Neighbours Rabbit Dilemma

[genericbrunette]

We have just moved into a new house. Next door have a lovely large rabbit hutch in their garden, and a few bunnies. I have noticed that their water bottle has been empty for 48 hours now.

I have not seen anyone coming or going from the house.

their garden gate is not locked. AIBU to just fill the bottle up myself?

they might but they also might not. I would rather guarantee the animal's welfare and potentially piss someone off/look like a busybody than risk the poor thing dying.

Rabbits don't have water in a bowl they have bottles with a pipe like spout thing they drink out of

Mine have a bowl as well as 2 bottles. They definitely prefer the bowl, but it's good to give them the option.

Yes, agreed!

I have an indoor rabbit who has a large run but also comes out to free-roam as he likes. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Can you see if there is also a bowl?

I have two and one prefers a bottle, whilst the other won't drink out of a bottle so he has a bowl.
I think it's more common that they prefer bowls, actually - they can't get much out of the bottles at once.

Mine also drink loads so if your neighbours are definitely without water, they may be unbearably thirsty

It's not long ago that I knocked on one of my neighbours doors because I could see their rabbit didn't have any hay, and no access to grass. The reception I received left a lot to be desired but they did listen in the end. Please advocate for them! They're such sweet little creatures and so often very neglected

The fact they're in a hutch (unless it is a very large hutch with a large run attached) also probably says the neighbours could benefit from some education about rabbit care.

Mine live inside and (mainly) free roam. They need a lot of space and a lot of enrichment

If no one has been to check on them, this is seriously concerning, so once you have knocked, please give them water. I visit my rabbits a minimum of 3 times a day (breakfast, early dinner, nighttime litter change). Each visit, I check that they have everything they need. Water bowls and litter changed every single day, plus fresh greens twice a day. They have a 7' square insulated shed with heating and A/C, with full time access to a 15' x 6' aviary with grass and a dry patio. Rabbits are hard work and a huge commitment, with complex dietary and medical needs. In short, they need regular monitoring and should never be left alone for very long. Thank you for looking out for them, and hopefully your neighbour proves to be responsible.

Those poor rabbits in the "a hutch is not enough" picture are very obviously on astroturf.

I would risk pissing a neglectful animal owner off to ensure they are OK. Any decent human being would feel awful and rspind and reassure they have a bowl of water, otherwise they are not fit to have pets! Xx

What if they die? Can’t believe you’d just mind your own business!

They might have asked someone to care for them who has not turned up. Not fair on the bunnies either way I would help

Don’t stay out of it. Dehydration is not a nice death. If you can get some water to them do it.

Definitely not BU…. We have lots of animals and if someone noticed one of our animals bowls was empty I would be grateful.

I once nipped round while my neighbour was out to replace her guinea pigs’ skanky completely green water bottle with a nice new clean one with filled with nice fresh water. I then did it again when that one went green.

Rabbit tastes good.

Not dehydrated it doesn’t.

OP is clearly kidnapped by the rabbits and living her life in a hutch. One by one the pets will rise up.

Where are you genericbrunette? You haven’t posted since your first post on 1st May.

For the Love of God , WHY come onto a thread about domesticated animals and make these comments ?

I filled up the water bottles and left a note. we've not had windows put through or a thank you. They've not been left empty since.

also in response to peoples concern, they have a really good sized hutch (which is why I was so surprised at empty bottles as clearly they are semi-clued up on rabbit needs)

its a 6 foot, 2 storey hutch with a run that they've added to to make it even bigger.

Good result - maybe the bottle was faulty - not replacing the inner seal or not filling it properly can result in it leaking .

Coming up to the warmer weather they'll need to be on top of their rabbits hydration .

Good for not ignoring it , the rabbits owe you big time