Introducing bunny to the outside world

[bunnyluv96]

Hello! Since the weather is warming up, I was thinking of taking my bun outside to let him get some sunshine and fresh air. I just wanted to ask if there was a certain way I should do this? I don't want him to be afraid. My cats are indoor cats and I try to take them outside sometimes and they are terrified! I think it might be sensory overload? Should I get a run or just put him on a little harness? He has never been outside, even at the breeders he lived in a garage but never got to play outside so this would be a competely new experience for him. I just dont' want to scare him, I want him to enjoy himself and have fun.Thanks!

 

[elrohwen]

I wouldn't use a harness - in my opinion they are extremely dangerous and even very experienced people have had bunnies freak out and hurt themselves badly.

I would stick to a pen. Do you have a pen that you can set up temporarily outside? It doesn't need a floor or a roof *if* you plan to supervise him the whole time. I would also provide somewhere for him to hide. Some bunnies like it outside but some are overwhelmed by the sun and being so exposed, so just read his cues. If he runs in the hidey house and never comes out, he's probably just not an outdoor bun, but you could always try again when he's older and more sure of himself. If he comes out and explores, nibbles some grass, etc, then I imagine he is enjoying himself.

 

[funnybunnymummy]

If you want to put your rabbit in a harness, you need to harness train him first. I don't recommend just popping the harness on and taking him outside. He could really hurt himself if he tries to bolt and gets tangled in the harness. Spend the time to get him used to the harness and leash indoors first. Harness training, IMVHO, is much like training a horse to take a saddle. It takes time, patience and trust to do it properly. And if it's not done properly the horse can really hurt itself. The same goes for rabbits.

Since he's never been outside before, I definitely agree to start with a pen and see how he likes that.

Hope that helps!

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

IMO, do not use a harness or leash, please.

I have an outside pen, made w/ keep buns out fencing that is awesome. You can make it as big as you want. I'll post a pic of mine. All you need to do is make sure no "poisonous plants" are growing in the pen.

 

[ZipperNipper]

AngelnSnuffy wrote:

All you need to do is make sure no "poisonous plants" are growing in the pen.

I second that! Moldy leaves or just thems off of poisonous plants should be also watched for.

I've always used a harness/leash for my buns and it seems to work fine. :\ Provided that the bun's been introduced to wearing one beforehand, understands that the harness is a boundary and not a grasping monster and that you hold the leash vertical at all times, I'd say you're safe. Just IMHO of course.

When I take Bub for his once-every-six-month-walks (bunny drags human around the yard), he'll occasionally hit the leash length limit, pause and then start off in another direction. He doesn't panic, but then my Mother's always saying he's the ditz of the bunch. ^^ My sweet, fuzzy, ditz. 'point is that it might depend on the temperament of the particular bun and their tolerance of being handled/restricted. Know thy Bunny!

A thought: You might begin by sitting with your bunny outside on a picnic table or the like so that they can get used to the barrage of new noises while still being 'safe'. If they're used to having a towel with them, it might add an element of safety/familiarity to a potentially frightening situation; a home base, so to speak.

 

[bunnyluv96]

Thanks to all for posting! I dont' think he'd like the leash and harness. Any ideas for what I could use for an enclosure outdoors? Or a company that sells them? I haven't taken him out yet, it's either pouring rain or 85 degrees outside so no way he's going out in that! I'll just wait for nicer weather. lol