What to do with rabbit?

[dolcegusto]

We inherited a rabbit and we got him a hutch which he hates as he was able to run around the garden all day at his previous house.

So we've rabbit-proofed the garden, but keep food in his hutch to keep it dry. Main problem is poor thing won't go in the hutch even when it's raining, and there are too many places to hide where I can't catch him.

So what do I do when it gets really cold? Do I keep him in the hutch all winter or let him out and hope that he's smart enough to go inside when it snows?

We had a rabbit a few years ago who just would not go in his hutch. In the end we had to come to the conclusion that we would prefer that he had a shorter life, but a happier one doing what he wanted, rather than him be caged and a misery. Unfortunately a fox got him, but I still feel we made the right decision. 4 years of happy life as opposed to longer but dead miserable.

We now have 2 rabbits that have a hutch and a 15 foot run. They are happy in their area aand even if we leave the end of the run open they have never even attempted to escape.

Go with what you feel. DOes the rabbit burrow at all? If he goes underground he will keep warm himself. I think he would probably find a sheltered spot when it is cold. If you see where he goes you could always add some straw and hay to that area.

I would attach a permanent run to the hutch so he is 'contained' while still feeling free and safe from foxes. A carpenter will make you one for less than 100 pounds. I would also get him a friend, a speyed female. He will need to be neutered too if not already done this will calm him down and allow him to be bonded to another rabbit. A good rescue will bond your rabbit to a female for you (not a process you should attempt yourself).
If this isn't possible you could consider him as a house rabbit.
Mine sit out all day and night and only venture into their hutches occasionally. Most rabbits dislike rain and will attempt to shelter.