Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Indoor or outdoor rabbit?

55 replies

ACCx · 18/09/2023 13:37

We have reserved a bunny and she will be ready to bring home in a month or so. I was planning on keeping her indoors with the appropriate cage/hutch and allow her out to free roam when we’re around. However I have heard many horror stories that they’re very difficult to keep in doors, they’re not cuddly pets and that you should expect to have your skirting, woodwork and wires ruined. I really don’t know what to do now as we wanted a small pet we could keep indoors, have a nice pet/owner bond and allow out the cage often. Would it be wise to keep her as an outdoor pet? I simply won’t have the money to be replacing wires and cuboard doors ect. Kind Suggestions welcomed!! Xx

OP posts:
Ponoka7 · 18/09/2023 15:07

I was coming on to say that they are as difficult as a dog. You need to get her neutered or they can go very bitey in Spring. A bonded pair of males worked best for me. I got the dwarf lion mane, I litter trained them. Their pee stinks. They shouldn't sell them singularly if they are to be kept outdoors. It annoyed me how the rabbit forums lie about how much care they need, when I got my first big standard rabbits. Like cats I think specific breeds are better for an indoor animal.

PonyinShorts · 18/09/2023 15:14

Please don't get a rabbit! It doesn't sound like you are able to provide the animal what they need. You have reserved a bunny but only now started to think that a rabbit is not a "cuddly" pet!? Of course they are not, they are at the bottom of the food chain and every time you pick a rabbit up it will be scared to death because it will think you are a big eagle and going to eat him.

I have a bunny who jumps on my lap and likes strokes but this is the result of 4 years of hard work of making him part of the family and providing a safe and calm environment. Do you have children? Who will want to make a fuss and hold it? That's what rabbits like the least - noise, unpredictable movements, shrieks and being picked up.

Again, please don't get one, it will end up in a hutch outside, all by itself and neglected and lonely. I've seen it happen so many times and absolutely breaks my heart.

newhere24 · 18/09/2023 15:31

@AmIOverthinkingItOrNot I take your point - for a very small minority of rabbits its incredibly hard to find another rabbit they get on with, and then I think it can make sense to keep them as only rabbit if they get a lot of stimulation. These are never young rabbits though, its older ones with an abuse history. All of mine belonged in to that category (between 5 and 8 years old when I got them, two of them incredibly aggressive towards anything moving, one beyond scared, for all of them many attempts to find rabbit friends had failed). It is incredibly rare though, and requires a huge amount of effort from the new owner. Definitely not easy low involvement pets - more like high demand dogs, think spaniels! They made great pets for me, but I would never ever have a rabbit alone out of choice. Its a last resort really, when everything else has failed and not ideal on many levels.

MoreRainbowsPlease · 18/09/2023 15:35

I have 2 male rabbits that mostly live outdoors, but I have a covered area outside my back door where their hutches are, and they are in large runs in the garden during the day. During the winter when the weather is bad I have them in the house during the day.

You should keep rabbits in pairs, but like a previous poster, both mine are rescues and they have fought everytime I have tried to bond them, but they seem to like each other as long as there is mesh between them so they can see each other from their hutches and their runs are next to each other.

Both my males love being stroked and fussed over, and they cuddle and snuggle into my neck. Rabbits do make a purry/clicky noise when they are very happy which is lovely to hear. I also have had 2 female rabbits who were also very affectionate and would groom me, so I have never noticed one gender being more affectionate than another. The main thing with my male rabbits was they sprayed until they were neutered.

I think rabbits are lovely pets and I don't feel it is a chore looking after them, but I probably spend at least 2-3 hours a day (broken up into smaller amounts of time) seeing to them, cleaning them out and playing with them. But this is something I love doing so it doesn't seem a chore. Also i love the smell of rabbits and hay and straw so they don't always smell. Although one of mine definately has smellier wee than the other.

Both my rabbits will actively seek people out for affection when they are free roaming, they will nudge your legs and feet until provided with strokes or cuddles (or chew through DP's shoe laces). Mine current 2 are not too destructive, but when I have them in the house they are always supervised and if I can't do that they are confined to the kitchen where they can't really damage anything, but one is worse than the other for chewing and over the years we have had 2 lamp cables, an aerial cable and a charging cable chewed through. Also I thought he was very good at not chewing wooden things that weren't his toys until we upturned our old sofa to take it to the tip where I discovered that despite being watched whilst in the lounge he has still at some point managed to do a lot of chewing to the underneath of the wooden frame.

So if you do plan to have them inside just make sure you rabbit proof things. I just think they are awesome pets and I couldn't be without them.

MasterBeth · 18/09/2023 15:38

I am not a pet person but I would have half a dozen cats in my house before I had a rabbit. Rabbits are neither your best buddy, like a dog, or your aloof housemate, like a cat. They are chewy and bothersome. Don't do it.

Debini · 18/09/2023 15:38

Lonejohny · 18/09/2023 13:39

We have an indoor rabbit, but he did all of those things. Now he spends most of his time I'm his hutch indoors.

A rabbit needs a 1 metre hutch and a 2.5 metre run, how do you keep something so large indoors?

Debini · 18/09/2023 15:40

You really need two rabbits, they are quite sociable animals. I would definitely keep them outside but you need to make sure they have enough space. A 1m hutch and a 2.5 metre run.

SpanielLover2023 · 18/09/2023 15:51

AmIOverthinkingItOrNot · 18/09/2023 15:07

To be blunt, you shouldn’t get a rabbit. Your list of wants is just not compatible with what a rabbit actually is. Rabbits are HIGH high maintenance pets. They’re destructive, a lot of work, messy. At the same time, for owners who can give the right attention and care, they are incredibly rewarding.

Some things you need to consider:

  • You say reserved, which makes me thing you are getting your rabbit from a breeder. Apologies if this isn’t the case. But if it is the case, is there any way you would consider not!? There are THOUSANDS of rabbits of all ages in rescues desperate for homes. You will also have to pay for neutering and vaccinations if you get from a breeder which is in the hundreds (more on this below). If you adopted a rescue this would all be free
  • any rabbit you get will need to neutered as soon as age appropriate. Un-neutered rabbits are more aggressive, can be territorial, more likely to be destructive. The list goes on. For female buns being un-neutered also massively increases the chance of uterine cancer. Neutering will cost £150ish+, dependent on where you live, and then additional aftercare and medication costs while they recover
  • Rabbits should live in pairs at a minimum. Keeping a rabbit on its own is cruel - some people will say “oh my rabbit couldn’t be around other rabbits / needed to be on its own”… nope, you just didn’t find the right rabbit partner. Solo rabbits can get depression, and also be much more destructive. Again, if you get from a rescue, you can adopt already bonded rabbits. If you don’t, you will need to do the bonding yourself when bunnies are post-neuter. It is a difficult and stressful process
  • all my rabbits have lived indoors free roam so my advice on outdoor setup is limited. Rabbits should NEVER be shut in a cage. They should either be free roam indoors (that can be whole house or confirmed to specific rooms, which mine are) or outdoors in a large covered run - a lot of people use sheds. They need 60sqft MINIMUM at all times. They also shouldn’t be moved from indoors to outdoors as the change in temperature can kill them. Rabbits are nocturnal animals, so they spend most of the time humans are awake snoozing, and are most active during the night. You’ve said you’d want to take them out of the cage when you’re around; assuming that’s during the day I can tell you now your rabbit will not appreciate it. And will be very very unhappy being locked up at night on their own when no one else is around

I’ve had rabbits for years, and I’m happy to talk you through things in more detail or suggest some Facebook groups which are great for rabbit advice. But seriously, you need to consider whether getting a rabbit is actually sensible to do.

I was just coming on to say all this, please take all this in to account before bringing this rabbit home.

A good source of info for rabbit oweners is the RWAF website:

Think you want a rabbit?

Creating better tomorrows for all pet rabbits Think carefully before you jump into buying a rabbit Ready to give rabbits the life they deserve? Despite being the third most popular pet in the UK, rabbits are among the most abused and neglected. Too man...

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/think-you-want-a-rabbit

ItsNotRocketSalad · 18/09/2023 15:52

Please don't get this rabbit. You haven't done the bare minimum research (or you wouldn't be getting just one) and you can't afford a rabbit if you can't afford basic repairs. They are not easy pets unless you shove them in a cage and let them suffer.

JustFrustrated · 18/09/2023 16:07

DesTeeny · 18/09/2023 14:08

I've had indoor and outdoor rabbits. They can be wonderfully entertaining, intelligent pets to have indoors but they will chew skirting boards and wires, that is a natural behaviour for them.

It's generally best practice to have them in pairs for some company because they get very lonely, and more destructive, when they are alone.

Also, most hutches aren't an appropriate size for rabbits (3x2x1m) to display normal behaviours so they'd need access to an attached run or safe space at all times not just extra space when you're home and able to supervise.

As for being cuddly, some bunnies are some aren't, like cats and dogs. Most, however, aren't, because they are prey animals so don't want to be held. Most do enjoy 'being groomed' when they're used to their owners (stroked usually on their head which can make them purr) but you can't pick them up and cuddle them like a baby, and putting them on their backs is an absolute no.

Edited

This is all correct.

Though my damned rabbit gives me a heart attack when she activates epic flop mode and then rolls into her back with her legs straight up. Stupid thing has forgotten she's prey.

VenusClapTrap · 18/09/2023 16:13

I had a very cuddly, affectionate rabbit when I was a child. She lived outside but was forever escaping from her run and running around to the side door of the house (which was always open), and coming inside. She always wanted to be inside! She was massively entertaining and I adored her. Destructive though, yes.

I wish I’d known then what I know now about rabbit welfare though. She should have had a rabbit companion instead of a guinea pig, and although her hutch was large by the standards of the time, and she had access to a 4m x 2m run in daylight hours plus free range sessions of the whole garden most days, it wasn’t enough. I’m so glad awareness of rabbity needs has improved.

But back to the op, it sounds like a pair of guinea pigs would be a better fit for you. There are loads in all the rescue centres; don’t buy from a pet shop or breeder.

newhere24 · 18/09/2023 16:21

One of mine gave the best head massage ever. I had to lie on the floor and she would use her teeth to groom my head. incredibly relaxing. Took about 2 years from when I got her to get to this point, but so worth it. Miss her :(
The same rabbit also attacked one of our dogs when she was a tiny puppy. The dog was on my lap when it got attacked by a determined ball of fury out of nowhere. Dog still has scars, is scared of rabbits and has taught the other dog to be afraid of rabbits as well. These teeth are sharp!

MasterBeth · 18/09/2023 16:37

newhere24 · 18/09/2023 16:21

One of mine gave the best head massage ever. I had to lie on the floor and she would use her teeth to groom my head. incredibly relaxing. Took about 2 years from when I got her to get to this point, but so worth it. Miss her :(
The same rabbit also attacked one of our dogs when she was a tiny puppy. The dog was on my lap when it got attacked by a determined ball of fury out of nowhere. Dog still has scars, is scared of rabbits and has taught the other dog to be afraid of rabbits as well. These teeth are sharp!

This honestly makes me feel ill. It was trying to kill you!

monsteramunch · 18/09/2023 16:41

YellowJoggers · 18/09/2023 15:02

in all honesty, they’re a grossly underestimated pet. They require as much care and attention as a dog so if you haven’t got that to give then don’t get one.

100% agree

Just adding to this chorus!

Please don't get a solo bunny, they should be in a pair.

newhere24 · 18/09/2023 16:43

@MasterBeth Not me, the dog ! We usually don’t mix dogs and rabbits (for obvious reasons) but i thought with the puppy it would be ok. I was wrong.
As stated above, she came from an abuse/horder situation and was very aggressive towards anything furry, hence keeping her on her own.

GreenAventurinee · 18/09/2023 16:45

MasterBeth · 18/09/2023 16:37

This honestly makes me feel ill. It was trying to kill you!

Show quote history

Whaaaat!?! Please elaborate 😳

Desperatehousewivesreruns · 18/09/2023 16:57

We have an indoor rabbit (used to have 2). He is the most loving adorable pet we could wish for.

He has a cage (always open) in the room he's based in but he never uses it. He has free rein of the whole house and has never chewed anything. He's 100% litter trained.

We wfh, he finds us in whichever room we're in and jumps around us, nudging our feet to ask for a rub. Then flops out by our feet. He certainly isn't asleep all day. In the evening he's generally more active and runs around the house doing 'happy hops'.

Rabbits are very intelligent animals and I really think you get out what you put in with them. If they live in a hutch at the bottom of the garden, they won't be used to humans/particularly friendly; if they live around you in the house, like a cat or dog, they are very loyal, friendly pets. Ours runs to us rather than visitors in the house, he knows who his family are.

Original poster
ACCx · 18/09/2023 17:10

Thank you for all your comments. They have been very helpful and made me realise that a rabbit is not the pet for us!

Thankfully I have started doing research prior to picking her up, meaning I can change my mind. I will not make the mistake of getting a pet I will not be able to give what it needs.

The poster that said ‘I cannot afford a rabbit if I cannot afford basic repairs’. I take your point but I was actually concerned about paying for new doors, carpets, skirting and kitchen cabinets. So it wasn’t ‘basic repairs’ I was referring to.

Thank you for all your help and comments. I will be informing the lady I cannot give the rabbit the home/care it needs. x

OP posts:
MasterBeth · 18/09/2023 17:14

GreenAventurinee · 18/09/2023 16:45

Whaaaat!?! Please elaborate 😳

Show quote history

It attacked the dog and is obviously eyeing up the dog's owner. "Massaging" her head, indeed. It's trying to eat her brains!

GreenAventurinee · 18/09/2023 17:16

MasterBeth · 18/09/2023 17:14

It attacked the dog and is obviously eyeing up the dog's owner. "Massaging" her head, indeed. It's trying to eat her brains!

Show quote history

Really?! My rabbit used to do this to me. I’m in shock haha.

newhere24 · 18/09/2023 17:22

Rabbits groom each other with their teeth! Its very gentle, not an attack at all. The dog on the other side was definitely an attack. She was bonkers (and as a consequence we have an Irish wolfhound who is terrified of rabbits…. )

pinkpirlie · 18/09/2023 17:22

@ACCx have you thought about rats? They make wonderful pets.

They will need a good quality, large enclosure with lots of enrichment but they will be easier to keep than rabbits and you can allow them to free roam daily.

They don't live as long, and can be prone to illness so if you had children that would be something to think about.

AmIOverthinkingItOrNot · 18/09/2023 17:39

OP - thank you for updating. I appreciate it may have seemed like we were all coming in hard and fast on you with this.

I appreciate you readIng through everyone’s comments and making the decision not to get the rabbit.

I hope your kids aren’t too disappointed and perhaps you can find a more suitable alternative in time 😊

Original poster
ACCx · 18/09/2023 17:47

Thank you for your kind words. 🙂 x

OP posts:
Slowlylosingmymind101 · 18/09/2023 19:05

We had a pair of indoor rabbits. They had an inside enclosure that we could change shape. It took up most of the room. To be honest they are hard work! We ended up moving them outside and then Re homing. Get a cat imo.