We wanted to get a dog but both work so dont really have time for walkies and I detest cats as they are too shifty. The solution - House rabbit - toilet train really well and are as playful and loyal as a dog! Should they be be moved from outside in the cold to the warmth of our houses?
2006-10-09 04:04:03 · 17 answers · asked by Neil W 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I used to breed rabbits in Georgia. The ONLY time we brought them in, was if we had an ill bunny or possibly an expectant mother. But it's best NOT to disturb her after she has nested. Just make sure they have plenty of bedding in their cages for the winter. A rabbit in a house loose is a very bad idea!! They naturally LOVE to chew( wires, cords, plants, some even carpet ) Supervision is key when rabbits are indoors.... :)
2006-10-09 04:09:19 · answer #1 · answered by cajunpalomino 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two house rabbits, they make excellent pets. Contrary to a couple of the comments, they are very easy to house train, as they're naturally very clean animals. Mine live in a cage which is open almost all day, they come out and have the run of the downstairs of the house, but will always get back into the bage when they need to toilet, and always in the same corner of the cage.
As for cable chewing, as harsh as it may sound, spreading a little tabasco on the cables teaches they veryquickly what they can and can't chew, mine ignore the cables completely now.
They're incredibly friendly animals and will jump up into your lap of an evening while you watch television.
One of their best points though is that unlike cats and dogs, they're almost completely silent ! No night time whining to keep you awake !
2006-10-10 06:15:10 · answer #2 · answered by Gail H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits are best kept inside at all times where you get the benefit of their company. They are wonderful loving, and amusing little pets!
Because they are what is called crepuscular (sleep during the day and night) they are most active when you are home.
They do require and want daily care and attention as well as exercise, but unlike a dog they don't need to be walked.
Here's a great site with information about rabbits, including some pointers that will help you decide if a rabbit is the right pet for you. There is also a link to rabbit rescues - some many are in need of a good home. Please think about adopting and don't buy.
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabcare.html
Other great places to do some research include:
http://www.rabbit.org Also check chapter websites as top rabbit professionals advise chapters in their cities.
Carrot Café: http://www.carrotcafe.com/
The Language of Lagomorphs: http://www.muridae.com/rabbits/rabbittalk.html Very amusing and good insight into why your bunny does what he does
House Rabbit Adoption and Rescue (H.A.R.E.) http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/rabbithealth.html many excellent articles on rabbit health and care.
2006-10-09 13:44:57 · answer #3 · answered by Martha G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits will knaw anything and i mean anything, whilst working at a pets at home store when i cleaned the rabbits out they always chewed the bottom of my trousers and the buckle on my shoes lol i would always insist to the customers to get plastic tubes from the DIY store to protect your cables i remember one woman came in and said she couldn't understand why she was not getting any phone calls... then checked the wiring and realised her house rabbit had chewed the wire, they are easily toilet trained as long as you teach them from a young age, and in the winter they don't necessarily need to be moved into the house they can be put in a garage or shed you can get whats called a hutch snuggle it insulates the hutch and you can get ones for the water bottle too "stops it from freezing" they are getting very popular indeed but people need to think about making the house rabbit proof.
2006-10-09 13:19:32 · answer #4 · answered by Shelley_B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very easy to bring your rabbit inside. It's far healthier too. Make sure to spay and neuter. You can buy a cage or an exercise pen or build a cage from neat idea cubes. You should put some old rugs or indoor/outdoor carpet under their feet. You should put it in a room that you spend some time in like a living room or if you have a spare bedroom. You also need to bunny proof. You should read the House Rabbit Handbook and go to these websites.
2006-10-09 11:09:57 · answer #5 · answered by sugarcarat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have two rabbits sadly neither has taken well to being inside. Cable chewing is the worst thing within two seconds they'l have nibbled through a wire. Carpet eating is a favorite, toilet training can work with a lot of effort but some bunnies just dont get it!
Best to leave them outside to run around, maybe get two small dogs to keep each other company instead :)
2006-10-09 11:28:35 · answer #6 · answered by Babything 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I haven't yet decided whether or not to bring my bunny inside this winter - it's important that they don't get too cold but they can be fairly snug if you pack the hutch full of hay and straw and newspaper, and put a hutch protector or tarpauline over the top to keep out cold winds.
You have to be so so careful if you bring them inside as they will chew anything and everything. I knew someone with a bunny that chewed through the fridge cable and electrocuted itself. Rabbits often become more sociable if you bring them inside though as they get used to your company. I would never let my bunny wander the house unsupervised though if I wasn't there to keep a close eye on her.
2006-10-11 16:50:32 · answer #7 · answered by drblonde 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits can take the cold, however they cannot take a draft. If you have them in a pen outside. Make sure they are protected from the wind on 3 sides whenever it is cold out. Otherwise they will get pneumonia. In the summer, you need to protect them from the sun and heat and keep them in a cool shady area.
2006-10-09 16:58:27 · answer #8 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
House rabbits are great. Try and get a pair, they will be slightly less mischievous if they have another bun to play with, but do eat everything. Perhaps confining them to one room while you are out will reduce damage. Cover all cables with plastic hosing and give them lots of toys, used toilet roll cardboard filled with hay, a bunch of keys, soft toys, cardboard boxes etc are all good fun to buns. Make sure they have a constant supply of hay and water. They like to eat most of the day. I have four house buns and they are lovable if a bit destructive. Enjoy your new additions. Mine snuggle with the cat on the sofa sometimes!
2006-10-09 13:29:17 · answer #9 · answered by india 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES! Rabbits should never be outside, especially in the winter because they can get very cold! It's also dangerous for them during other times of the year because they can get pick up diseases from other animals or other animals might eat them! I suggest you get an x-pen for you bunny as a basic cage, and if at all possible, eventually give your rabbit the freedom to roam the house as he/she pleases. www.rabbit.org is a very good website for house rabbits and their owners! Please check it out and spread the word!
2006-10-10 17:30:54 · answer #10 · answered by Liz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋