If you’re preparing to bring home a trio of Florida Whites or New Zealand Whites, the first step to success is making sure you have the right housing and equipment. Both breeds are medium-sized meat and show rabbits, which means their housing needs to balance durability, sanitation, and space. Below you’ll find a practical guide to setting up all-wire cages and the essential supplies you’ll want to have ready before your rabbits arrive.
Why All-Wire Cages?
👉 All-wire cages are the standard for rabbitries because they’re:
- Easy to clean – droppings fall through, reducing odor and buildup.
- Durable – heavy-gauge wire lasts longer and stands up to chewing.
- Healthier – less chance of urine scald or parasite buildup compared to wood hutches.
For Florida Whites 24–24 inches wide and New Zealands, aim for cages around 30–36 inches wide × 24–30 inches deep × 18 inches high. This gives each rabbit plenty of room to stretch out and stay comfortable.
Supplies Checklist for a Trio Setup
👉 1. Cages & Flooring
- Wire gauge: 14-gauge galvanized wire is sturdy enough for medium breeds.
- Floor wire: ½” × 1″ mesh is safest for rabbit feet.
- Baby saver wire: A 4–6″ strip of smaller mesh along the bottom sides keeps kits safe if you plan to breed.
👉2. Feeders
A good feeder saves time and cuts down on waste. Look for J-style feeders that hang on the outside of the cage, with holes or mesh bottoms to let dust fall out. One per rabbit is ideal.
👉 3. Watering System
Consistent, clean water is critical. You can start simple with water bottles or upgrade to an automatic watering system with tubing and nipples if you’re planning to expand your rabbitry.
👉 4. Nest Boxes
If you’re breeding, does will need a nest box made of metal or wood. The box should be about 18″ × 10″ × 10″ for New Zealands/Florida Whites.
👉 5. Cage Trays & Dropping Pans
Place plastic or metal trays under cages to catch droppings. This makes cleaning easier and helps control odor—especially if your cages will be indoors or in a garage.
👉 6. Miscellaneous Tools & Hardware
- J-clip pliers & clips for building or repairing cages.
- Spring latches for secure doors.
- Chew toys & hay racks for enrichment.
Final Thoughts
Starting with the right all-wire cage system and a few essential supplies ensures your trio of Florida Whites or New Zealand Whites will stay healthy, comfortable, and easy to care for. As your rabbitry grows, you can expand cages side by side and add automatic systems—but the basics remain the same: a clean cage, fresh feed, clean water, and secure housing.
With these supplies in place, you’ll be ready to enjoy the rewards of raising one of the most versatile and dependable rabbit breeds. 🐇✨