Put newspaper in all areas of the hutch. Consider two or three layers. Make sure the newspaper is placed down carefully and evenly. [1] X Research source

Provide enough hay or wood shavings so that your rabbits have enough to insulate them and play in, but not too much that it makes it difficult for them to move around. Make sure to use hay appropriate for feeding livestock. You do not want specialty holiday hay used for decorating your home on holidays. This may be treated with fire retardant or other chemicals. If you choose to go with wood shavings, avoid cedar or pine shavings. These may emit a gas that is dangerous to animals. Oak or other hardwoods are a good choice. [2] X Research source

If you’ve used wood shavings throughout, make sure you leave one spot to put a soft hay for the rabbits to sleep in. Using pelleted wheat fiber. These fibers are chemical free and comfortable. Using recycled fibers or paper fibers. Bedding supplies can be purchased at most animal supply stores. [3] X Research source

Putting two water bowls or sources of water in the hutch. The number really depends on how many rabbits you have, the size of your hutch, and how often you’ll be able to provide water. Make sure that your rabbits always have fresh clean water to drink. Putting a food bowl near the bedding area. Putting larger food and water bowls if you have a large hutch or a lot of rabbits.

Take time to introduce your rabbits by hand into the hutch. Place one rabbit at a time, gently, into the hutch. Stick around the hutch for a while and watch your rabbits explore their new home. [4] X Research source

Make sure to replace wood as it degrades and rots. Replace any rusty wire or other metal. Periodically, remove your rabbits from the hutch so that you can paint and refinish it (if needed). Make sure to replace newspaper, hay, and other bedding material as it degrades or as waste accumulates. Replace any plastic rabbit water bottles (if you use them) as they age and degrade.

Shade. Rain. Proximity to the house. Potential perils such as water runoff, sickly trees that may collapse, or unstable ground. [5] X Research source

Picking a spot that is on high ground away from any areas that could potentially flood. Picking a spot that is shaded, but is also safe from falling trees or tree limbs. Picking a spot that is close enough to your home so that you can monitor possible predators. [6] X Research source

Livestock could potentially knock over the hutch. Free ranging dogs could see your rabbits as a snack and try to get into the hutch. While some animals, like chickens, can safely co-exist around a rabbit hutch, be careful and monitor any interactions. [7] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source

Take a shovel and level the ground where the hutch will be. Spread out dirt and rock to form a level surface. Employ a large level (tool) to verify that the ground is indeed flat. [8] X Research source

If you’ve bought a new hutch from the store, follow the directions that come with the hutch. Most store-bought hutches will be relatively simple to put together. If you’ve bought a second-hand hutch, chances are it will require minimal assembly. Make sure you have all of the pieces and put it back together the way it was before you transported it. If you’re building your own hutch, make sure you build one that is stable and secure. Position the hutch. After you’ve assembled the hutch, move it into position onto the level ground you prepared.

Look to see there are no sharp or pointy pieces of metal or frayed wire. Cut these or bend them so they pose no risk to the rabbits. If your hutch uses wire, make sure that there are no gaps or large spaces in the wire from which a rabbit could sneak out. If there is, use some spare wire to cover the gap. Make sure the hutch is sitting on completely flat ground and the base is stable. [9] X Research source