cedar hutches

Question
we are going to build a new hutch for our rabbit. would a cedar hutch be
harmful to her?

Answer
Dear Kristina,

Outdoor hutches are not safe for rabbits at night, no matter how sturdy.  So I hope she will be inside, at least at night.

Cedar can be used for a hutch, as long as there is plenty of ventilation.  Cedar shavings, with their high surface area and copious aromatic vapors, are not recommended.  Cedar is safer than some other types of lumber, such as pressure-treated wood, which should never be used, as it is full of toxic heavy metals such as arsenic.

Hope this helps.

Dana