A permanently attached run provides rabbits with continuous access to exercise, reflecting their natural activity patterns at dawn and dusk. It prevents skeletal issues and obesity caused by long periods of confinement in a hutch. A secure, attached run ensures they can hop, forage, and stretch safely at any time of day.

Because rabbits are crepuscular (most active early morning and late evening), they need 24/7 access to exercise space when you are likely asleep.

The Welfare Benefits of 24/7 Run Access

Restricting a rabbit to a hutch for the majority of the day is detrimental to their physical and mental health. In the wild, rabbits cover large territories. Without constant access to an exercise area, domestic rabbits are prone to spinal deformities, osteoporosis, and obesity. Furthermore, frustration from confinement often leads to behavioral issues such as bar-biting and aggression. A permanently attached, predator-proof run solves this by giving them the autonomy to move freely between their cozy sleeping quarters and their exercise area. Garden Woodcraft uses heavy-duty weld mesh and secure locks to ensure this constant access is safe from foxes and other predators.

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect a hutch to a run securely?

Use strong wooden framing, secure bolts, and high-quality weld mesh, or utilize a specialized tunnel system designed specifically for linking rabbit enclosures safely.

Can I just lock them in the hutch at night for safety?

It is better to properly predator-proof the entire run with a mesh roof and mesh skirt so they can use it safely overnight when they are most active.