Keeping Rabbits As Pets Outdoors
Do not think that if you are living in the suburbs there is no danger to your rabbits.
Keeping rabbits as pets outdoors. The days of thinking it acceptable to keep a pet rabbit in a small isolated hutch are in the past. However they do need exercise to stay healthy. Rabbits are very low maintenance requiring only food shelter and water. You can also construct your own bunny home.
Rabbits will usually be destructive if deprived of attention and appropriate toys. There are many reasons to begin keeping backyard bunnies. With the right care and attention rabbits make good pets. Mice hamsters guinea pigs etc.
They re also small gentle and easy to clean up after. You may argue that there are no predators in your area. When housed outside they need a large hutch which is safe from predators cats dogs foxes. They also need to be spayed or neutered to cut down on behavioral problems and health risks.
You do not have to keep them inside unless it is too cold. Rabbits need protection from predators at all times. Unless you can regulate the temperature of an outdoor enclosure keeping your rabbit inside is best. Having ample protection from the elements and predators is your main concern.
Why rabbits are the best pets. By now you should have a good idea of whether a rabbit would be the right pet for you. The hutch should allow shade during the heat of the day and shelter from strong winds. You can keep it in a cage and let it hop around in the yard 4 times a week.
Ideally a hutch for two medium sized rabbits should measure 150 x 60 x 60cm. Rabbits are quiet and don t require much physical space. Rabbits need a dry clean ventilated safe well placed and relatively roomy home to thrive. While some may raise rabbits as pets others may choose to raise them for meat.
Position the hutch so it is also protected from weather on a verandah or deck. Regardless of the purpose it s important to become familiar with their specific needs. Many pet rabbits do not do well with the hot southern summer or the cold northern winters. Rabbits are not ideal pets for children partly because rabbits usually do not like to be picked up though they do like being stroked and are quite social.
This should be insect mosquito proof and protect rabbits from extreme weather. However rabbits aren t suitable pets for everyone. Make great low maintenance pets and can be kept as indoor pets or outdoor pets. But if your hutch is smaller consider adding a separate run in the garden or allowing some daily supervised exercise for your pets outside the cage.
Most bunny experts recommend housing your rabbit indoors.