Leaving cage open at night

[Jusma]

Some of you have been introduced to my bunnies, Brown and Grey…

…who live in a play area, which is actually a big first floor balcony in my house. See Link to YouTube

Right now I put the rabbits in the cage and close them for the night and cover the cage with a big cloth to protect against cold draft. Apart from those 8-12 hours, the bunnies have full freedom. I was wondering whether I should just keep the cage open 24/7. It is a bunny safe environment and they have hiding boxes and tunnels to protect against draft. 

We do have lots of stray cats running around our house though, even during day time. A bunny was taken away in the past, before the above two, but it was very sick and not moving when it happened. While it was taken away from a place other than the play area, I have myself seen cats walk close to or the outer wall of the balcony/play area.

I guess Brown has grown really strong and big to be a prey. Grey perhaps not much, but she is always hidden in her box, and only comes out to eat or run around.

[BinkyBunny]

With the stray cats having access to your house (?), and some sad things happening in the past, sounds like you will need to protect your bunnies at all times– not only at night.  Is there a way to keep the cats out of your house altogether?

[Jusma]

I had a bunny with snuffles and when I came back from the vet, she was still in a 50/50 comatose situation. That was the one that was taken away and from a first floor room. Them cats are really plump, get fed chicken bones from our garbage and other food from neighbours and don’t hunt rats that run around as well.

I have had Brown for a couple of months now. The pet store owner said bunnies at 3 months are relatively safer from cats.

[Beka27]

If the cats are stray cats (I think, from your first post unless I misread it?) I would keep them completely separated. If you don’t know the health history and records of these cats, they could have all types of medical conditions, as well as fleas/ticks, etc brought in from outside. Not everything is communicable to rabbits, but some things are so better safe than sorry!

Just regarding the cage at night thing, I have personally always preferred closing bunnies in at night, at least in a room or somewhat contained space. In case of emergency, it is easier to round them up if you know exactly where they are, rather than if they have to run at night.

[Jusma]

The cats don’t interact with the bunnies. They are legit stray and walk outside the house and occasionally come into the kitchen looking for food. The play area is a contained space. The bunnies don’t run all over the house, just a small area (balcony).

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