Can a bunny live in a basement?

[SamLM5511]

So, over the Easter weekend my mom got me a bunny. I know, I know! Most Easter bunnies don’t make it past the first year. But animals are my life! I have always had horses, dogs, cats, etc. I even pet sit as my only job, but I’ve never had a bunny. I am super picky about what my animals deal with (food, housing, care, time, toys, etc.) and have been doing a ton of research on bunnies. But I had one weird question that I am not sure about. I live in the downstairs (basement) part of my parents home. In other words it will be a lot easier if the bunny can be closer to me rather than upstairs. But because it is a basement it gets hardly any light. There are three maybe 2′ X 3′ (?) windows as the only source of natural light. And even those have bushes, etc. near them so even less light gets in. I was wandering if this is okay or if bunnies really need more light than that? Of course I bring him out in the upstairs family room when we are there to watch him so that he can run around, and there is a lot more light in there. But my parents won’t let me keep him in there.

He is a nine week old Netherland Dwarf Lionhead Cross named Petey. But I can’t seem to post a picture of him, all my files are too big.

Thanks for any and all input! 

[LongEaredLions]

If you are able to live there comfortably, your bun should probably too. Is the light the only issue? How long would she be able to be upstairs?

[Beka27]

I think that can definitely be a comfortable space for him! Maybe check out your local hardware store and see if they have natural sunlight bulbs? Those would be beneficial for both of you…

[SamLM5511]

LongEaredLions:
Yes, lighting is pretty much the only issue. We let him run around upstairs (supervised) for about 15-30 minutes several times a day. Eventually we will keep him out longer, but he’s young and not potty trained yet.

Beka27:
Awesome idea! Thanks for the suggestion.

[Elrohwen]

I don’t think it would be an issue. If you can live there comfortably I’m sure your bun can too.

Modern windows block out UV rays anyway, so even a bunny living next to a sunny window isn’t getting much benefit from it. Bunnies like to be active at dawn and dusk anyway, so bright sunlight isn’t their thing. I agree with Beka that a natural light bulb might be a good idea for both of you though to get the benefits like vitamin D production.

[calipa_st]

if it’s a bedroom then why not? Same as any other bedroom…

[SamLM5511]

Just an update:
I moved my handsome little boy downstairs and he seems much more relaxed about me handling him (but he is still plenty bouncy and playful when we bring him upstairs to run) and he seems to be eating a lot more! So excited :3

[BinkyBunny]

I agree with the others and think having his home base with you in the basement is just fine –Bunnies are burrow animals,(dark and cool) and like other members have mentioned, they are also crepuscular (dusk/dawn active). Sounds like he can still visit upstairs and run around with your supervision and so he’ll have a great life. My husband built a bunny ramp system up to a lounge box by the window in the bunny room. They enjoyed the warmth from the sun in that window lounge box — the smells and sounds from a cracked or open window. (with a secured screen – the bunnies couldn’t actually get out!). More than anything, I think bunnies spend their time exploring and listening,and depending on weather, a safely screened window (so no critters can get in either) can offer some “listening” entertainment. Though nervous bunnies might be more “what’s that..OH no!” and freak out – each bunny is different. You’ll figure what yours prefers.

[Author]

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