Moving new bunnies outside

[2old4rabbits]

Well the new rabbits we just got today are going to be moved outside to a rabbit cage that is 3-ft above the ground and has an enclosed end.  This has been the plan all along.  The weather is getting nice here in South Georgia so the temps are pretty moderate.  We have a larger 10’X10′ pen we plan to let the rabbits run in some in addition to being held a good bit by the kids.  Will the young Dutch and Holland lop be okay outside?  

[princessangrypeppers]

To answer your question, no. They will not be okay.

http://mybunny.org/info/housebunny.htm

http://rabbit.org/faq/sections/outdoors.html

[BunnyMuffin]

I think the information in the links provided is very useful.  The vast majority of members on this forum view our bunnies as “house rabbits” and feel it is important to keep them inside for the rabbits’ safety, from predators and the weather, as well as to ensure plenty of exercise time and interaction.  Being prey animals, rabbits are very good at hiding illness, and it’s a lot easier to learn what their usual behaviour is and to recognize a change from the norm when the rabbits live inside and interact with their people on a daily basis.  Plus, rabbits can die simply from being scared to death by the presence (actual or perceived) of a threat.  So even if you could have a 100% secure outdoor enclosure, the rabbits would still be at risk.

Another concern is that rabbits need about 3 hours per day of exercise ouside of their enclosure.  And I know that I wouldn’t want to be sitting outside for 3 hours a day to let the bunnies exercise – especially on hot days or in the winter.  Whereas indoor bunnies can get their exercise while you go about your daily business – chores, watching TV, etc.

Do you have specific concerns about keeping the rabbits indoors?  Perhaps we can help to address some of these concerns and suggest ways to help alleviate or prevent any problems you might be worried about.

 

[Beka27]

I don’t recommend rabbits be kept outdoors (and I’d say that 99% of our members would agree with me.) On BinkyBunny, we focus on the rabbit as a house pet, and we treat our rabbits as members of the family, no different than a cat or dog, and not as livestock. Many of us are even able to allow our bunnies free run of our homes for hours at a time. They return to their litterboxes to go potty, just like a cat does. There are far too many risks to keep them outside, ranging from the tiniest mosquito bite to being frightened to death while supposedly “safe” in their hutch.

I wonder if you did much research regarding rabbits before making this decision. There is a lot involved in the proper care, diet, and housing requirements, much more than petstore employees know or would say. I wish you’d reconsider keeping them outside and instead have them inside your home permanently. If this is not a possibility, I wonder if they may not be better off going back to the petstore where someone else may be able to provide them with an indoor home. I’m not saying you would not be able to care for them, but it really would be in their best interest to remain indoors.

Another link for you: http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/indoorbun.html

[princessangrypeppers]

Also, being “held a good bit,” does not fulfill a rabbit’s social requirements. In fact, many rabbits are terrified of being held (though some will tolerate it, and I’ve heard a very small percentage actually enjoy it).

To give your rabbits the love and attention they need, you must give them a good amount of your time, every day, on the floor, at their level. This is pretty easy when they’re indoors, but outdoors is another matter.

[Hedi]

Hi and welcome! A 3ft cage for 2 buns would be very unfair for them. They could never save themselves from something trying to get them outside. How old are you kids? Technically rabbits can be bad pets for children many times if the children are younger. Bunnies hate being picked up and carried around and will try to escape. And…the one thing you probably havent heard is rabbits live 10+ years! Most people think the lifespan of rabbits is like a gerbil or hamster but its not. Pet stores are horrible about marketing bunnies to children.

You will find that many of us are very funny about housing our bunnies in the house rather than outside. Many of us have worked in rescue or have dealt in some form with rabbits who have had a horrible existance living outside and it truely is so unfair for rabbits. They are social animals and deserve to be in the house. Get them fixed, give them a litter box and let them be a part of your family.
Ours are a huge part of our family and we would not change the last 6 years w/ house rabbits. Amazing how much love they are capable of giving and what they can truely teach us if we let them.

From your previous post it looks like you just got the buns today from the petstore? I agree with Beka. Weigh your options again. Go to http://www.rabbit.org and check for a local vet and get your new buns checked out. Buns are considered exotic so not all vets will see them.
Getting them fixed will be expensive. Once fixed you can potty train them and then they will be the most amazing house pets you have ever owned! honest!

[BinkyBunny]

You have received some great advice. I whole-heartedly agree with what everyone has said and so I don’t have much more to add. Though many allow their bunnies supervised time outside, as far as the majority of their time, and where they live, we are a site that advocates house rabbits. Having rabbits inside can be a really wonderful addition to your family.

[bunnytowne]

Rabbits inside are a lot of fun too. Very entertaining as well. they tent to nap during the middle of the day and at dusk come out hopping. They are fun to watch and interact with.

Sittin on the floor with them and letting them come up to you and get to know you usually works the best.

Also when child is holding a rabbit and it struggles to get away it can get hurt. There is a certain way to pick a rabbit up. Supporting it’s hind legs and the other hand under it’s chest.

Usually they hate being picked up and held.

There is a bunny info tab up above that has lots of information on house rabbits.

[MooBunnay]

I was not familiar with rabbits living indoors before I adopted my first rabbit and started working with a local rabbit rescue. But now, I couldn’t imagine putting my little guys outside. My bunnies just love seeing me during the day, and anytime I get near their cage they stick their heads up to be pet and sniff around for treats that I hand out every once and awhile. They are really very social with great personalities, and are really great indoor pets.

If you have any particular concerns, or problems you encounter with them as indoor pets, we’d be more than happy to help you figure it out. I’ve got 8 bunnies now and I’ve encountered quite a few different issues that required creative solutions, and same with many of the other members on this site, so we’d be happy to share what works well to make the best living situation for you and your rabbits.

[Hedi]

My husband and I have 4 rabbits that own us and they run our house. We both just love them. As soon as we get home someone is let out to run in the each level of the house so that everyone gets several hours of exercise since 3hrs really is the minimum to stretch their legs.

We see so many neat tricks- binkies and crazy runs up and down steps and 3 foot jumps straight in the air!

But bunnies are very very expensive and really are more adult pets rather than child pets and most people dont know that. The majority of people on this board are adults and the few kids are teens or have parents who are as obssessed as the kids are with the buns.

We didnt really mean to bombard but its that time again when we see so many buns let go outside to meet their fate because people get their kids easter bunnies and then decide they dont want them. My mom was one of those people-she would get animals for us kids growin up and then let them loose without caring if they could fend for themselves. Not a big fan of my mom these days. But anyways…so we do our best to really make sure people know what they are getting into with rabbits. They are so much fun but a huge responsibility.

Once buns hit puberty then things really get interesting!!

[Ruffles&Daisy]

Honestly, if you are concerned about the smell factor, or that you view rabbits as dirty, I will say that I thought so too. That is until I got a rabbit (my husband bullied me into getting one, now I’m hooked on bunnies). My rabbit does not smell… at all. It’s amazing how unsmelly and clean they are. If they are littertrained (which is easy to do), you will find that keeping your rabbits indoors is enjoyable. Also, it gets hot in Georgia, too hot for a rabbit. They will probably not survive, sorry to say.

[LizzieKnittyBun]

I just talked with a coworker two weeks ago about a bunny she had outside that was carried away by a bird… from his cage! If the bird of prey is determined enough, it won’t matter that your rabbits are in a cage. This coworker found bloody fur on the cage. This would be so horrible for you and your children to find!!

Plus, if you’re in South Georgia, it’s soon going to get too hot for your bunnies. Heat stroke is one of the easiest ways a bunny can die. Please do yourself a favor and bring your bunnies inside, for your sakes and well as theirs. My baby bunny has been inside the whole time, and it’s been such a joy watching him explore and get to know us, and now he follows us everywhere and sleeps at the foot of our bed!

Hope this helps!

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