What Is the Meaning of Hutch?

Rabbit Hutch

• One of the definitions of hutch is an animal pen or enclosed coop. A hutch for a rabbit is designed to give the rabbit protection and a place to rest. A rabbit hutch should be big enough so that the rabbit's ears do not touch the roof when the rabbit stands on its back legs. It should also be built long enough so the rabbit can stretch out and turn around, preferably four times the length of a full-grown rabbit.

Calf Hutch

• A calf hutch is designed to protect a calf for 50 to 60 days after it is born or until it is weaned. By being in the hutch, the calf is separated from germs and disease that may be present in older cattle. Farm managers also use a super calf hutch to house several calves at a time after they have graduated from the initial calf hutch. The purpose of the super calf hutch is to continue to give calves protection from disease and to lessen competition with the older cattle for food and shelter.

Storage Hutch

• Another type of hutch is a storage unit, typically a chest, cupboard or bin. This type of hutch is portable and may be set on a desk, table or dresser. Some units are freestanding or can be mounted to a wall. A hutch that serves as a desk-top organizer contains compartments for storing papers and office supplies and is usually open in front. Shelving may be fixed or movable. Portable storage hutches are useful for small spaces.

Hutch Cabinets

• Dictionary.com defines another type of hutch as "any of various chestlike cabinets, raised on legs and having doors or drawers in front, sometimes with open shelves above." A hutch cabinet can be a single stand-alone piece of furniture. A hutch cabinet can also be part of a buffet and hutch set. A buffet has a flat, table-like top on which the hutch cabinet can be placed. In sets, the hutch is designed to match and compliment the styling of the buffet. Hutch cabinets are built to be both functional and decorative pieces of furniture.