When to move rabbit outdoors?

[HamCob]

We moved our rabbit into the conservatory at the start of November so she has spent the winter indoors. The conservatory isn't very warm but it has protected her from the worst of the winds and frosts.
What time of year do you think it would be ok to move her back into her outdoor hutch and run? It is in a sheltered spot with a cover over the hutch.
Daytime temps here at the moment are around 13 degrees going down to 3-4 at night.
I wasn't sure whether to start off by putting her outside for the daytime and bringing her in at night?
First time rabbit owner so advice appreciated!

Is she on her own? If so, I would keep indoors for the companionship until she has a rabbit friend and then gradually build up time to moving back outdoors, bringing in at night at first or moving to a garage or shed to build up l.

They can't be moved back out for at least another month - it's still dropping to cold temps at night. She'll feel the cold a LOT more as she's on her own - really I would never keep a single bun outdoors alone :(

Definitely look at local rabbit rescues for bonding advice. She will need to be spayed and fully vaccinated, and you'll need to make sure the hutch and run are least 60-70 square foot (the minimum needed for rabbits).

@bunnygeek

They can't be moved back out for at least another month - it's still dropping to cold temps at night. She'll feel the cold a LOT more as she's on her own - really I would never keep a single bun outdoors alone :(

Definitely look at local rabbit rescues for bonding advice. She will need to be spayed and fully vaccinated, and you'll need to make sure the hutch and run are least 60-70 square foot (the minimum needed for rabbits).

Thanks, yes she is spayed and fully vaccinated. She has a large hutch with a big run attached that my husband made for her. We adopted her as a single bunny. She has seemed happy enough so far so - I am a bit reluctant to introduce another in case they fight. She spent all last summer/autumn outdoors and seemed happy nibbling the grass and watching the world go by. I feel that she would get more stimulation outdoors than being inside when we are all out at work which was why I'm keen to move her back. It's pretty mild here but I will keep her indoors a bit longer just to make sure.

It's the days which are mild, but the nights are still in the low single figures and could even do a surprise frost.

A good rescue will do that bonding bit for you. It is tricky to find the right match but good rescues are pros and will be bonding daily. They know how to make the right match.

Pairs are so much more active and curious than singles, especially outdoors.

You can send them off to a bonding service that rabbit rescues provide. I let my two out in the day and bring them in once the temp goes down at about 5pm. They’re definitely more active outside but I think the temperatures at night aren’t great just yet

Many rabbit owners are put off adopting a companion for theirs because the bonding process involves a lot of chasing, nipping, mounting, etc, behaviours that are difficult for us humans to see but are completely normal - every pair has a dominant rabbit and that’s just their way of working out who it is.

As other posters have said though, a good rescue will support you with it, and the Rabbit Welfare Association considers companionship of their own kind as an essential welfare need: rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/behaviour/rabbit-companionship/

Please consider it for your girl - it’s worth it when you see how happy bonded pairs are together

Please keep her inside with you until you get a companion. Rabbits don’t do well alone ☹️