Where will bunny live outside?
When deciding where your bunny will live, there are several options to consider. But the most important decision first; indoor or outdoor?
Outdoor Housing
Housing rabbits outdoors is a great option for both pet owners and breeders. For pet owners, a common housing option is a rectangular wooden hutch. Here is a picture of a pretty well constructed wooden hutch:
Things to keep in mind:
1. Three sides of this hutch are solid wood. This keeps the rabbit sheltered from all kinds of weather and provides a safe, comfortable environment for him.
2. There is also a small part of the front wall that is also solid wood. This provides a nice hiding spot where the rabbit can sit to escape the sun, predators, or just to relax in the privacy of his own "room".
3. Part of the front wall and the floor of the cage is wire. This allows loose hay and waste to fall through the floor, and also allows for proper ventilation for the bunny. He'll love to lay in sun on warm afternoons or wait by the door for a cool breeze on a hot day.
4. It is also best if the hutch is made to stand at least 4 feet above the ground to protect from predators.
WARNINGS:
1. Rabbits that live outside are ALWAYS at risk of predators. Not only wild animals, though. Most attacks on domestic rabbits come from stray dogs, or even neighbors' dogs that get loose. Having a fenced yard helps a lot, but never assume that predators can't get into the yard or the hutch. This doesn't mean you need to live in constant fear of an attack on your rabbit; I live in the middle of the woods with no fenced yard, and in over seven years of owning an outdoor hutch, I've never had a problem. Just be aware of the risk when choosing housing, and do what you can to make the situation as safe as you can.
2. Rabbits can handle the cold better than the heat. As long as you keep the hutch stuffed with lots of hay and bedding to keep your rabbit warm, he should survive the winter weater just fine. But the heat is a whole other story- visit our summer weather page for tips on keeping your rabbit cool!
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