How tall of an xpen for a checkered rabbit?

Question
QUESTION: I am going to be adopting a checkered rabbit (male, 3yrs old) and want to get a metal exercise pen for inside and outside.  I am clueless as to how tall I should have the xpen.  I thought about 30 inches but then thought 36 would be better.  I don't want to buy one and have to buy another one because the first one didn't work out.  So, maybe you could help me or point me in a direction or to a person who can?  I really appreciate you even reading my question - thank you.  Oh I am going to squeeze this in there - I was going to get an epoxy exercise pen just incase my birds beak ends up on it (zinc is toxic to birds), will a rabbit chew the epoxy "chip" it which would then probably cause problems with the rabbit if it eats it?  Thank you!

ANSWER: UPDATE

Hi, thanks for the reply.  When I heard 'epoxy' I automatically thought resin, and there are plastic gates - here anyway - and that's what I thought you were referencing.  A larger bunny as your 12 pounder, probably will not leap over a 30 inch gate.  There's a ratio curve about weight/size and jumping ability, and it seems the mid size guys (5-8 pounds) are ideal size to mass to be able to get the most height.  As they get smaller the size of the gate is harder to overcome, even though they have less weight to lift.  As they get bigger though they have more muscle it's harder to get all their mass and frame over that height.  

And if you are still thinking about being outside, I would not ever put him outdoors without being in a full, large enclosure whose sides are anchored into the ground.  Not just a ring with the top open.  Too many predators.  He could easily tip the gates and get out.  Or dig under them.  You have to actually build something proper, set it into the ground 6-12 inches so if he does dig he'll hit fence.  And then be ready to see the vet a lot more often.

END UPDATE

Hi,

get metal gates, don't get epoxy/plastic.  You require durability and strength of metal.

I would get the 30 inch high unless he is a bigger bunny that is a high jumper.  30 inches will be enough and it will make your life easier as well going over it without having to move it to get in/out.

Do not take him outdoors.  Indoor house rabbits stay healthy because they are indoors.  Otherwise you will have to take him in at the first signs of problems and for quarterly exams to ensure he hasn't picked up something from outside you haven't noticed.  Terrible idea to bring a rabbit bred for indoors, outdoors.  You're sitting here worried about the little bit of zinc that might be ingested off a pet gate yet you have no thought whatsoever about parasites and bugs, poisonous plants, insect bites/diseases, rabies from outdoor animal bites and scratches, and wild animal potential attacks and their fecal wastes coming into contact with your rabbit.  I hope I put that in a better perspective for you.

So: 30 inch high metal gates should probably be good.  Don't take your indoor bunny outdoors unless you're willing to be a lot more alert for diseases and wnat to take your rabbit in a lot more frequently for checkups.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I don't have a follow up question - I just wanted to thank you so much for the updated reply! Your explination of how high certain sized rabbits can jump was awesome.  I am still deciding if my bunny will go outside for visits - I still need to do research for the pros and cons and preventative care for parasites and such, but I will make sure that if I do take him out and I will not be supervising him that I will buy or make the appropriate enclosure to keep him safe!  Thanks again, I am so glad I asked you my questions! :)

Answer
Thanks for the reply.  Just be aware that when you bring them outside you will never be able to prepare for all the dangers that are out there.  Little insect eggs on blades of grass that attach to fur, parasites ingested on eaten grass, the waste of a wild animal that has stuff in it that you don't want anywhere near him.  You will need to get him in to the vet a lot more often than just once a year for an annual exam. (not counting sporadic problems).