Keeping Rabbits As Pets Outdoors
Make great low maintenance pets and can be kept as indoor pets or outdoor pets.
Keeping rabbits as pets outdoors. The hutch should allow shade during the heat of the day and shelter from strong winds. Adult rabbits should eat timothy hay or a hay mix blend. While some may raise rabbits as pets others may choose to raise them for meat. Rabbits should also have plenty of fresh leafy greens and vegetables such as broccoli spinach brussel sprouts celery and others.
Here s the hay we use. You may argue that there are no predators in your area. You can keep it in a cage and let it hop around in the yard 4 times a week. Modern outdoor hutches with multiple levels and or rooms are suitable for pet rabbits.
Having ample protection from the elements and predators is your main concern. Rabbits need a dry clean ventilated safe well placed and relatively roomy home to thrive. Position the hutch so it is also protected from weather on a verandah or deck. When housed outside they need a large hutch which is safe from predators cats dogs foxes.
Rabbits in the garden are an excellent way to get free manure fertilizer. This should be insect mosquito proof and protect rabbits from extreme weather. Do not think that if you are living in the suburbs there is no danger to your rabbits. However they do need exercise to stay healthy.
Rabbits need protection from predators at all times. Regardless of the purpose it s important to become familiar with their specific needs. Rabbits are very low maintenance requiring only food shelter and water. But if your hutch is smaller consider adding a separate run in the garden or allowing some daily supervised exercise for your pets outside the cage.
Why rabbits are the best pets. By now you should have a good idea of whether a rabbit would be the right pet for you. You do not have to keep them inside unless it is too cold. The days of thinking it acceptable to keep a pet rabbit in a small isolated hutch are in the past.
They re also small gentle and easy to clean up after. Chewing continuously throughout the day also helps keep your rabbit s teeth worn down and can prevent dental disease. The safety and well being of your pet rabbits are of optimal importance if you decide to keep them outdoors. Ideally a hutch for two medium sized rabbits should measure 150 x 60 x 60cm.
There are many reasons to begin keeping backyard bunnies. However rabbits aren t suitable pets for everyone. Mice hamsters guinea pigs etc. With the right care and attention rabbits make good pets.
These should make up about 15 of your rabbits diet. Alfalfa is very high in calcium and should only be given as a treat and to younger growing rabbits.