About MidWest Homes for Pets
MidWest Homes for Pets is a widely recognized brand in the pet industry, founded in 1921 and known for producing a broad range of pet enclosures. Their products are manufactured in the USA and China and are readily available across major US pet retailers and Amazon.
For rabbit owners, MidWest is most notable for its Wabbitat line of cages and its extensive collection of wire exercise pens. They often serve as a first purchase for new rabbit owners due to their accessibility and lower price point.
What we like
- Affordable Exercise Pens: The 24-inch and 30-inch exercise pens are excellent for creating safe, spacious play areas or bunny-proofing a section of a room. Easy to fold and store.
- Wabbitat as a Litter/Feeding Station: Removing the wire top of the Wabbitat Deluxe makes it a decent base inside a larger DIY pen — works well as a "home base" within a much larger setup.
- Good for Temporary Setups: For foster situations, travel, or short-term needs, MidWest's basic wire enclosures are an adequate temporary solution.
What to watch out for
- Cages Are Too Small Solo: Standard Wabbitat cages are far too small for full-time housing. Rabbits need at least 8-12 sq ft of uninterrupted space plus daily exercise. These cages should be integrated into a larger pen, never used alone.
- Wire Floors: Older Wabbitat models came with wire bottom floors that cause painful sore hocks. Always cover any wire floor with cardboard and a thick towel, or remove it.
- Plastic Ramps: Slippery plastic ramps and platforms can cause slips and falls. Cover with non-slip mat or vetbed.
Best for
Best for budget-conscious owners looking for affordable exercise pens to build a large enriching space, or for those needing a temporary housing solution. Their pens are a solid foundation — just don't rely on the cages alone for full-time living.