To want the rabbits to live inside

[Notaderrysgirl]

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?

I wouldn’t put them outside. My rabbit is indoors. She has a large cabinet that she sleeps in on a night. She’s out all day usually, just pottering about. She jumps up on the sofa for snuggles. I think she thinks she’s a cat!

They might enjoy some outdoor time in a suitable large enclosure, but they will be healthier if they spend the majority of their time indoors with you.

Before putting them outside, make sure you vaccinate for miximatosis.

Also to add to this please ensure they have their Myxomatosis jab that is combined with R(V)HD and the separate R(V)HD2 jab if they have not already 🙂

I have 2 house rabbits and I'd never make them live outside. I do have an outdoor hutch for them to go in if the weather permits for a few hours of fresh air in the summer months but stopped after I saw a fox in the yard!

I don't see how they are any different to cats except less smelly? Why does he want them outside ? If they are litter trained I dont understand his reasoning.
If you have space you could set up an exercise pen and give them their own area to pop them in at night?

If they go outdoors ask your vet about annual vaccinations, and make sure they are protected from rats.
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/rabbit-vaccines

Hello everyone, thank you all for your comments! We have decided to buy a big shed and attach a run to it to go on our patio area of garden. I told DP how anxious I was about them being outside and that a hutch isn’t enough for them space wise and he said they don’t have to go out until I’m 100% happy with their outdoor enclosure and until then they will stay inside. I do agree that having rabbits in hutches is very outdated and it’s not fair on them to live like that. I want to take the best care of them. They are fully vaccinated and will be sure to keep up with this. Thank you for the links posted I’ve had a good read and am now planning on building bunny mansion!

Hello everyone, just wanted to pop back and give an update! So we decided to keep the rabbits inside and we made the spare bedroom into a rabbit room. DP acts likes it’s a great sacrifice but he secretly likes having them hopping about. I appreciate all of your comments and suggestions, it’s worked out well in the end!

Great news OP!

What a lovely update to the thread
Would love photos!