9 Best Indoor and Outdoor Large Rabbit Run, Ideas and Plans

A rabbit run or playpen is essential for both the indoor and outdoor rabbits. It will ensure they have a chance to exercise, i.e., stretch their legs, run or hop. It is a must-have if your bunny lives in a cage or hutch. 

An ideal run for bunnies must be secure, and it could be enriched with the various rabbit toys, digging tunnels and boxes to help your bunny stay enchanted and physically fit. Do not confuse this playpen with rabbit hutches or cages.

People with a backyard can go for an outdoor rabbit runs while those who do not have can buy indoor ones. There are also rabbit cages and rabbit hutches with runs in the market you can buy.

Considerations for rabbit playpen or runs

Before you make or buy these playpens, there are several important considerations you must not ignore since they will ensure you end up with a functional, safe yet affordable one whether you are making it yourself or buying one. Besides durability, here are some factors to consider.

Is it an indoor rabbit playpen or an outdoor one?

The first and most important consideration is deciding if you want an indoor or an outdoor one. An outdoor need to be predator-proof and have a sheltered area to shield your bunnies from the hot sun or bad weather.

Recommended playpen size

It should not be less than 8' x 4' and high enough to enable your bunnies to stand upright on their hind legs without their ears touching the roof of your run.

Typically, the height should be 60 cm for small to medium rabbits and at least 90 cm if they are large.

Animal Welfare Act requires that the run be at least 32 square feet. Typical dimensions can be 8ft x 4ft x 4ft for length, width, and height respectively.

Safety

It should keep your bunnies from predators, dirt and poisonous plants especially for those who will have these playpens placed on their backyard garden.

Also, the material of construction and design should be in such a way it does not cause any injury to your bunnies. A wire mesh run, for instance, should not get the head or leg of your bunnies trapped or injured.

Material of construction

You have the option of going for wooden or metallic ones. Since bunnies love chewing almost anything they come across, a metallic one will be ideal when compared to a wooden.

If you opt to use mesh, it should not be wider than an inch to ensure predators cannot get into your run.

On the other hand, if you opt for a wooden one, the wood used should be untreated and safe. Go for hardwoods as softwoods such as pine and cider are not safe for bunnies. Don’t worry about your bunnies chewing the wood since even if they chew it, it will take a long time before they destroy it.

If you are using wire mesh, you have an option of the chicken wire (twisted galvanized wire that makes a hexagonal grid) or weld mesh (whose grid is square or at times rectangular, with each join welded together). The latter usually is stronger and preferred.

Rabbit run flooring 

The bottom surface can be made of wire to avoid them tunneling out if it is to be placed on flat ground at your yard. Lining it with a generous amount of straw, wood pellets, and other safe bedding material will ensure their legs do not get hurt.

As Rabbit.org notes, “clean golden straw is one of the best ingredients to have in a rabbit’s environment.” It will give them a chance to play with it, dig or chew it. Ensure you regularly replace the straws, usually after a week.

Finally, concrete or paving will still work well as they will ensure predators such as weasel do not dig into your cage.

Roof of playpen

Outdoor rabbit runs should have a roof to ensure the safety of your bunnies unless you want to supervise them throughout their playtime. Note that while you are attending to other things they may be attacked by predators or they may jump out of their playpens.

The top or roof can be made of wire if under a solid shade. However, ensure your bunnies can get some sunlight. Alternatively, you can cover part of the playpen.

For indoor ones, a roof will also be recommended if you do not want them to jump out of their run and create a mess in your house or ensure it is high enough to stop bunnies from escaping from it. 

Finally, the roof must be sturdy to avoid it being blown away by the wind.

A hiding place and rabbit toys

Besides the above, an ideal playpen should have a sheltered area such as a hiding box or tunnel where your bunny can hide if it feels like doing so. Also, you can add more charm to their playtime by including a few toys.

Rabbit run types, designs, plans and ideas

There are many types, shapes, and designs of bunny playpens. There are even the rabbit hutches with runs and sold as one unit. To help you get a general idea, we will look at various types that include.

Puppy pen

These are wire pens that resemble puppy pens which can be made by joining several wire panels. They are temporary, and they do not come with a roof. Most people often make them very large as an addition to a more secure run.

Since they do not have roofs, they require supervision each time your bunnies are in them (about 4-6 hours daily).

Rabbit run made of metal

These metal rabbit runs are more secure and study with lids or roof. They should be firmly anchored on the ground since they are lighter in weight.

Combining several metal panels can create a large play area. If you want, you can make them accessible from your bunny hutches, i.e., combine the two.

Wood and mesh – mostly rectangular

They are the most common type and the easiest to make. You need a large wooden frame, often triangular or as your space may allow and cover it with a mesh from the inside side to reduce the chances of your bunnies chewing it.

Apex runs – triangular

They are made of wood and mesh and in a triangular shape. They often have a sheltered place and can be easily folded for storage. You can use them to allow your furry friends to graze on your backyard garden.

Their triangular shape with sides that slop limits exercise area including height and might not meet the required sizes of runs for rabbits.

Aviary

These are a taller version of the wood and mesh runs and allows people to walk inside them. They are the most recommended type if you want the kind where you interact with your rabbits.

The above are not the only designs available. You can get many others or make your own to suit the space available so long as it meets the required minimum size and standards.

Best Rabbit Runs for Sale

If you are looking for a rabbit run or playpens for sale, there are many designs and brands. While they may seem designed for other pets, we have selected only those that are safe for your rabbits.

MidWest Homes for Pets Exercise Pen for Pets with Full Max Lock Door

This playpen by MidWest Homes for Pets is one of the top brands in the market. It has a total of 8 panels, which make an enclosed area measuring 16 square feet ideal for smaller rabbits, dogs, cats, and other pets. You can deploy it as a square or octagon.

The panels come in heights of 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 inches with those 36 inches and above ideal for bunnies, especially if they love jumping. Alternatively, you can buy the top mesh and top sunscreen sold separately. The top sunscreen prevents 80% of the sun rays and will keep your pet cool.

Like most other collapsible brands, it folds flat for easy storage, comes with 4 thumb snaps for easy assembly, and if you need to assemble it outside, use the 8 groud anchors sold with it.

Finally, this playpen comes with a year's warranty, the wire used has an electro-coat finish, and it is very affordable. 

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Brands with similar playpens include

• AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Pet Exercise and Playpen
• Paws & Pals Dog Exercise Pen Pet Playpens for Dogs

Also, BestPet Pet Playpen Dog Fence Exercise Pen Metal Wire Portable Playpen Dog Crate Kennel Cage is more or less similar, except for the panel height, which is only 24 inches without other higher ones.

Trixie Outdoor Run with Mesh Cover

This Trixie outdoor playpen should you be your first choice if you are looking for a large rabbit run. It comes in medium, large, and extra-large with the extra-large. It will work well not only your bunnies but also guinea pigs, providing them with ample space to run, exercise, and play.

The metal lattice that is powder-coated, solid wood, and a glazed pine finish make it no only beautiful but also very durable. It is even backed with a year's warranty.

If you go for the extra-large that measures 94 x 46 x 31 inches, it has a section of it has a roof and a wooden box shelter to protect your bunnies from weather elements like rain, sun, or wind. Your rabbits can access the wooden box top via a ramp giving them an extra platform for playing.

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Paws & Pals Wire Pen Dog Fence Playpen  Outdoor Exercise Pens

If you require a larger rabbit run, this heavy-duty Paws & Pals playpen with a total exercise area of 30 square feet is a perfect choice. It has eight panels to allow various configurations with heights is 24, 32, or  40 inches high.

We recommend the last one as it will minimize the chances of your bunny jumping out unless you cover the playpen.

The metal used is coated to prevent rusting, including its round edges (round to prevents pet injury) and has ½ inch heavy-duty tube frame to make it sturdy.

Finally, most pets, including your puppy, rabbit, guinea pig, chicken, ferrets, dogs, cats, kitten, can use it as it is safe. Furthermore, it is easy to use and store (just collapse it).

Dimensions: panel width 30.25 inches heigh is 24", 32" or 40", spacing bars 1.5 inches, diameter 73 inches and octagon area 30.175 sqft.

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If you like this brand, another look-alike similar brand is the BestPet Pet Playpen 8 Panel Indoor Outdoor Folding Metal Protable Puppy Exercise Pen Dog Fence.

Large Metal Chicken Coop Walk-in Poultry Cage Hen Run House Rabbits Habitat 

People with a large backyard can take advantage of this huge run to give their pets a chance to play and graze. This brand by Polar Aurora comes either 9.2' L x 12.5' W x 6.4' H or  9.2' L x 18.4' W x 6.4' H flat-roofed. Its large size makes it suitable for several bunnies. There is also the 10' L x 13' W x 6.4' H and 10' L x 20' W x 6.4' H spire-shaped brands.

Don't worry about durability and safety since it is made using easy to assemble galvanized steel frame, PVC coated hexagonal wire mesh and doors with a latch.

Finally, this walk-in, the heavy-duty pen will keep your bunnies safe from rain or sun as they are partially covered by an Oxford cloth cover that is not only waterproof but also UV protected.

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Yaheetech Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Pet Dog Puppy Cat Exercise Fence Barrier Playpen

Yahetech foldable metal playpen gives more flexibility since you can choose 16 pannels with heights of 24, 32, or 40 inches, 32 panels measuring 24 inches in height or 8, 40-inch panels.

Each panel is 31.5 wide, and spacing bars are about 1.5," and you can make these playpens octagon, rectangular or square.

The playpen is sturdy, has a door with double -shaped latch bolt and rust-free, thanks to the premium powder-coated iron construction material. Additionally, its edges are rounded, making it safe for your pets.

Your guinea pigs, cats, puppies, ducks, and other not so active animals can use it. For bunnies, go for the one that is 40 inches high.

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Trixie Natura Two Story Rabbit Hutch Large Run

Instead of buying a hutch and a run separately, you can get some brands with large playpens. For instance, the Trixie Natura Two Story Rabbit Hutch ha 78" x 58" x 37" with a hutch upstairs.

It comes with a removable floor (attic) and a non-slip ramp while the hutch has access via front doors, a hinged roof, slide-out trays. Like any other Trixie brand, it is durable with solid wood construction featuring a glazed pine finish.

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BestPet Chicken Coop Chicken Cage Pens Crate Rabbit Cage Enclosure Exercise Pen

The BestPet Chicken Coop Chicken Cage Pens Crate Rabbit playpen is another excellent choice of an outdoor bunny exercising pen that your ducks, guinea pigs, and turtles can also use.

It has dimensions of 86.5W" by 40.8" D by 40.5" H has an epoxy coating to prevent fading, corrosion or rusting even in extreme conditions. Don't worry about rain, snow, or sun since it has a UV protection cover that will not crack, fade, or rip. Furthermore, its high roof pitch will ensure water and snow slides down quickly.

Finally, it is very easy to assemble and comes at a good price. You need to get one for your pets today.

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Advantek The Courtyard Rabbit Run

An outdoor run for your bunnies and other small pets must be safe, or you have to watch them as they play or graze. If you want a safe one, this auburn colored Advantek bunny run is what you need.

It is made using rot and insect resistant cypress fir wood and wire mesh on top and sides but opens to the ground to give your pets to graze freely. However, you need to be careful as they may tunnel out.

Finally, this brand has a large double door for easy access to your pet and will serve you for a long time.

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BUNNY BUSINESS Fully Folding Sheltered Rabbit Run Hutch

Good outdoor rabbit runs need a sheltering place against various elements, primarily sun, and rain. BUNNY BUSINESS Fully Folding Sheltered Rabbit has a wooden shelter covering part of the sides and top while the rest has stained and fully treated red cedar wood and wire mesh.

Its bottom side is open, and you can place it on grass or a solid surface, and its top has a predator-proof hinged door for access.

One feature we like about this run is the fact that you can easily fold it when it is necessary, such as when it is about to rain heavily or when it's snowing.

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Other good brands

We love Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen 40090, but its size makes it ideal for hamsters, mice, gerbils as well as other small animals as it creates a smaller play area with only 36" diameter. Similarly, the Kaytee FerretTrail Pet-N-Playpen Large is still not enough.

For a rabbit run with a large hutch go Pawhut 122" Wooden Rabbit Hutch w/ 2 Runs. Also, Omlet.co.uk rabbit run, i.e., Omlet.co.uk has good brands such as the Heavy-Duty Cover with Gutter Edge for Walk in Run Roof – 2m and another one 3m x 4m x 2m give you walking an

Other great brands worth mentioning include the following:

1. Tespo Pet Playpen, Dog Puppy Cat Pen, Small Animal Cage Indoor Portable Metal Wire Yard Fence for Small Animals, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits Kennel Crate Fence Ten
2. ALLISANDRO Small Pet Playpen, Small Animal Cage for Indoor Outdoor Use, Portable Metal Wire Yard Fence for Small Animal, Puppy, Kitten, Guinea Pigs, Bunny, Turtle, Hamster
3. SUNCOO Dog Pen, Heavy Duty Folding Large Metal Dog Fence, Cat Puppy Pet Exercise Playpen, Indoor Outdoor 8/16 Panels 24/32/40 in Anti-Rust Pet Crate Cage Barrier Kennels
4. Rugged Ranch Products METALCOUP Metal Chicken Coup, 7 by 8-Feet
5. LAZY BUDDY Dog Playpen, Pet Playpen

Outdoor rabbit hutches with runs

While there are many outdoor bunny enclosures with playpens, most of them are small, meaning you still may require a separate larger run brand like Trixie Rabbit Hutch with Outdoor Run - Extra Small is not enough.

Used rabbit runs

If you do not want to spend money on new ones, you can go for the used ones. Check online on sites such as eBay.com, preloved.co.uk, gumtree.com among other websites that have second-hand rabbit playpens listings.

How to make a rabbit run – ideas

Instead of going for rabbit runs on sale, you can make yours at home. One advantage of making them is the fact that you can customize it to fit the space available.

We will provide you with a video tutorial and a few images to give you a general idea of how to go about while making a good one.

Wikihow.com has steps you can follow in making a wire mesh rabbit run

Ensure you consider issues such as safety, the material of construction, space available, whether it is indoor or outdoor, among others we have already discussed.

Finally, search online for the various outdoor and indoor rabbit run ideas, plans including short and high walk-in rabbit hutch plans some available in pdf formats and so on.