How to Keep Pet Rabbits Safe

Rabbits are sensitive animals that are susceptible to many health issues and problems, so it’s important to take the appropriate precautions to keep them safe, especially if you are keeping your rabbits outdoors. In addition to protecting outdoor rabbits, you need to bunny-proof your home to keep rabbits safe from potential hazards indoors. Keep an eye on the behaviors and health of your rabbits, and take them to the vet regularly to ensure that they stay healthy for years to come.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Protecting Outdoor Rabbits

  1. Build or purchase a hutch made of strong timber, such as pine or cedar. Use 1 in (2.5 cm) galvanised steel mesh to cover the windows and sides of the hutch. This will provide protection from predators and still allow good ventilation. [1]
    • Secure the mesh to the wood frame of the hutch with a staple gun.
    • Close the hutch with sliding bolts and a padlock to keep the bunnies in and predators out.
  2. Rabbits are very sensitive to extreme heat, so make sure that the hutch is not in an area that receives direct sunlight all day long. Put the hutch under a tree or close to something like a hedge or a fence that will help to shade it. [2]
    • It’s ok if the hutch receives some sunlight throughout the day, but make sure that the hutch has a roof that provides some shade for your rabbit to rest in.
    • Make sure the hutch is well-ventilated during hot weather by leaving any windows on it open.
    • The ideal temperature range for rabbits is 10–25 °C (50–77 °F)
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  3. Rabbits are not as sensitive to the cold as they are to heat, but they still need a little extra warmth during the winter. Put extra bedding in their hutch and use a blanket or tarp to cover the hutch and retain heat, especially at night. [3]
    • You can insulate underneath the bedding with a layer of newspaper to retain more heat.
    • Make sure not to cover all the windows of the hutch with the blanket or tarp so that your rabbits still get plenty of airflow to breathe.
    • You can move the hutch inside a garage or shed during the winter months to keep the rabbits warmer. However, don’t use the same garage as you keep your car in because the fumes can cause health problems. [4]
  4. Always provide fresh, cool water, especially during hotter months. Rabbits need extra food during the winter, so increase portions of food during colder months. [5]
    • Check on water bottles regularly to make sure that the spouts are not frozen shut. Even if the water looks fine, the spout might be stuck closed.
    • Rabbits do not hibernate in the winter. If a rabbit seems slow or is not moving much during the winter, then take it to the vet.
  5. Refill their food and water. Examine the hutch to make sure there is no damage that could allow the rabbits to escape or allow predators in. [6]
    • During the winter, it’s important to make sure the roof has no leaks. Inspect the roof and repair any cracks that could allow water in with roof sealant.
    • In hot weather, spot clean the run and hutch daily so flies don’t get attracted to the area. Pick up your rabbit at least twice a day to make sure there are no signs of maggots or fly strike.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Bunny-Proofing Your Home

  1. Use plastic covers or flex tubing to cover and bundle together wires so your rabbits can’t chew on them. Lift up anything you can’t cover to a height that the rabbits won’t be able to reach. [7]
    • Providing plenty of toys when your rabbits are running free in your home can also discourage the rabbits from chewing unsafe things.
  2. Many common plants are toxic to rabbits. Keep any plants well out of reach of your rabbits so they don’t chew on anything that is toxic. [8]
    • Some common toxic plants for rabbits include poinsettia, tomato leaves, holly, and tulips.
  3. Use puppy pens or baby gates to block off areas that you don’t want rabbits to go. Rabbits can easily squeeze into small areas, such as behind bookshelves or under furniture, so block these areas off as well. [9]
    • You can also use a puppy playpen to make a completely enclosed area for your rabbits to run around in without escaping to other rooms or areas of the house.
    • Pens and gates made of metal are the best choice so that the rabbits can’t chew through them.
  4. Hang the cords up high so that your rabbits can’t get tangled in them and choke themselves. Tie the cords in a knot in the middle or drape them over a curtain rod to keep them hanging high off the ground. [10]
    • Rabbits will chew on just about anything, so keep all potential hazards out of their reach.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Health Problems

  1. Wild rabbits carry diseases that will harm your pet rabbits. Don’t allow your pet rabbits to have any contact with wild rabbits and don’t let them go to areas where wild rabbits have been. Talk to your vet about vaccinations to see if you can prevent any diseases. [11]
    • Wild rabbits also carry diseases that can be passed to humans. If your pet rabbit contracts a disease, they can then pass it on to you.
  2. Keep an eye on your rabbits to notice if they become lethargic and inactive, or if they are eating or drinking less. Check on rabbits every day and look for bald spots, sores, scaly patches, or wounds. Look at the eyes and noses of your rabbits for any abnormal discharge. [12]
    • Look for abnormal feces, such as diarrhea, or difficulty defecating.
    • Extreme weight loss or gain can also be a sign of health problems.
    • Poor eating or drooling can be a sign of dental problems. Veterinarians can fix overgrown or misaligned teeth.
  3. Call your vet for a consultation as soon as you notice any signs of abnormal behavior or health issues. Take your rabbit in for a check-up to determine the causes of the health issues and take any necessary actions. [13]
    • Changes in a rabbit’s behavior can sometimes just be a sign of stress, or they can be a sign of a more serious health issue. This is why it’s important to get a professional opinion from a vet to determine what you need to do to improve the health of your bunny.
  4. It’s important to have your rabbits looked at, even if you don’t notice any abnormal behavior or signs of poor health. Vets will be able to do a more thorough check-up and detect any early warning signs of sicknesses. [14]
    • Rabbits over 5 years old should have a check-up every 6 months to detect any health problems.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/blogs/learning-centre/housing-your-rabbit-outside-how-to-keep-them-healthy-and-happy
      2. ↑ https://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/blogs/learning-centre/housing-your-rabbit-outside-how-to-keep-them-healthy-and-happy
      3. ↑ https://www.animeddirect.co.uk/advice/keeping-outdoor-rabbits-safe-cold-weather/
      4. ↑ http://www.therabbithouse.com/outdoor/rabbitwinter.asp
      5. ↑ https://www.animeddirect.co.uk/advice/keeping-outdoor-rabbits-safe-cold-weather/
      6. ↑ http://www.therabbithouse.com/outdoor/rabbitwinter.asp
      7. ↑ http://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-care/bunny-proofing-your-house/
      8. ↑ http://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-care/bunny-proofing-your-house/
      9. ↑ http://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-care/bunny-proofing-your-house/
      1. ↑ http://bunnyproof.com/stop-bunny-chewing-curtains-blinds.html
      2. ↑ http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/other-pets/rabbits/guidelines-on-keeping-pet-rabbits
      3. ↑ http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/other-pets/rabbits/guidelines-on-keeping-pet-rabbits
      4. ↑ http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/other-pets/rabbits/guidelines-on-keeping-pet-rabbits
      5. ↑ http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/other-pets/rabbits/guidelines-on-keeping-pet-rabbits

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To keep pet rabbits safe outdoors, keep them in a sturdy hutch that has predator-proof mesh, like galvanized steel. If it's hot outside, keep the hutch in a shaded area and make sure it's well-ventilated so your rabbits don't overheat. For cold weather, provide extra straw bedding, and cover part of the hutch with a blanket or tarp to help insulate it. Regardless of the weather, check on your rabbits several times a day to make sure they're OK. To learn how to bunny-proof your home for indoor rabbits, scroll down!

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