Should you use wire cages for your rabbits?

I​s it ok to house rabbits on all wire floors? This is a question we rabbit breeders get all the time, and like most things in life, it depends on the situation.
 
There is a lot of misinformation out there about what appropriate housing for rabbits is. Many animal rights groups and well-meaning pet owners will tell you that housing a rabbit on wire (or even outside) is wrong and cruel, but this is simply not true. In most situations, it is going to be better for your rabbit’s health and happiness if it is housed on wire!
 
*There are two exceptions to housing rabbits on wire. The first is Rex rabbits. Rex rabbits have a unique mutation that shortens the length of their fur, including on footpads. This thinner foot pad makes it easier for Rex rabbits to get sore hocks (wounds on the back of their feet). Sore hocks are highly heritable so with careful breeding you can usually avoid it. Rex rabbits that are well-bred should be fine living on wire, but it is still a good idea to put a flat piece of wood in their cage for them to rest on.
 
The other exception is the giant breeds, like the Flemish Giant. Because these breeds are so large, housing them on wire can be difficult, uncomfortable, and possibly harmful. Again, this will depend on the rabbit’s genetics and the quality of the wire. If you have well-bred giant rabbits that are housed on good quality wire and have a resting board available, you should be fine.
 
I want to dispel the myth that wire is cruel or harms your rabbit in some way because this is completely false. If your cage is made of the right type and size of wire, most rabbits will be perfectly comfortable. Rabbits' feet are covered in a very thick layer of fur which is similar to a human wearing a thick wool glove. This means that their feet are insulated from direct contact with the wire.
 
In addition, most rabbits do not weigh more than 12 pounds, which means that their feet are not being pressed down by much weight. With the right sized wire, their feet pads are able to distribute their weight so well, that most rabbits don't notice they are on wire. This is even more true when they lie down because the extra surface area means the weight is distributed more evenly and there is less pressure on individual parts of the body. 
 
So, we know that wire won’t bother most rabbits, but that's not the only reason why most breeders house their rabbits on wire. Healthy rabbits eat plenty of high fiber foods and also drink a lot of water on top of that. This constant eating and drinking mean that rabbits are also constantly pooping and peeing. Rabbit feces can host many internal parasites like coccidiosis, and also attract flies and other insects. The primary way rabbits contact digestive diseases is by being in contact with their own excrement. In addition, rabbits housed on solid floors will spread manure everywhere, covering them in urine and feces, and making cleaning exceedingly difficult. It is essential to keep rabbits away from their excrement for their health and happiness. Wire cages are by far the most humane, comfortable, and effective way to do this 
 
Rabbits also dislike being in moist environments, which are a breeding ground for disease and is harmful to their respiratory systems. Rabbit urine increases humidity in enclosed areas and also contains considerable amounts of ammonia. Ammonia is not only uncomfortable to breath; it can damage your rabbit’s lungs and make it MUCH more susceptible to respiratory diseases like snuffles. 
 
One other sanitary problem you might not hear as much about is skin parasites like, fleas, ticks, and mites. These little monsters feed on your rabbits’ blood and skin and will make your rabbits miserable. When an infestation gets out of control, they can seriously injure or even kill your rabbit. In cages with solid bottoms, or wooden parts, there are many spaces these vermin can hide. Solid bottom cages are much more difficult to clean and sanitize, making it impossible to remove parasite without harsh chemicals and lots of work.
 
Because wire cages are made from smooth and durable metal, they are much easier to clean. Simply spray with diluted bleach, or run a flame torch over the wire, and you will have effectively sanitized the cage and killed potential parasites.
 
So now you know why properly built wire cages are safer, more sanitary, and thus more humane than most other alternatives. So, do not be misled by the extreme pictures you see animal rights activists post. These represent a tiny percentage of very irresponsible owners and are the exceptions, not the rule. But what does a suitable wire cage actually look like? 
 
First, the cage should be large enough for whatever breed of rabbits you raise. You can find the best dimensions for your breed of rabbit at the ARBA or your breed's club.
 
The most important part, however, is the type of wire you use. For cage bottoms you should be using 1.5” x 1” 14-gauge galvanized after weld wire. This wire is going to be fairly expensive, but it will last much longer than your other options. You may be tempted to go with the cheaper 16-gauge wire, but I would recommend against it. Not only will this wire rust more quickly, but it is also thinner than the 14-gauge wire and thus more uncomfortable for your rabbit. NEVER use hardware cloth for flooring. It's cheap, but it is very rough and will damage your rabbit’s feet. It will also fall apart much more quickly than other wires. In addition, its .5” x .5” holes are not large enough to let manure fall through. 
 
For the sides and top of your cage 1” x 2” wire of 14 or 16 gauge galvanized after weld wire should be fine. Since your rabbit is not actually living on it, the only thing that matters here is structure and security. I would personally recommend the 14-gauge wire because it is stronger and will last longer. 
 
While a cage built like the one I described above is perfect for most rabbits I would still recommend you put a resting board in your rabbit's cage. A resting board is usually made of wood (plastic ones are available online) and gives your rabbits a spot to get off the wire if they want. Most of my rabbits ignore their resting boards because the wire does not bother them, but pregnant does appreciate it, and it will discourage them from hanging out in the nest box. 
 
In short, it is not only ok to house rabbits on wire, but it is also the safest, most hygienic, and most humane option. So, you can rest assured your rabbits will be comfortable, healthy, and safe in a wire cage, all while making cleanup and chores a breeze!