Outdoor Life

[Flopsie]

I have a question regarding taking the bunny outdoors and I would like some opinion so I can make a better decision.

 So I don’t take my bunny outdoors.  I would love to do this because I think it’s nice to let her out, but because of my own personal issues, i don’t really take her.  However, I do not want my own personal opinions to negatively impact her well being.  Let me explain.  First off, I don’t consider myself to be a “neat freak” but there are things that bother me.  I don’t want my bunny to be dirty because she is an indoor bunny and I give her full access to everything.  For example she is allowed to jump on the bed, sofa, couch, carpet etc.  As a result, I don’t like her being outside because I don’t want her to lay on the ground and then on my bed.  Also, I am concerned about bugs, fleas, or mites that she my get if outside.  I know this sounds pretty silly, but I can’t shake my head of these things.  I want to mention that in the home, I have set up a large area for her to roam, play and excercise, so it’s not that im confining her to a cage all the time.  In fact, as long as i’m not at work or out, she pretty much is free to roam and play in the area and with the toys/boxes that I have set up for her.

Also, I would be more inclined to take her out if she would let me wipe her paws down a bit when she comes in but alas she is incredibly non compliant haha.  Finally, i’ve tried to take her on walks, but her head is really small and i have a hard time finding a good harness that will adequately fit her fat tummy but small head.  So all that is left is my enclosed backyard.  Unfortunately my back yard is filthy and has tons of cobwebs.  And yes, i’ve tried cleaning it up a bit but thats another story.

 So the question remains, should i just take her out? Is the dirtiness just in my head?  More importantly, what about the pests and bugs, should this be a concern?

[tobyluv]

I think it’s a lot safer for rabbits to remain inside. There are so many dangers outdoors. Besides fleas and ticks, she could eat plants that aren’t safe. I don’t know if you have fire ants in your area, but you sure don’t want her getting near those. There are also a lot of bees and wasps out there this time of year. Yellow jackets stay close to the ground and they will sting without provocation. She could get worms by eating grass or vegetation that other animals may have used the bathroom on. Even if your yard is fenced, a predator could get in by jumping over it or tunneling under it or by flying into it. I know someone who was outside with their rabbit, very close to it, and a hawk swooped down and attacked it. If any predator did get near your rabbit, it could frighten her so much that she could injure herself, trying to get away.

It sounds like she gets a lot of exercise and space inside your house, as well as toys to stimulate her. I bet that she is perfectly happy inside and she is certainly safe there.

[JackRabbit]

I’ve never taken my bunnies outside to play and never intend to — too many things to worry about out there for me!

[Sarita]

I’ve never ever taken my rabbit outside and he’s perfectly happy. I have carried him in my arms outside and he’s truly terrified so indoors he stays.

[BunnyBrigade]

I agree with everyone else, there really is no need for your bun to go outside. They are perfectly happy and healthy being indoor buns. And I completely understand your concerns. I’m really paranoid when it comes to bugs/insects. Especially since I did not grow up where I’m currently living and do not understand their insect life at all. They honestly terrifying me at times. So I chose to keep my buns inside away from them. The only time I even let them remotely close to going out side is allowing them out on our screened in patio and that’s only after I have swept out there and washed it down with dish soap. So don’t feel bad at all.

[LittlePuffyTail]

My buns are very unhappy and scared outside. The few times I’ve let them out in an X-pen they were so scared of the sounds and the breeze. They both just tried to jump on my shoulders, like “Take me in!!!”.

Fleas and ticks are a definite concern for outdoor bunnies.

[Flopsie]

Wow I have to admit I didn’t expect these responses. Thanks for the insight. It makes my decision that much easier!

[Author]

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