and soaked in bleach solution. This can be done weekly or atleast once a month. The rabbit should be removed from the cage during cleaning and returned when the cage is completely dry.
Before adding a new rabbit to a used cage, do all of the above and let the cage sit empty in the sun for few days just to make sure it is completely sanitized.
Outdoor cages: Rabbits must be protected from wind, weather and sun. They can tolerate cold temperatures much better then hot. The cage should be covered to keep them out of direct sun light. A shady, cool spot is best. During extremely hot temperatures a soda bottle can be filled with water and frozen. When placed in the cage, the bunny will lean against it to cool down.
A wood and wire coop, with a little hutch for the rabbit to go in to get out of the elements is fine. Remember, make sure the outdoor area has a roof over it. A rabbit will not sit in direct sunlight if it is very warm out. You will force the rabbit to sit inside its house which could be too hot. Under a shaded tree is ideal.
The Woolies long, thick coat provides good protection in very cold temperatures. But wind and dampness can be fatal. Take care with outdoor cages do not cover all four sides of your coop. You want to be very careful when protecting your rabbit cage from the elements that you still have adequate ventilation in the coops. A rabbit's urine can build up toxic ammonia and cause respiratory problems.
Indoor cages: There are many different models of indoor cages available. Stacking cages have become very popular. These are cages that can sit two or three on top of each other. Each cage has a drop pan under it to catch the droppings. The drop pan should be filled with exorbitant material like pine shavings or newspaper. Do not use Cedar shavings, they are toxic to rabbits. The drop pans need to be cleaned every few days.
Individual stacking cages are good for rabbits being kept in the house. They come with metal or plastic pull out trays.
Cleaning:The best way to sanitize is 10% bleach and water or a vinegar and water solution? All feces should be scraped away. A scrub brush dipped in bleach solution cleans the wire and kills any bacteria, it is also great for getting up any hair the rabbit has shed in the cage. A blow torch can be occasionally used on wire cages to burn fur off the wire.
Crocks and Water bottles should be scrubbed and soaked in bleach solution. This can be done weekly or atleast once a month. The rabbit should be removed from the cage during cleaning and returned when the cage is completely dry.
Before adding a new rabbit to a used cage, do all of the above and let the cage sit empty in the sun for few days just to make sure it is completely sanitized.