Maintain Strict Hygiene and Sanitation

Clean cages, feeders, waterers, and surrounding areas on a regular schedule. Scrape solid floors daily and disinfect housing weekly with a rabbit-safe disinfectant such as diluted white vinegar or chlorhexidine. Wire-bottom cages need less frequent cleaning but still require periodic scrubbing of wire and trays.

Why It Works

Droppings and urine accumulate bacteria, mold spores, coccidia oocysts, and ammonia. Removing waste before pathogens reach infectious levels breaks the transmission cycle. Studies on commercial rabbitries consistently rank sanitation as the single most effective disease prevention measure.

Tips

• Use a hand scraper or putty knife for solid-floor hutches; remove droppings at least once daily
• Rotate between two disinfectants to prevent microbial resistance
• Allow cleaned surfaces to dry fully before returning rabbits, since moisture promotes bacterial growth