Getting a pet rabbit is an exciting time, but there’s lots to think about beforehand and it’s important to be prepared as possible.

Before you bring your furry friend home, it’s a good idea to do your research. That way, you can give your bunny the best quality of life.

Outdoor rabbit supply checklist

You’ll need to make sure you’re prepared with all the supplies your new furry friend will need. Here are some things that your list could include:

• Hutch
• Litter box and scoop
• Food dishes
• Water bottle or bowl
• Exercise run
• Carrier
• Brush
• Hay
• Toys
• Rabbit-friendly cleaning sprays
• Rabbit chews

Keeping a rabbit outside?

Bringing home your first bunny is a big deal in terms of commitment. Also, keeping a rabbit outdoors is a different matter to having an indoor rabbit.

Talk it through with your family as your bunny should be treated as part of the family. They will need to feel appreciated in the same way as any other family pet. This is especially important for outdoor pets, as they won’t be at your feet waiting for fuss. It takes patience, and dedication for rabbits to trust their owners. If you have busy lives and no time to commit, then we advise against getting a rabbit.

As well as feeding and watering daily and finding time for grooming and play, their hutches will need cleaning each week.

Things to consider for an outdoor rabbit.

Do you have space in your garden for a large hutch and run?

You might also want to give your rabbit a run to exercise undercover. Will you have room for this?

Is your garden secure and safe?

If you plan to let your rabbits roam freely, the garden space needs to be secure and escape-proof. Rabbits are nibblers and diggers, they are also little Houdini’s and so, look for the small gaps and fill them so that the bunnies don’t escape and predators can’t get in.

You should also remove all dangerous plants. Rabbits love to graze on nature’s salad, but there are lots of plants that are toxic or harmful to rabbits. Anything growing from a bulb e.g., snowdrops and daffodils are a no-no, as are tulips, hyacinths, ivy, and aloe vera. These are just a few of many poisonous plants, so make sure to get informed and prepare your garden in advance.

Consider if any potential existing pets pose a threat to bunnies. Rabbits are social animals and enjoy the company of other animals. However, while it is possible for rabbits to live with cats and dogs, keep in mind that they are prey animals. Even when raised together, predatory pets such as these can still pose a threat. If you are planning on keeping a rabbit with cats and dogs, never leave them together unsupervised. You should also ensure they have a safe space to hide that your other animals cannot get into.

How to keep your rabbit safe in the garden.

Rabbits need lots of space to run and play if they are to lead happy and healthy lives. Of course, the outside world comes with risks and dangers of its own. There are plenty of things you can do to keep your rabbit safe in your garden:

Make a predator-proof space.

In the wild, rabbits hide from predators in burrows and use their tails to signal danger to one another. Even in the safety of your garden, pet rabbits are still vulnerable to predators. It’s our responsibility to provide secure areas that foxes cannot break into.

Large hutches offer a hidden room behind a securely fastened door, this allows bunnies space to hide should a fox find their way into your garden. Make a point of checking on hutch fastenings and wire mesh on a regular basis, and repair when necessary.

We recommend covering the hutch at night to add an extra layer of protection from predators on the prowl.

Do not use any toxic chemicals in the garden.

Weed killers, slug repellent and fertilisers are all examples of toxic chemicals you should avoid using in the garden. Be extra vigilant to check ingredients of bagged soils or compost for harmful ingredients such as Glyphosate in particular. This can cause serious respiratory illness in rabbits so should never be used in your garden.

Protect your rabbit from bad weather.

Rabbits can be kept outside all year long, but you should take extra care to protect them from adverse weather.

In the summer, overheating and dehydration is a big risk. During this time, a hutch with a sheltered, hidden room can make for a great place to get some shade from the sun. Try to keep their hutch well-ventilated and keep their water bottle topped up more frequently. You can also add a cooling ice pod or spare ceramic tiles where they can relax when the weather heats up.

While rabbits are equipped to live outside in winter, care needs to be taken to ensure they don’t get hypothermia when the temperature drops. Extra bedding, insulation and hutch covers are essential in keeping your bunny warm. You may also have to reposition the hutch to shelter them from heavy rain and away from strong winds.

Keep your rabbit fed and hydrated.

Outdoor rabbits have the same dietary needs as indoor bunnies.

Unless otherwise advised, you should feed your rabbit:

• 1 quarter cup of high-quality pellets each day (in two servings)
• Unlimited hay
• Unlimited water
• 2-3 servings of safe veg or fresh herbs.
• Fruit should be given sparingly as a treat due to the high sugar content.

Give your rabbit the exercise it needs.

As large as their hutch may be, we recommend letting your rabbit have constant access to a run or playpen. This will help to encourage regular exercise and keep their weight at a healthy level.

Keep your bunny from boredom.

This is especially important if you only have one pet rabbit. Rabbits are active creatures and need mind stimuli to keep them from boredom. Wooden blocks, balls, hanging chews and forage boxes can provide entertainment. Toys can also prevent your bunny from focusing on the great escape!

Nothing can replace the company of another bunny and constant interaction with you! The more of your time you give to your pets the longer and happier their lives will be.

Will my rabbit run away if I let it outside?

If you haven’t kept rabbits as pets before, you may not be familiar with their nature. Rabbits are curious creatures and unfortunately, this doesn’t always work in their favour.

Bunnies are master escape artists and high-risk takers. That means no matter how much love and care they receive; they may still try to break free. Many see their escape as a game or a long-term challenge, which keeps them from boredom.

Rabbit-proofing your garden.

Gaps in fences should be filled or covered and checked regularly for signs of gnawing. Hedgerows that leave room in the soil below for burrowing should be replaced with a sturdy fence. Fences can be buried slightly to prevent your rabbit from digging their way out.

If it isn’t possible to completely fence off your garden, they will still need a sealed-off run or pen. It’s inevitable that they will try to escape this too, but they are less likely to succeed.

How long do rabbits live as pets outdoors?

With proper care, a balanced diet and active life, outdoor bunnies can live between 7-10 years. The same is true for indoor rabbits. The more you do to protect your rabbit from harm and care for its health, the more chance it has of living a long and happy life.

Should rabbits live indoors or outdoors?

Traditionally, rabbits have always been kept outdoors.

However, the last century has seen a growing trend of keeping pet rabbits inside the house. Both are entirely safe options but come with different risks and considerations.

Whether you keep your rabbit indoors or outdoors will depend on the space available to you. It will also depend on whether you have other pets and the type of space you have outdoors.

An indoor rabbit will need to be litter trained, and the house or room that they reside in will need cleaning on a regular basis. If you or your family members have allergies, keeping a rabbit indoors may not be ideal.

Of course, it’s much easier to monitor a rabbit when it’s sharing a house with you.

Keeping an outdoor rabbit can be beneficial in giving them fresh air and a garden to play in. But you need to check on them and devote time to them just as you would if they were indoors.

You will also need to take precautionary measures to protect them from danger. This includes predators, weather and keeping them from breaking free of your garden.

How long can a rabbit be left alone?

Rabbits do not fare well in isolation, so we advise not to leave your rabbit on their own for more than two days. A weekend away is fine, but it’s important to give them everything they will need before you go.

As a precautionary measure, you might want to attach two full bottles of water to their hutch. That way, you won’t have to worry about your rabbit being thirsty.

When it comes to hay, there is no such thing as too much. Pellets can be given in surplus but be careful not to overfeed. One cup should suffice for two days.

As well as plenty of hay and enough water, we recommend providing toys and boredom busters. To keep them active while you’re away, it’s best to buy a large hutch with access to an enclosed run.

If you are planning on a longer trip or time away from home, organise a bunny sitter ahead of time. Give this guide to your designated bunny sitter if they aren’t well-versed in rabbit care.

Can pet rabbits live outside in the winter?

In winter, wild rabbits burrow underground in groups to keep warm. They also have thick fur coats that allow them to forage for food throughout the colder months.

For domesticated rabbits, it’s a different story. Not only are their coats less thick, but their homes are also above rather than below ground. Hutches don’t offer the same level of insulation as the burrow, so extra protection is needed.

If you think your rabbit will get cold outside, then adjust their habitat.

In practice, that means extra bedding, plenty of straw and a water-resistant hutch cover. Another trick to keep the heat in the hutch is to line the walls and floors with some newspaper under their bedding.

You may also need to reposition the hutch if it is facing the direction of the wind and rain. Ideally, it should not be placed anywhere that is prone to damp as this will damage the wood of the hutch.

It may not be pleasant going outside in the winter months, but if you’re keeping an outdoor pet, it’s essential. Rabbits thrive on the company of others and need plenty of love and affection. Extra effort throughout this time will make sure your rabbit never feels neglected.

If you are planning to keep the hutch in the garage over winter, make sure you use a different space to park your car. Carbon monoxide from the exhaust smoke can be harmful to your bunny and cause illness.

Remember, rabbits are crepuscular – they sleep in bursts during the day.

They do not hibernate.

Owners who do not know this can mistake lethargy and a lack of eating hibernation and overlook serious illness.

Should you notice any worrying behaviours, don’t wait to make an appointment with the vet.

Caring for Outdoor Rabbits

If you’re new to bunny care, you are in for a treat: rabbits are brilliant creatures with unique personalities. However, it takes time to learn how to properly care for these creatures.

Vets

At the beginning of your pet’s life, it is very important to register with a local vet. This way, you can keep track of their medical records and be sure that they are as healthy as possible. A vet’s services are also essential in the event of an emergency or for routine checkups. They can advise on what needs to be done, give vaccinations when required, and administer injections if needed.