Persuading the parents: Rabbits should be indoors

[RavenousDragon]

My rabbits HATE the outdoors. They get free run of the apartment and are offered leash time outdoors. My male does spend some time on the balcony (don't worry, it's 100% enclosed), but every time her hears a person (which is often), he freaks out and wants inside. My rabbits would NOT do well outdoors, since they are definitely indoor bunnies (sort of like outdoor vs. indoor cats). They do, however, get free run of the apartment when we are home to supervise, and access to look out a window when we are not. I think it depends on the rabbit. Even my female, who is fine with wearing her harness inside and LOVES going to the vet/events where she is inside, does not like how 'dirty' the outside world is (she literally just cleans her feet every time we go out ).

 

[rabbitgirl54]

i have wanted my rabbits inside since the day my parents have said i could get them and they told me not because they would be happier outside but the only way i can bond with them is inside because of our dogs and the dogs would do no harm i just fear of stressing them at all and i feel like it would be better because then i could be with them more and could buy them more of the cuddle cups etc. then they would have since they live outdoors but i feel my battle with my parents will be very very long
:brown-bunny:bunny19


- rabbitgirl54, stormy and baby

 

[Alek]

Thank you Alek!
It has been a while since I have posted and I am glad to stay George does get to stay indoors at night. I am still working on the indoor living situation... but I don't think my parents will budge.

One thing I always have trouble persuading is if George wants to live inside or not. My parents point out that he has lived outdoors free-range his whole life and loves being outside. And that it isn't right to keep him inside for my own 'amusement'. But when you think about it because he has been outdoors his entire life he will naturally feel at home outside not indoors.

I was thinking of doing a petition and asking how many signatures my parents wanted in order for George to be let inside but when I repeated that through my mind I actually sounded quite 'bratty'

If you have any thoughts I'll be glad to hear

I think rabbit safety is important, and letting your parents know that indoors doesn't mean you can't take your bunny outdoors to play in a fenced area, or on a harness. Several of my rabbits started out before I had them as free range outdoor bunnies, or hutch rabbits, to living with me indoors. But I took them outside everyday on a harness to run around while I was gardening. Back when I had my last rabbit, it was pretty funny, because my neighbor would have his 3 cats sitting outside at the table with us, my two dogs would be on their tie outs, and I'd have my rabbit on the tie out with the dogs. We had quite the menagerie and they all got along.
Exercise and mental stimulation is the most important thing for a bunnies happiness. But you can have the bunny spend most of it's time indoors, and go outside for play time. I enjoy having a bunny indoors because they get more one of one time with their person.

 

[BouncingBunniez]

I think rabbit safety is important, and letting your parents know that indoors doesn't mean you can't take your bunny outdoors to play in a fenced area, or on a harness. Several of my rabbits started out before I had them as free range outdoor bunnies, or hutch rabbits, to living with me indoors. But I took them outside everyday on a harness to run around while I was gardening. Back when I had my last rabbit, it was pretty funny, because my neighbor would have his 3 cats sitting outside at the table with us, my two dogs would be on their tie outs, and I'd have my rabbit on the tie out with the dogs. We had quite the menagerie and they all got along.
Exercise and mental stimulation is the most important thing for a bunnies happiness. But you can have the bunny spend most of it's time indoors, and go outside for play time. I enjoy having a bunny indoors because they get more one of one time with their person.

Thank you for your help I think what you did to transition your rabbits from a outdoor to an indoor life is amazing help.
Taking your rabbits personalities into consideration 2 questions I would like to ask are:

How long did it take for the rabbits to feel 'secure' into the indoor enviroment?

Did you ever feel they were sad to be indoors?

If you have any other advice to add please feel free to

I have also got the green light to purchase some NIC grids!

Thank you so much Alek!

 

[BouncingBunniez]

i have wanted my rabbits inside since the day my parents have said i could get them and they told me not because they would be happier outside but the only way i can bond with them is inside because of our dogs and the dogs would do no harm i just fear of stressing them at all and i feel like it would be better because then i could be with them more and could buy them more of the cuddle cups etc. then they would have since they live outdoors but i feel my battle with my parents will be very very long
:brown-bunny:bunny19


- rabbitgirl54, stormy and baby

Hi rabbitgirl54,
I am kinda in the same delema I have tried lots of different 'tac tics' such as:

Doing my research on why indoor living is better for example:

-Rabbits live longer indoors
-Rabbits can be abused by animals and humans
-Rabbits can die of fright.. so if they saw a racoon, fox or snake (something scary) they can die instantly
-Rabbits who live outside are usually forgotten about and aren't used to human contact
-Rabbits are more likely to get a disease called fly strike
-A myth many people think is that pet rabbits know what plants are bad for them when actually they don't and they can die because of this.
-Rabbits also don't know if the grass has deadly fertilisers and/or pesticides on it
-Insects can harm and even kill rabbits more living outdoors
-exposure to the elements
-Your rabbit won't have a strong bond with you compared to someone owning a indoor rabbit

There are also indoor problems are well some are:

-hay gets everywhere
-need to rabbit-proof otherwise lots of chewed cords, nibbled furniture and so on..
-need to be litter trained or poop will be everywhere
-Rabbits will want to dig and will dig the carpet
-Rabbits are very adventurous... and will explore and could potently harm themselves while exploring e.g jumping and breaking their spine, etc.

As you can see there are a lot of cons to living outside.

I have also found doing a presentation to your parents might help. I have found this idea on other forms and it seems to have worked.

In this presentation you can explain:

The pros and cons of living indoors and the pros and cons of living outdoors

Why you think your rabbit(s) should live indoors

What you are prepared to do so your rabbit(s) can come inside e.g
-Clean daily for no smell
-Do homework before letting them out for playtime
and etc.

And a trial period

A trial period is when you ask if your rabbit can live inside for two weeks or more or less and your parents see if they like it or not. I do not recommend this as if your parents do say no at the end of the trial period and you take your rabbit outside again the outdoors have a sudden temperature change e.g when you leave the house and go outside the temperature is not the same as it is inside it cold be colder or hotter outside.

I hope my ideas helped! I think I suggested some of these ideas in dept a little more back a few posts - maybe on page 1

I also have a dog and he gets along will my rabbit George ok. What breed is your dog? Is s/he a hunting breed?

Hope this helps :runningrabbit:
-BouncingBunniez

 

[BouncingBunniez]

My rabbits HATE the outdoors. They get free run of the apartment and are offered leash time outdoors. My male does spend some time on the balcony (don't worry, it's 100% enclosed), but every time her hears a person (which is often), he freaks out and wants inside. My rabbits would NOT do well outdoors, since they are definitely indoor bunnies (sort of like outdoor vs. indoor cats). They do, however, get free run of the apartment when we are home to supervise, and access to look out a window when we are not. I think it depends on the rabbit. Even my female, who is fine with wearing her harness inside and LOVES going to the vet/events where she is inside, does not like how 'dirty' the outside world is (she literally just cleans her feet every time we go out ).

Your male seems like a little cutie :bunny19 And your female sounds adorable! I loved hearing what your bunnies thought about the 'outdoor world' And I would love to hear more

-BouncingBunniez

 

[BouncingBunniez]

My personal opinion (no intention to hurt anyone)
- keeping rabbits indoors 100% of time sucks big time (from rabbit's perspective, I think). My rabbits spend a night inside (in garage) and a whole day they are outside. Once I had to keep one of them inside for several days due to illness, and she became clearly depressed from seeing no sun. The vet told me to let her out even though her condition called for staying indoors. He said her moral health is even more important. I let her out and she got well soon.
- at night, I think it's better for them to be indoors. Just for safety and weather reasons. Not sure about big changes in temperature. Never had a problem with it, but I keep it cool in garage for them.
Of course, when the weather is extreme all this doesn't apply. I bring them in when too hot, too cold, tornado, bad thunderstorm, etc.
- Its easier to bond with a human when they spend some time in the house, especially if you have only 1 bun. But I would still take him out every day. We all need sunshine to thrive.

PS I pretty much agree with your parents.
Have you thought about getting him a bunny friend? (sorry I haven;t read thru the whole thread)

Hi Thumperina
So far George is living to exactly what you said, Free ranging outdoors daily and at night coming inside. I liked seeing your opinion on this and am wondering what your experiences are with outdoor and indoor housing.

Thank you on your opinion
-BouncingBunniez

 

[rabbitgirl54]

Hi rabbitgirl54,
I am kinda in the same delema I have tried lots of different 'tac tics' such as:

Doing my research on why indoor living is better for example:

-Rabbits live longer indoors
-Rabbits can be abused by animals and humans
-Rabbits can die of fright.. so if they saw a racoon, fox or snake (something scary) they can die instantly
-Rabbits who live outside are usually forgotten about and aren't used to human contact
-Rabbits are more likely to get a disease called fly strike
-A myth many people think is that pet rabbits know what plants are bad for them when actually they don't and they can die because of this.
-Rabbits also don't know if the grass has deadly fertilisers and/or pesticides on it
-Insects can harm and even kill rabbits more living outdoors
-exposure to the elements
-Your rabbit won't have a strong bond with you compared to someone owning a indoor rabbit

There are also indoor problems are well some are:

-hay gets everywhere
-need to rabbit-proof otherwise lots of chewed cords, nibbled furniture and so on..
-need to be litter trained or poop will be everywhere
-Rabbits will want to dig and will dig the carpet
-Rabbits are very adventurous... and will explore and could potently harm themselves while exploring e.g jumping and breaking their spine, etc.

As you can see there are a lot of cons to living outside.

I have also found doing a presentation to your parents might help. I have found this idea on other forms and it seems to have worked.

In this presentation you can explain:

The pros and cons of living indoors and the pros and cons of living outdoors

Why you think your rabbit(s) should live indoors

What you are prepared to do so your rabbit(s) can come inside e.g
-Clean daily for no smell
-Do homework before letting them out for playtime
and etc.

And a trial period

A trial period is when you ask if your rabbit can live inside for two weeks or more or less and your parents see if they like it or not. I do not recommend this as if your parents do say no at the end of the trial period and you take your rabbit outside again the outdoors have a sudden temperature change e.g when you leave the house and go outside the temperature is not the same as it is inside it cold be colder or hotter outside.

I hope my ideas helped! I think I suggested some of these ideas in dept a little more back a few posts - maybe on page 1

I also have a dog and he gets along will my rabbit George ok. What breed is your dog? Is s/he a hunting breed?

Hope this helps :runningrabbit:
-BouncingBunniez

thank you for the info but i have already had a bunny brought inside because of health and i have figured these things out but thanks for the thought i truly mean it when i say thanks i really hope i can bring the others in too! thank you again
:hug2:

 

[BouncingBunniez]

thank you for the info but i have already had a bunny brought inside because of health and i have figured these things out but thanks for the thought i truly mean it when i say thanks i really hope i can bring the others in too! thank you again
:hug2:

Great I'm so happy to hear your bunny is inside

 

[Thumperina]

Hi Thumperina
So far George is living to exactly what you said, Free ranging outdoors daily and at night coming inside. I liked seeing your opinion on this and am wondering what your experiences are with outdoor and indoor housing.

Thank you on your opinion
-BouncingBunniez

I am sorry it took me forever to respond. Haven't been on this site for a long time.
Right now I am facing a HUGE problem because our summer is super hot. Well, compared to some other areas, it's probably not that hot, but I grew up in a cold climate, so for me it's simply miserable.
The day temperature is in the mid 90s (about 35C) but the biggest problem is that it doesn't get cool enough even an night (about 75F, 25C).
We have a portable air conditioning unit that we installed in garage, during the day I bring my buns inside the garage, but my females are still impatient to get outside when evening comes. AC unit doesn't cool the garage down very well but it's clearly cooler than outside.
My biggest problem is what to do at night during hot summer. Staying in garage is way too hot for them. I hate to have them suffer from heat even at night. If I close back door and have AC on (I also have to blow fan on them), then its too noisy and still the air isn't great.
During comfortable season I keep back garage door open overnight, where I insert removable door frame with metal net in it.
I really need to figure out an outdoor overnight summer option for them as night time is time when they can finally enjoy fresh air. I bought a hutch but I don't think it's secure enough. We don;t have big problem with predators, but anything isn't impossible. The only predator I have seen near during all this yeas was opossum but he is gone long ago. People have seen coyottes, not right where I live but not too far.
I guess I need to build a secure hutch for outdoor use. My rabbits are large, and I have 3 of them
people may think why I don't want to bring them inside the house overnight. I also have birds (cockatiels), I don't want cross-contaminate the area (expose birds to germs that outdoor rabbits may bring with them) , also my rabbits tore carpet in the past and my husband isn't keen of them being in the house since that.
Other than this....all summer "pleasures" are here - watching for fly strikes, removing ticks from their ears from time to time, using Revolution against mites, and so on... I HATE summertime because my rabbits are suffering (but they would still prefer to be outdoors). I would be happy to move to a moderate climate but right now we can't

 

[Thumperina]

PS right now we are having massive thunderstorm, I let them out before it started. I wouldn't let them be out in such thunderstorm if they were not stuck in garage all day (the humidity and heat were miserable). I visit them in garage by the way...
They have shelter under the deck (I put several tarps on the deck) and they can go in the old hutch that my friend made for them when they were babies (he already died since that time). The old hutch is small and isn't good to use on a regular basis but it can serve as shelter from elements. Plus the temperature is very warm, I am not concerned for them to get a cold if they are wet.

 

[Aki]

Yeah, the heat is a big problem for all of us. I've got two very furry bunnies and a dog who's got so much fur he looks like a bear - everyone suffers a great deal right now. I have to travel with everyone in a fortnight to go to my parents for a few weeks and I'm really not looking forward to it... Honestly, I don't think you'll find a lot of places were heat isn't a problem nowadays, considering global warming. I live in the northern half of western France, you can't get more moderate than that climate wise and we also are around 35° right now. It was unheard of a few years back but what can you do...
Just make sure your rabbits have shady places where the can hide, a lot of water and give wet greens to boost their water intake... and, like you say, watch out for insects. I hope it will cool down a bit soon, but it's not likely - where I am, next week is looking bleak regarding the temperatures ^^'.

 

[Thumperina]

thanks Aki
No, our summer hell is a usual thing, the last summer wasn't too bad, and when I say not so bad I mean that instead of torturing us till the end of September it went straight to a bearable weather in the second part of August. What I also mean is that periods of heat were interrupted by thunderstorms and local cool-down for a day or two from time to time

Several years ago we had summer drought and the temperature over 40C for like 20-25 days straight. I am still recalling it as one of the most disgusting things I have ever experienced.