Outside or Rehome?

[Mrs.HoneyBun]

Hey there, My name is Ashley. I’m new to this forum but became a member due to some bunnie issues. My husband and I have had our buns for a little over a year now. We love them to death! We also have two chihuahuas and they love the buns too. We are all pretty much inseparable. 

My husband and I recently decided that we are moving from SC to FL at the beginning of this fall. We are moving in with my dad who owns his own house. He loves his house, it’s his pride and joy. He said that the buns are okay to come but he does not ever want them in the house. So, here is my dilemma, he said that him and my husband could build a nice hutch easily, and that the buns would adapt to the weather there. However, I’m not so sure. 

My only other option would be to re-home them, but I don’t think anyone would take them both in. And even if someone did adopt both buns, I think they would get rid of one because he is very hyper, doesn’t listen, and messes up just about everything. 

Any thoughts?? 

*I attached a picture of the outside hutch, it has built in hidey boxes and does not have a chicken wire bottom, it has a solid wood floor. 

Thanks! Your opinions are greatly appreciated! 

[KytKattin]

Is it a long term thing or a temporary thing? If it is going to be less than a year, then you could make it work if you are truly diligent, but if this is going to be permanent or longer than that then your bunnies would be better off finding a home where they can be inside and live comfortably like they are used to.

[MK]

Honestly, there are a lot of risks on both, but it is up to you.

Rehoming means they wouldn’t have the stress of the drive or flight from SC to FL, but they would also have the stress of moving to a new family, and you would have the effort of finding one. However, if you go through a good shelter like the House Rabbit Society you will probably be able to find people to take them no matter the personality.

Outside poses more health risks, and you have to keep their place crazy clean, especially in summer, and you would also have to make the extra effort to socialize with them. I kept mine outside for a summer, and it can definitely be done, but isn’t really the most desirable of situations. i can’t see the pic, does the hutch have access to any grass? Any yard has to be covered for sure.

[MoveDiagonally]

I’m also curious if this is a temporary or long term situation.

Heat, socialization, parasites and predators are obviously some concerns with outdoor housing. If the situation is going to be for less than a year then I think minimizing the risks and keeping them outdoors would be the better solution.

If it’s permanent then I’m not sure. Is there any chance you would be able to convince your father in law to allow you to bunny proof an indoor area for them? You can even build a base so they have no contact with the floor/trim, ect… And can’t really cause damage to the area they are in if that’s his concern. I have bases for my X-Pens because my rabbits like to dig carpet and until I can redo the room with bunny friendly flooring it’s plywood covered in vinyl tile for them.

Re-homing bunnies is hard because it’s hard to find bunny knowledgeable people… And re-homing them to someone that might end up keeping them outdoors would be contrary to your goal (If they’re going to be outdoor bunnies they might as well be your outdoor bunnies).

[Mrs.HoneyBun]

They would have to be outside for a max of 2 years. Hoping to stay with family and get on our feet with jobs down there before buying our own home.

I’m not sure why the picture didn’t show up … but yes it does have grass accessible on the bottom. We will also have a screened in porch (with concrete flooring) would it be better for them to go on the screened in porch??

I really appreciate all of your advice! I love these buns so much, it’s going to be heartbreaking to see them go, if need be. But I want them to be comfortable and happy.

[MK]

The porch would be great. They definetly stay on a screened porch for only two years. You could even move the hutch to the porch

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