Rabbit adoption overthinking syndrome

[Helen]

So I am an animal lover. I have/have had cats, fish, ducks, chickens and pigs. I have wanted rabbits for so so so long, and the property owner just gave me permission to get two. After doing extensive research (I’m a very serious animal owner, and studying to be a vet nurse) I have totally psyched myself out. See, I am an over thinker, and animal welfare is a huge priority in my life. The buns would have to live mostly outside. We have a wooden kids playhouse (5ftx5ft) which will be converted into a rabbit house (hay, toilet, water, toys, bedding etc), some large corrugated tubing which would run between their house and a smaller run in the garden. We would allow them out on the grass for supervised play most evenings, and in rough/cold weather, we will have a fold out pen available to them inside. Is this enough??? I have had chickens in the past that I just couldn’t stand to see cooped up, so I ended up letting them free range after just one day. Obviously I can’t do this with rabbits! I have serious issues with knowing an animal is bored or unhappy. I know buns are high maintenance, and the work load doesn’t bother me, but are they emotionally high maintenance? My biggest fear is I will adopt some rescues, and I will feel regret (purely because I won’t feel like they are happy in our family). Told you I overthink things!

I should also add that I live in Auckland NZ, we have a very mild climate, and our only suburban predators are cats and dogs.

Thanks!

[Sirius&Luna]

I think a 5ftx5ft shed with a run attached sounds like a good environment! The only thing I would say would be that you should adopt two, as I don’t think it’s fair to have a single bunny outside, as I’m sure you know they’re very sociable animals.

Obviously this is a house rabbit forum, so most people here don’t have experience with outside bunnies. I have mine inside because I love spending time with them, and you can get to know them better inside. But, I do think with the correct environment they can also be happy outside.

[Deleted User]

I agree with S&L. If you’re going to get two bunnies, adopt a bonded pair from the shelter. If you get babies from a breeder they will need to remain separate until you both have been spayed/neutered and you go through the proper bonding process, which means you’d be looking at anywhere from 4-8 months to have a potential pair.

I think the run you’ve described sounds great, but like S&L said, most people here keep their buns inside to bond with them better, as bunnies do enjoy feeling a part of the family.

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