To want the rabbits to live inside

34 replies

Notaderrysgirl · 31/05/2023 11:56

My DP bought me two rabbits a few months ago, I’d wanted rabbits for a very long time and they are very much loved and spoilt. Currently they live inside and free roam the majority of the time, they are litter trained and very well behaved (they don’t seem interested in chewing or destroying anything, they are quite lazy) I do all of their care and they bring me much joy just having them around the house. DP has decided that “it’s time for them to go outside to live”. I cant bear the idea of them being in a hutch outside, we have a lot of cats in our neighbourhood and I’d just be worried sick. Also I don’t think it’s fair to put them in a hutch when they have had the run of the house and they would need to come back inside come winter anyway. I’ve expressed my anxiety of having them outside and that I love having them inside however he is not convinced. In his mind rabbits are meant to be outside in a pokey hutch. AIBU?

OP posts:

MidnightMeltdown · 31/05/2023 12:09

If you keep them in a hutch, you will need to make sure that you put them out on the grass EVERY day. You will either need to secure the garden, or get a very large run.

They will get very depressed if you keep them in a hutch all day. It's very cruel.

Donna1001 · 31/05/2023 12:05

I agree about the hutches, I would never put a rabbit in one of those awful things.

I used a 6’ x 4’ shed, put in a cat flap & attached a long run when I had rabbits.
they has lots of room, & I also had a bigger run then I let them out into most days away from the shed & on grass. (The shed & run had to be on paving due to the layout I have available).

in the winter I bought them some warming mats, & I also lined the shed with extra wood to add some insulation.

mine did live in the house for a bit, but liked chewing too much (toys, cables, skirting boards ) so had to go outside.

WetBandits · 31/05/2023 12:04

My friend keeps her rabbits in a huge, insulated Wendy house with a massive enclosed run attached so they can mooch around safely.

I’d still keep yours indoors though, maybe with an outdoor run so they can enjoy some safe sunshine too!

chupachucks · 31/05/2023 12:02

Disgusting OP,

Show him this.
https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/a-hutch-is-not-enough/

ComtesseDeSpair · 31/05/2023 12:02

I’d keep them inside. Rabbits aren’t meant to be cooped up in hutches, it prevents them from engaging in their natural behaviours (I mean, sure, they aren’t meant to be indoors either, but at least being able to roam indoors is closer to being able to roam outdoors.) And I’d also be really clear with him that pets aren’t toys and in future any pets need prior discussion about how they’re going to be kept and agreement on what you both expect for them. He was an idiot to buy you pets without you both agreeing whether they’d live in or out.

StarbucksSmarterSister · 31/05/2023 12:01

In his mind rabbits are meant to be outside in a pokey hutch

Why didn't he say that from the start? If they are in a hutch, it has to be a big one anyway.

If they're well behaved, I see no reason why they shouldn't stay inside.

IBetGordonRamsayDoesntHaveTheseProblems · 31/05/2023 12:00

Rabbit hutches were a Victorian invention meant for very temporary accommodation for rabbits before slaughter.

Rabbit hutches sold in pet shops don't meet the welfare needs of rabbits.

YANBU - though I wonder if you can come to a compromise of much larger outside accommodation - the Rabbit Welfare Association Fund has some ideas, often made from garden sheds.

JulieHoney · 31/05/2023 12:00

Not a pokey hutch, but a large enclosure with shelter and they'll have a great time.

TeaKitten · 31/05/2023 11:59

The answer here is to build them a proper enclosure to live outside, or to spend a lot
of time outside in, it shouldn’t be inside or pokey hutch as the only options. What sort of set up do they have for your side at the min? They could still sleep inside

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