"DP and I were just saying that the hutches they sell don't look adequate. DP is a builder and his best friend is a carpenter so he was talking about building a hutch and run from scratch. Hadn't thought about digging. But a sandpit wouldnt be a problem. Ill have a look online and see what is suggested."
I'd like that post if MN did that, lol.
"RSPCA says that rabbits are the most neglected pet as they tend to get stuck in a hutch/run in the garden and kids don't bother with them much. Which ime is true. Dd played with her guinea pigs more than the rabbits."
Honestly, I do think it's because people don't keep them properly...not that I'm saying you neglected your rabbits! I just mean that the advice that people are given about rabbits from lots of sources is wrong, that's why the rabbit welfare association has their campaign for a hutch is not enough...the more space they have, the better pets they make.
My friend's set up is that they have a shed, just a a garden shed with an open hutch as their bed inside, hay racks, toys and litter trays, with a cat flap to their run so they can come in and out as they want when there's nobody in...the rest of the time they have access to the rest of the garden and the house through a cat flap in the back door. They spend half their time in the house and half outside, through choice.
At school finishing time they're in the house waiting for the DC to come and play with them, actually demanding it, lol...you couldn't forget about them if you tried, they know their names, they've learned some tricks and they come inside for breakfast and dinner, in fact they hassle you if you're late. (I look after them when they're away)
I've had guinea pigs, they are nice and much better for children who do want something to pick up and cuddle rather than do things with, but rabbits have a lot of personality and you can do more things like games and training with them.