In the home or in a hutch?

I am asked quite regularly about housing a rabbit and where to keep it. When i first had experience with rabbits i was quite adamant that they should be kept outside in their natural habitat but what sometimes is the case is that the rabbit is forgotten about in a hutch at the bottom of the garden. If kept as a house rabbit however they will not allow this to happen and will constantly demand your attention. I will go into detail about each then it's up to you to decide. It is also about your circumstances. Whether or not you have large garden, etc.

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Any rabbit can be a house rabbit. A  house rabbit though, should NOT be kept in the house for its whole life without being allowed outside, that's as bad as leaving it in a hutch. They should be allowed outside whenever they want. Bunny proof your garden so that they can go out to play at certain times (i.e when your at work) to roam around so that they do not get bored and you come home to a wrecked house. If your garden cannot be bunny proofed get a run and transfer them into it for a play about although make sure you dig it deep into the ground otherwise your rabbit may dig out of the run or you can put it on slabs which will wear their nails down and they won't have to get them clipped as regularly.

If you don't have a garden then train your rabbit on the harness and take them for a good walk. People do not realise this but rabbits need to be walked just like dogs. How would you like to not be able to venture out of your own back garden?

It doesn't really matter about the weather, some rabbits love the rain but make sure they don't get too cold. House rabbits can become great pets and you can litter train them. A house rabbit will greet you from work and may wake you up in the morning. Rabbits have a very good time keeping instinct and need a routine for them to be happy. Unlike dogs, who will wake you up at any time (and babies), rabbits start to learn your routine. The time you get up in the morning and so if you have a strong bond with your rabbit, they will wake you up in the morning by jumping on your bed and continually nudging you or pulling at the covers. It's the best alarm!

They will also learn at what time you come home and may wait by the door for your arrival, but they will want immediate attention when they come  in and a treat or they may stomp their feet at you! They can be very well trained and will snuggle up to you. Your rabbit can sleep in a special cage in your house or it can be

allowed to sleep in a room that has nothing dangerous in it (wires,etc) and give them plenty of toys to keep them busy.

Despite what people say, rabbits do not need to be brought in at winter time and are not cold in their hutches if they have another rabbit, or plenty of bedding to cuddle into. Rabbits much prefer the cold than the heat and wild rabbits can survive temperatures way below freezing. Outdoor rabbits must have space to run around and be able to go in and out of their hutch freely. They must also have places to hide if feeling under threat such as a cardboard box with a hole in it, etc. Simple things to keep your rabbit happy and safe. To stop boredom some rabbits like to play with a ball and treats hidden around the garden is fun and time consuming. For rabbits that do not like running around and are fat, get a treat ball that has to be rolled around to get the treat out will help them lose weight but put healthy treats inside or it defeats the purpose.

Other suggestions for toys are tunnels and large blocks of wood to gnaw on and jump over. Outdoor rabbits can also be litter trained easily enough and will only use it after that. Outdoor and indoor rabbits can be well trained if enough time is spent with them and both are able to do agility training and showjumping.

You know your rabbit. They may like to follow you inside and snuggle beside you or prefer to roam around outside like a wild bunny. It's up to both of you!

Cruelty

When the words "animal cruelty" come to mind, what are the first thoughts that strike your mind? Perhaps the case not that long ago where hundreds of horses were found dead and many half dead, or maybe the adverts for 'dog's trust' with the sad little dog that's been abandoned? Cases such as these are publicised through the media, but what of other animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, or fish? They are also all around us but we are more unaware. We shouldn't be! Forgotten easter or christmas presents like any other toy, left helplessly at the bottom of the garden in a small cage, lying on their own faeces, cramped unable to move with no hope except the longing view of the large garden outwith their reach. Then one day, an unexpected object reaches in to give a 'pat' to the small fluffy creature and it turns round and bites! The owners lunge out as if waiting for an excuse and get the poor creature put down. It's a vicious cycle.

The rabbit has been left with no human contact, no human contact at all, then is it not expected that at the slightest touch the rabbit reacts out of defense. It has never known any better, it does not know what to do, so it only does what it does know: instinct! Young children want a wee cute cuddly pet, but the parents have no time so a dog or cat is out of the question, but the child insists and so they set off to the pet shop and come back with a rabbit. Why? The child gets sick of it soon enough and well the parents have no time. Would you have a child if you had no time or intention of caring for it? The responsibility of a life is a big one, no matter how big the life. If you have young child in this situation, be firm and do not give in to their pleading eyes. Rabbits need as much time as a dog or cat and rely on human contact to prevent aggressiveness. You must research before getting an animal and make sure you have the time and circumstances for it.
Another kind of animal creulty is animal testing.

Rabbits waiting in line in stocks to be tested on!

We can have beauty without cruelty! I need not go into it much more. It is sad, and unnecessary. How would you like it? Think about these things and speak up about ANY kind of animal cruelty, and you'll be saving a life!