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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think it's not my responsibility to catch these escaped rabbits!

53 replies

Zinni · 22/01/2016 16:49

There are 4 apartments in our complex, we share a large communal garden. One family (with our agreement) bought 2 rabbits and I thought it will be nice for my DS to play with them so I helped out with feeding, watching over them in run etc.

Anyway, 6weeks ago someone didn't fasten the latch properly and they both escaped Sad

They've evaded all attempts to catch them and have now strayed beyond our garden to surrounding gardens (easy to spot as one is silvery grey other's black!)

Two neighbours from different houses have approached me and said I need to catch them as they're digging up lawns, eating plants etc. I explained I can't get near and they're not my rabbits anyway!!

AIBU and if so how on earth do you catch pet rabbits who have been living wild for 6weeks?

OP posts:
UndramaticPause · 22/01/2016 16:51

Good luck. Rabbits that aren't docile and handled regularly are a bugger to catch, direct all queries towards your neighbours.

TooMuchOfEverything · 22/01/2016 16:52

It probably depends who 'someone' was. If it was you or your child then I think you should try to catch them.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 22/01/2016 16:52

It there any chance it was you who left the latch open?

You have made yourself partly responsible for the rabbits, so partly responsible for catching them. Impressed they have survived so long!

Imnotaslimjim · 22/01/2016 16:53

So someone in your family bought your DS 2 rabbits? How old is DS? If he isn't old enough to take care of them, how are they not your responsibility? Sorry, I need more info

DrunkenUnicorn · 22/01/2016 16:53

Someone?

If there's any chance it was you/your child then yes you need to help

Imnotaslimjim · 22/01/2016 16:54

Sorry, just read it again and realised the rabbits aren't actually yours.

Why are they saying its your responsibility to catch them, was it you or DS that let them out?

ElasticPants · 22/01/2016 16:54

It's amazing a fox hasn't got them yet. Have you got a fishing landing net?

Original poster
Zinni · 22/01/2016 17:27

It wasn't me who left latch open, I wasn't feeding them that day. DS is only 4 months so not him either!

OP posts:
attheendoftheday · 22/01/2016 21:46

It isn't your responsibility.

However if you are inclined to help rescue the poor bunnies (who will likely be eaten if left) then the best way would be to leave the hutch open and accessible, put food in regularly to encourage the bunnies to go in and out. Then try to find a time when they're in the garden and walk around the perimeter, the bunnies will hopefully flee back into the hutch if they're familiar with it.

ohtheholidays · 22/01/2016 22:06

We've had the same happen before,leave out food and some fresh hay,they also love dandelions and marigolds.Places like pets at home sell packets of dried dandelions and dried marigolds the smell alone could draw them close to the hutches.

If you can't get them into they're hutches but you can get them close to the hutches or you can get close enough to the Rabbits,throwing a towel over them really works.It calms them right down as they can't see and they won't try running of once it's over them.Then once you've picked them up you can lift the towel back from they're face unless they're really fidgeting once they're picked up if they are leave the towel covering the eyes and remove the towel once you've got them safely back into they're hutches.

VaginaRecliner · 23/01/2016 02:03

Why would it be your responsibility? Just say, "They're not my rabbits, they belong to X."

Is there more to this story?

novemberchild · 23/01/2016 04:02

OP, if you can say where you live, I may be able to suggest help. I'm pretty rabbity :)

They really need to be put back safely, though, or found another home, or they will soon be killed.

1frenchfoodie · 23/01/2016 04:49

Not your rabbits, not your responsibility, guessing neighbours simply thought they were your rabbits. In my neighbourhood cats would have had these in no time so impressed they are still alive.

Now you have lots of useful rabbit catching techniques to pass on to the owners though Smile

Roystonv · 23/01/2016 05:30

Not your responsibility but a nice gesture surely?

Sighing · 23/01/2016 06:06

Parsnips to lure them. Light rabbit run to capture them. They should head back to the safety of the hutch if you put food in there though? They're quite keen to return home usually (though cats, rats and dogs pestering may put them off).

jevoudrais · 23/01/2016 06:44

A fishing net on a pole. That's how if you're desperate and their safety is at risk.

Stanky · 23/01/2016 09:01

Hope the rabbits are safely back home soon.

BackInTheRealWorld · 23/01/2016 09:08

I dont see why it should matter who is responsible for the rabbits, why wouldn't you even try to help? Especially as your child gets enjoyment out of them?

JohnLuther · 23/01/2016 09:13

I'd catch them but then again I'm a pretty helpful guy.

Maudofallhopefulness · 23/01/2016 09:24

What are the owners doing? Are they ignoring them?

gamerchick · 23/01/2016 09:33

Man escaped rabbits are hardcore. Those buggers can shift! Good luck.

coffeetasteslikeshit · 23/01/2016 09:46

I don't understand why you don't want to help catch them? No, they are not your responsibility, but they are in danger and the combined efforts of a few people should be able to catch them. You've been helping to look after them, surely you want to help keep them safe?

KaosReigns · 23/01/2016 11:30

Towel method for sure. Damn near the only way to catch a rabbit. Someone really should have told Elmer Fudd.

maddening · 23/01/2016 13:16

Big pile of carrots right in front of person Who can sit quietly and patiently armed with a towel

JessicaRuby · 23/01/2016 13:25

Hmm. If any of my neighbours asked me to help catch rabbits that had been on the loose for 6 weeks I would help regardless of who the owners were. It doesn't sound as if the actual owners give a shit either.

So yes YABVVVU but I suspect you'll carry on ignoring them to prove a point until they are killed. Poor rabbits Sad

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