Benefits of Net Runs for Rabbits vs. Wire Cages
🐇 Introduction: Giving Your Bunny the Best Life Outdoors
Rabbits love to hop, dig, explore, and stretch their legs. If you’re caring for one or more rabbits in your backyard, you’ve likely come across two popular housing options: traditional wire cages and modern netted runs.
While wire cages have long been used, they’re not always the most rabbit-friendly. More and more rabbit owners are now turning to net runs — safe, spacious enclosures that allow rabbits to enjoy the outdoors naturally and securely.
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between net runs and wire cages, and why net enclosures are often the healthier and happier choice for your furry friends.
🏠 What Are Net Runs and Wire Cages?
🧰 Wire Cages
Wire cages are typically:
- Made from metal bars or mesh
- Small and enclosed, with limited room for movement
- Designed for containment, often used indoors or on shelves
They may come with:
- Solid or wire flooring (which can hurt rabbit feet)
- Small access doors
- Minimal room for enrichment
🌿 Net Runs
Net runs are:
- Open-air enclosures made of durable netting or mesh stretched over a frame
- Designed for larger outdoor spaces
- Provide rabbits with space to run, dig, and play
They often include:
- Soft ground (grass, soil, or bedding)
- Natural light and airflow
- Safe outdoor stimulation
🐾 Comparison: Net Runs vs. Wire Cages
|
Feature |
Net Runs |
Wire Cages |
|---|---|---|
|
Space |
Large, open space to run and hop |
Small, restrictive |
|
Foot Comfort |
Soft ground or grass |
Hard or wire flooring |
|
Natural Environment |
Outdoor experience with fresh air and sunlight |
Confined indoor feel |
|
Mental Stimulation |
Allows digging, exploring, and playing |
Minimal enrichment |
|
Bonding & Interaction |
Easier for humans to enter and interact |
Limited access |
|
Cleanliness |
Requires more outdoor maintenance |
Easier to clean daily |
|
Portability |
Not very portable |
Can be moved indoors easily |
|
Predator Protection |
Needs secure net and supervision |
More durable against chewers |
💡 Key Benefits of Net Runs
1. More Space = Better Health
Rabbits need to move! Net runs provide ample room for exercise, which:
- Prevents obesity
- Strengthens muscles
- Supports natural behaviors
Even small rabbits can hop several feet in one go, which wire cages simply can’t accommodate.
2. Natural Enrichment
Outdoor net runs let rabbits:
- Graze on grass
- Dig in the soil
- Feel wind, hear birds, and explore their world
This helps prevent boredom and stress, which are common in caged rabbits.
3. Foot and Joint Comfort
Wire cage floors can cause sore hocks—painful foot injuries from standing on hard or wired surfaces. In contrast, net runs allow access to soft, natural ground, which supports healthy feet and posture.
🧠 Tip: Always ensure the net run is cleaned regularly to avoid damp or muddy conditions.
4. Social Interaction
Net runs make it easier for you to sit inside the enclosure, bond with your rabbit, and give them pets and treats in a low-stress environment.
This enhances:
- Trust building
- Training opportunities
- Rabbit-human companionship
5. Safe Exposure to Nature
With proper netting, rabbits can safely enjoy:
- Sunlight (great for Vitamin D)
- Fresh air (improves respiratory health)
- Space for zoomies and binkies (those joyful hops!)
⚠️ Limitations of Net Runs
While net runs are excellent, they do require:
- Secure nettingto prevent predators (like raccoons or hawks)
- Supervised time, especially during early use
- Protection from extreme weather(rabbits are sensitive to heat and cold)
- Durable construction, as rabbits may chew at the edges
🔧 Pro Tip: Use UV-resistant, chew-proof netting and a covered roof area for protection.
🪟 When Wire Cages Might Still Be Useful
Wire cages aren’t all bad. They can still be helpful for:
- Temporary housing(after surgery or illness)
- Indoor containmentin safe spaces
- Transport and travelsetups
- Nighttime protectionif net runs are not predator-proof
✅ Ideal Setup: The Best of Both Worlds
Many rabbit owners find success with a hybrid approach:
- A wire cage or hutch for shelter and sleeping
- A connected net run for daytime play and exercise
This gives rabbits both safety and freedom—a perfect balance.
🐰 Conclusion: Choose Comfort and Enrichment
While wire cages may be convenient, net runs offer your rabbit the space, stimulation, and joy they naturally crave. With proper setup and safety, net enclosures allow rabbits to live healthier, happier lives in a more enriched outdoor environment.
If you love your rabbit like family, give them more than just shelter—give them a world to explore.
📌 Explore More on Critter Nets:
- How to Choose a Predator-Proof Net for Backyard Rabbits
- Rabbit-Proof Garden Nets: A DIY Guide
- Safe Net Enclosures for Guinea Pigs
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