Housing Advice?

[Shnoo]

I’m seriously looking into getting a rabbit, I’ve done extensive research but keep coming to confusing answers to some of my questions so thought I would have a go posting here. 

I live in a city house, and have a large front porch which i can corner half of it off for a rabbit space (3mX2M and is sheltered) I also have enough room in my bedroom (which is reasonably small) for a 3mX2m rabbit space. I also have a Labrador with a relatively high prey drive which I’m going to train to be calm around the rabbit, and keep separate as much as possible. 

1. Is it okay to have the rabbit live in the outdoor space during the day, and sleep inside during the night? or vice versa. 
2. If not, which is better for the rabbit? 
3. Lastly, are these space areas enough for the rabbit during the day/night, I will be taking the rabbit out for exercise and social interaction for multiple hours everyday.
4. If anyone does have experience with a high prey drive dog, please let me know any handy tips

[pinknfwuffy]

1. Since this is a indoor rabbit forum, most of us do try to encourage keeping your rabbit indoors. That said, if you do have the space and ability to be sure that your porch will be secure from other animals (pets and wild animals) and bad weather (both too hot or too cold) it is possible to keep a rabbit outdoors during the day and bring them in for the evening. You will need to make sure they have shade, fresh water and hay, and protection from drafts, like in a hutch.
2. Indoors is preferred because you can control their environment. They also tend to thrive indoors with more interaction since you are planning on having a single rabbit. I wouldn’t recommend leaving a rabbit out at night.
3. Yes, the space you suggest sounds adequate. Exercise out of the cage/area is very important but the rabbit’s main home should allow them to stand upright without touching the top and stretch out fully with plenty of room to spare. Ideally, at least three times their body length.
4. I don’t have a dog but I would suggest keeping them absolutely separate. Even the gentlest dogs can have a hard time resisting their primal instincts and it is better to be safe than sorry. Others may have more. advice on this topic.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By Shnoo on 10/25/2017 5:10 AM

I’m seriously looking into getting a rabbit, I’ve done extensive research but keep coming to confusing answers to some of my questions so thought I would have a go posting here. 

I live in a city house, and have a large front porch which i can corner half of it off for a rabbit space (3mX2M and is sheltered) I also have enough room in my bedroom (which is reasonably small) for a 3mX2m rabbit space. I also have a Labrador with a relatively high prey drive which I’m going to train to be calm around the rabbit, and keep separate as much as possible. 

1. Is it okay to have the rabbit live in the outdoor space during the day, and sleep inside during the night? or vice versa. 
2. If not, which is better for the rabbit? 
3. Lastly, are these space areas enough for the rabbit during the day/night, I will be taking the rabbit out for exercise and social interaction for multiple hours everyday.
4. If anyone does have experience with a high prey drive dog, please let me know any handy tips

I don’t really understand why you’d want to have them indoors for 12 hours and then outdoor for 12 hours. You might as well pick one. Indoor at all times is best for the safety and well being of your rabbit. It also creates a stronger relationship between human and bun to house the rabbit inside

I’m currently living with two German shepherds. We’ve made it strictly a no go in terms of buns and dogs ever meeting. It’s the safest way in my opinion. I was living with my partner and two rabbits then due to certain circumstances we moved in with my mum. Til now, my rabbits have never been around other animals and I really think if the dogs ever got to them – they’d have a heart attack. There are success stories of people living with both dogs and rabbits happily coexisting tho so it’s very much a possibility! 

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