If your family is considering bringing rabbits into the household as pets, decide quickly whether you want to keep the rabbits indoors in a cage or outside in a dedicated rabbit hutch. Keeping rabbits in the house is fine, but you may need to rabbit-proof certain parts of the house that are unsafe for rabbits and also carry out daily cleaning to prevent the rabbits from soiling carpets, cushions and floors. Many people end up keeping their rabbits outside in a rabbit hutch as it is easier to maintain and provides a more natural environment for rabbits to grow up.
The two biggest concerns about keeping rabbits outdoors are larger predators and cold weather. If left unattended, larger animals like raccoons can very easily sneak up and try to run off with a snack. Also, the temperature can drop significantly at night, and unless your rabbit hutch is insulated against attack and cold air, you could lose your pets overnight in a housebreak or frost. If you choose a rabbit hutch to keep your rabbits, make sure it is a durable hutch that can deter predators and also has sturdy doors and roof to ensure all the rabbits inside are safe and warm at night are.
Most rabbit owners and veterinarians agree that the ideal temperature for rabbits is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything over 85 or below 45 degrees is a concern and may require bringing the rabbits indoors or providing them with fresh water throughout the day to keep the rabbits from becoming dehydrated. Although rabbits are not as needy as dogs and cats, they are not entirely self-sufficient and require careful vigilance from the owner to ensure they have a safe and healthy upbringing.
If you have an outdoor rabbit hutch and expect the temperature to drop, cover the hutch with a warm blanket or towel at night. Not only does this layer of insulation keep clever predators out, but it can also help keep your furry friends warm. You can also place warm blankets in the hutch so the rabbits can snuggle up at night to create a warmer environment to sleep in.
Therefore, as the weather warms up, it is imperative that you place the coop in a shaded area as extreme heat can wreak havoc on their well-being. It’s also wise to have fresh, cold water available to drink, and even wrap a bottle of ice water in a towel and keep in the coop for extra coolness.
Large outdoor area rabbit hutches make great living environments for raising rabbits and with the right hutch and accessories you are ready to provide a loving home for your furry pet. Once you have considered all internal and external hazards and made the necessary adjustments, you can safely introduce your rabbits to their new coop and familiarize them with their new surroundings.
Thanks to Kevin McLaughlin | #Benefits #outdoor #rabbit #hutch
