Activeness

[Wolf]

My mom is “a rabbit expert” (she had one as a kid and thinks she knows how to take care of one). Anyway, she doesn’t think a rabbit needs much space. She wants to stick him/her outside in a 8 square foot hutch… can you please tell me some good reasons as to why that is unacceptable? Maybe she will listen to random people on the internet?

[Wick & Fable]

I noticed you’ve brought up this point in the past (late August), so it’s been a bit of time, but it sounds like your mom’s opinions have not changed. I’m sorry to hear you’re having difficulty convincing her.

I will note, as a moderator on BB forums, I’ve come across a lot of users who genuinely would love to care for a rabbit with all their heart, which is a blessing for a rabbit owner; however, due to their circumstance, it was not possible. This usually involves children/young adults who live with a guardian/parent that is not educated on proper rabbit care. It is a long-strung debate every step of the way. In addition to housing, you also need to discuss the monthly costs, veterinary costs, and know that, if your rabbit needs to go to the vet (even if he/she doesn’t seem “sick”), someone is going to take you there and someone is able to pay for it. Also, being indoors means much more than a hutch indoors — rabbits need a lot of room, which either means furniture rearrangement for a large pen, or rabbit-proofing the living space so the rabbit can free roam.

If you believe these are points your mother can, not only agree to, but also support with her resources, then that’s great, but if not, now may not be the best time for you to have a rabbit.

To answer your questions directly, there are many reasons why a rabbit should not be outdoors in a confined, small space:
1) The life span of a WILD rabbit is about two years outdoors and up to 8 if they are in captivity. The reason there is such a huge gap is because there are so many threats in the wild. If you put a DOMESTICATED rabbit in those conditions, they are even worse-off, as they do not have the survival instincts that a wild rabbit would. Domestic rabbits cannot withstand extreme temperatures, and in a confined space, they have no place to go if they are spooked by predators. There is no supportive living animal there with them either, so they are dealing with these stressors alone, like a human combatting depression and anxiety on their own. It’s scary. They may feel trapped, and this chronic stress can lead to a lot of problems, health wise and psychologically. A domesticated rabbit, living indoors with proper exercise, room, shelter, diet, socialization, and medical treatment can live upwards of 12 years or even more, and this is the type of life you want for a pet rabbit.

2) Rabbits need space. It can be easier to imagine by comparing a rabbit to a small dog or a human baby. A rabbit, human baby, and chihuahua are all relatively the same size; however, it’s very easy to realize that you would not put a human baby in a small pen for its life, as well as a small Chihuahua in a pen for its whole life. This connection isn’t made as easily with rabbits because people don’t think of them as moving around a lot, but as a foraging animal, rabbits move more than any human or dog would. They need a lot of space.

…. Those are two major points I can think of. But I do want to re-emphasize the beginning of my post, because there is much more to discuss than housing of the rabbit.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[sarahthegemini]

A simple reason – rabbits need space to run around and being denied that is actual animal abuse. If she can’t see that, you need to rehome your rabbit to someone that can actually provide him with everything he needs. I don’t understand adults that refuse to educate themselves on proper care. In my experience, if an adult isn’t even prepared to accept that a bun needs ample space, they’re going to refuse to accept other necessities too and ultimately, the rabbit suffers.

[RabbitPam]

I just want to add a possible compromise if it seems unwise to get a rabbit while being dependent on your mother’s decision on care and housing.
When we were young, and even in college but based at home with my folks, we had guinea pigs as pets. I love rabbits, but learned with my first (I was living alone and an adult in an apartment) that it was much more work to care for and keep in conditions that were optimal for my bunny.
But as a teen and older, a guinea pig was comparatively easy. A cage fit well in my room. The guinea pig came out often, but needed less square footage in the cage. Feeding was simple and overall care and maintenance was less expensive.
Most importantly, our piggies were sweet, soft and easily held. They loved me and my family, could be snuggled, were smart and generally fun to play with. I think of them as a great transitional pet for children and young adults who need family cooperation to care for a pet. Just sayin’.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Agree with Pam. Piggies are much easier to take care of than bunnies. I had piggies in high school and I assumed a bunny was about the same care-wise. Boy, was I in for a surprise! Bunnies are much more work and requite much more care and space.

[Wolf]

Thanks for the information guys! I showed my mom your post Wick and she agreed to get at least a 6×3 hutch for the rabbit (maybe 6×6 if it doesn’t take up too much space). We can’t have a rabbit inside because of hay allergies. Also my mom doesn’t like guinea pigs for some reason??? Also cost isn’t an issue and she agreed to buy anything I say the rabbit needs. (I definitely won’t abuse that) ?? lol. I know rabbits shouldn’t be kept outside, but I am allowed to bring the rabbit inside anytime I want once I get home from school. Also, if they get along they can hang out with our 3 pet chickens! Just realized I typed “also” 6 million times… sorry

[Author]

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