Foxes

[queenjaneappro]

Hi
I am getting 2 rabbits next week. They will be kept outside, I've got a hutch and a run which seems to be pretty sturdy and fox proof.

My concern is if foxes smell them but realise they can't get into the hutch will they go away or would they keep trying - I don't like the thought of the rabbits being stressed/scared so don't know whether to keep them where I planned just outside the back door. Or, whether I should put them in the garage?

Thanks 😊

My experience is they keep trying. We had outdoor buns and once a fox got wind of them he was there every night grabbing at them through the bars, they were stupid and didn’t run into their beds just froze so we woke up to fur all over the garden and two terrified rabbits. We moved them indoors after that but they missed running on grass and lying in the sun so we ended up rehoming where they’re much happier.

Thanks for your reply.
Wondering if I should keep them in the garage then? I just wanted them to have access to the run all the time. I'm also tempted to keep them as inside bunny's but have a cat and don't think she'd be too pleased.

I'd keep them outside and get a dog deterrent as foxes don't like them.

Could they be outside in run during day but safely inside garage in night. Foxes are around more in night.

The average store bought hutch won't withstand a fox. I live in a very foxy area so my guys are in a custom build rabbit shed with attached aviary, on concrete so 100% dig proof.

If you have a hutch already, make sure it's on concrete and stick a solid aviary right over the top of it. One with a solid roof like a shed (like mine in pics) makes it more usable in rubbish weather!

I also have two motion sensor anti-fox water sprinklers I turn on at night, won't hurt the fox, just gives them a sudden soaking if they get too close to the rabbits!!

Oh wow bunny geek your set up is amazing!

Maybe long term that's something for me to aim for I need to have something in place for next week.

I think as someone else suggested I can let them into the run during the day and put them in the garage at night. I don't like the idea of them being stressed if foxes are sniffing around at night.

Thanks for all the advice!