If you have small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, or other small animals, you likely want to give them plenty of room to play and explore while also keeping them safe. An increasingly popular option is a small animal playpen. These open-topped enclosures give your furry friends space to move around and play while confining them to a safe area. In this article we talk about VISCOO 24 Panels Small Animal Playpen Pros, Cons and Reviews.
One playpen that gets good reviews is the VISCOO 24 Panels Small Animal Playpen. This metal wire pen offers versatility and good value. But is it the right choice for your needs? Here’s an in-depth look at the key pros and cons of this popular rabbit and small pet enclosure, along with some alternative options to consider.
Table of Contents
VISCOO 24 Panel Playpen Overview
The VISCOO Small Animal Playpen is constructed from sturdy iron wire that connects into panels to create a large octagonal enclosure measuring approximately 16 square feet. The panels are 32 inches high, making it difficult for rabbits and guinea pigs to jump out. You can arrange the panels in different shapes to fit your space.
The pen features two entry doors for easy human access. These full-height swing doors allow you to get in and out without stepping over or squeezing through a small opening. This makes it easier to interact with your pets, change food and water, and clean the enclosure.
Pros
– Sturdy & Durable Materials: Made from iron wire, the VISCOO pen is chew-proof and sturdy enough to contain curious explorers.
– Good Value: With 24 panels plus connectors and stakes for less than $60, this playpen provides a lot of flexible space at a reasonable price point.
– Easy to Assemble: The panels click together with integrated connectors, no tools required. You can assemble and reconfigure it in different shapes quickly.
– Portable: At just 13 pounds, the entire unit is lightweight enough to move to different areas of your home or fold up for storage or travel.
– Accessible Doors: The full-height swing doors allow convenient entry to interact with your pets without awkward squeezing or stepping over a low threshold.
Cons
– Bars May Be Too Widely Spaced for Small Animals: With 1.5 inch bar spacing, tiny paws can slip through, requiring close supervision. Better for larger rabbits and guinea pigs.
– Outdoor Use Requires Staking: While the playpen is portable enough to use outdoors, you’ll need to stake down all panels to prevent escape due to wind or pets pressing against the sides.
– Easily Tipped by Larger Pets: Sturdy enough for rabbits and guinea pigs, but easily tipped by larger pets like dogs, so indoor use only.
– Does Not Include Floor: You’ll need to place the pen on grass or a rug to prevent injuries and escape by digging. Hard floors can cause foot soreness without a mat.
Ideal Uses
The VISCOO Small Animal Playpen works best for rabbit owners, guinea pig owners, and other pet parents looking for an affordable way to provide a spacious, flexible indoor play area. While not suited for unsupervised outdoor use or especially tiny pets, it strikes a great balance between price, durability, and functionality for most small animal needs.
Alternative Options
If the VISCOO pen isn’t the right solution for you, here are two other top-rated picks to consider:
1. Midwest Homes for Pets Exercise Pen: For smaller pets that can slip between the VISCOO’s wider bar spacing, the Midwest pen provides a similar roomy wire enclosure but with narrowly spaced 1 x 0.5 inch bars designed for safety. It also includes a leak-proof plastic mat. The trade-off is higher cost for fewer panels.
2. Tespo Pet Playpen: For outdoor use, this 8-panel outdoor enclosure features a weather-resistant design, mesh cover, and steel anchors for securing it into grass or dirt. The zippered door and roof allow you to control ventilation and access. It provides less interior space than the VISCOO option but higher security for unsupervised play sessions.
The Bottom Line
If you’re seeking an affordable way to let your rabbits, guinea pigs, or other small pets play while keeping them safely contained, the VISCOO 24 Panel Playpen is a great choice. With ample room for exercise, sturdy and chew-proof materials, and a quick no-tool assembly, it’s a quality mid-sized animal enclosure that strikes an excellent balance for functionality and value. Just be sure to supervise tiny escape artists and stabilize the pen properly for your pets’ size and safety.
Tara Ragatz is an accomplished writer specializing in rabbit care and housing, holding a Master’s degree in Animal Science. With over 8 years of experience, Tara provides expert advice on creating the perfect living environments for rabbits through her articles on RabbitCage.org. Her extensive knowledge and practical tips help pet owners ensure the best care for their rabbits. For more insights and inspiration, follow her on Pinterest.