Circle
Well-Known Member
I'll consider the hutch very carefully.
and age cannot even be blamed, since I was only a year older then you when I got my first bunny Frost.
Rabbits can be very happy outside and they can be happy inside.
Brownie is coming to Circle because of companionship, not just food
Rabbits are comfortable when they are able to act on their instincts, and their first choice would probably be...a warren, burrows, overhead cover, traction and a wide variety of food sources.
The natural instinct is to live on diggable dirt with lots of vegetation in easy reach. That's outside.
They also really like overhead cover like hedges or overturned swings.
However, while rabbits may be more comfortable outside, they don't know that's where all the predators are, so there has to be some give and take here.
If you have a rabbit, even if you didn't have a lot of predators around, the rabbit will attract them.
Birds of prey can see a rabbit from a mile away.
But rabbits in a hutch are actually more at risk than those running free in the yard. Locked in a hutch while being hunted is instinctively beyond horrible.
It will never be as safe as keeping her in the house.
1. Please spay your rabbit. It will improve her mood/ behavior and lessen her chance of developing cancer. And prolong her life.
I've deleted a ton of posts from this thread, there was an awful lot of inappropriate responses, name calling and personal attacks here.
I understand people being upset because they believe Brownie is in danger, and they are probably right, but from what I saw in this thread, Circle was listening to the advise and considering all options.
To continue berating her and calling her a troll is not at all acceptable.
She's an open and honest young girl. She is willing to learn, and that doesn't mean she has to accept all the advice offered. Her rabbit, her choice. Please accept that.
The forum should work with her on ways that will keep her rabbit as safe as possible with consideration to the restrictions and concerns that Circle has expressed.
Rabbits can be very happy outside and they can be happy inside.
Brownie is coming to Circle because of companionship, not just food, they are extremely social and need to have friends, the species isn't as important (although Circle may find herself ditched if Brownie doesn't think she's getting enough attention, and that means a LOT of attention).
Rabbits are comfortable when they are able to act on their instincts, and their first choice would probably be what their ancestors have always been used to -- a warren, burrows, overhead cover, traction and a wide variety of food sources.
The natural instinct is to live on diggable dirt with lots of vegetation in easy reach. That's outside.
Linoleum and corroplast is scary, they can't dig or escape from predators.
They also really like overhead cover like hedges or overturned swings.
What breed is Brownie? Some dig more than others.
However, while rabbits may be more comfortable outside, they don't know that's where all the predators are, so there has to be some give and take here.
If you have a rabbit, even if you didn't have a lot of predators around, the rabbit will attract them.
Birds of prey can see a rabbit from a mile away.
Whether Brownie has the instincts to get away from birds is iffy. Some do, some don't. Some rabbits will take shelter in a rabbit hole or under a cover, some will just sit there.
I'll be responding to a post next about raccoons breaking into a 'Fort Knox' chicken coop. It's hard to make a secure hutch or enclosure. But rabbits in a hutch are actually more at risk than those running free in the yard. The rabbits can and will run and get out of reach from four-legged predators, but a rabbit in a hutch is an invitation to dinner and a determined predator can break screens and pull open doors and terrify the rabbit to death even if unsuccessful. The rabbits instincts are to run and hide. Locked in a hutch while being hunted is instinctively beyond horrible.
I will direct you to all sorts of outdoor designs, and you can probably work something out where she'll be reasonably safe, but whether it's more safe that she can keep herself as a free run rabbit I honestly don't know. The best thing would be to secure the fence, put wire on the ground and a net over the whole yard. But that's unlikely to be feasible. You have to see what you have to work with -- maybe a big corner of the yard, more fencing, netting, man-made tunnels, boxes and a a shed or dog house.
It will never be as safe as keeping her in the house.
I'd build a really sweet set-up for her in the basement, you can make it really interesting for her. How long has she been outside? They can be litter trained, not so much when they're young and not spayed, but you can make it less messy.
I agree with establishing trust and not picking her up, but she will probably get used to it and forgive you. But you can also have and outdoor play area in the day time and bring her in before dusk by putting her food and treats in a carrier and transporting her in it daily.
There are all sorts of solutions, but they will have to be tailored to Brownie's wants and your needs.
Meanwhile, check out the 'Design Criteria' page of the Rabbitats thread, it should give you some ideas about outdoor housing.
http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=66709&forum_id=7
I'll find links on indoor housing as well.
sas