The Dangers Of The Outdoors
Rabbits thrive in indoor settings as part of the family just like dogs and cats. As pet rabbits have been domesticated from wild rabbits to rely on the aid of human guardians to provide housing and care in order to thrive, living indoors with their guardians is key to living longer, healthier lives. Because they are their own distinct species, their health and safety needs are different from that of a wild rabbit. To keep your pet rabbit their happiest, healthiest self, indoor living setups are recommended and increase lifespans and human bonding.
Why living indoors is so much better for a rabbit
There are many good reasons why choosing indoor living for your rabbit is the best choice. It not only ensures your rabbit’s safety and well-being, but it also enriches your special bond with them. Rabbits are very social animals and need regular social interaction with their human family members. They also need space for daily exercise with plenty of room to run, jump, and play to keep them happy and healthy.
An indoor house rabbit is:
Safe from predators, both wild and domestic.
Protected from parasites and insect-borne disease.
Sheltered from life-threatening weather extremes, which can be deadly.
Not at risk of theft or escaping the yard.
Monitored for health problems, which can be noticed before it’s too late.
A part of the family, not confined outside where they could be forgotten and neglected.
With an indoor set up, your rabbit will be safeguarded against many outdoor dangers, emotionally fulfilled, and free of boredom. You will develop a deeper connection and more fulfilling, loving relationship with your rabbit when you live with them. Just like dogs and cats, indoor rabbits can be fully incorporated into daily life, becoming cherished members of the family.
Outdoor Hazards
Poisonous plants. Domestic rabbits can’t determine if a plant is poisonous by taste or smell. If a poisonous plant is present a rabbit is likely to eat it.
Predators. Mostly hunt at night. Many predators are able to break through wire structures. Even if they aren’t able to get to a rabbit due to caged structure, stress from possible attack can cause a rabbit to wildly thrash, twist, and run around the cage, which can result in broken limbs, spines, and heart attacks. Predators include coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, birds of prey, raccoons, feral cats, and more. Predators are dependent on region/ecosystem.
Burrowing. Rabbits naturally need to dig burrows which can lead to the rabbit burrowing out of the backyard and into spaces less safeguarded against predators. These burrows also make capturing the rabbit difficult and potentially expose the rabbit to harmful bacteria that can live in the soil.
Exposure to viruses and parasites. Outdoor living can expose your rabbits to many microscopic threats including RHDV2 (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus) passed by infected wild rabbits in the area, Myxomatosis passed by mosquitoes, flystrike, fleas, mites, roundworm, Sarcocystis, botfly, coccidia, giardia, e cuniculi, pinworms, antapeworms. Some, but not all can be treated medically.
Observation. Harder for owners to learn rabbit’s particular habits. Gauging signs of illness becomes more difficult and underlying issues are less likely to be treated resulting in illness and death.
Temperature. A rabbit’s ideal temperature is 60-75 degrees F. Below 50 they are at risk of hypothermia. Above 75 they are susceptible to heat stroke.
If you are looking for an outdoor pet, consider alternatives such as goats, chickens, or tortoises. Be sure to do adequate research on appropriate housing, constructing safe research on appropriate housing and construction of safe spaces specific to each outdoor pet.