Are rabbits better off living inside or outside? Some bunny parents have a strong opinion one way or another, but really, there are pros and cons to each. In this post, we'll take a look at the positives and negatives of both indoor and outdoor rabbit environments.
Indoor Bunnies
The Pros
- They're safe from predators (as long as you don't have other pets who could potentially hurt them)
- It's easier to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter
- It's easier to spend time with them and see when they're not feeling well
- Indoor environments are much cheaper to set up
- They're not going to be scared by predators, and outdoor noises such as fireworks won't be as loud
The Cons
- It can be harder to give them the amount of space they need (minimum of 2x3m)
- You'll need to bunny-proof their space and make sure they can't get to anything that would be dangerous for them to eat
- They'll have a lot of indoor noises to get used to
Outdoor Bunnies
The Pros
- It's usually easier to give them the amount of space they need
- Their environment will be better ventilated
- They won't have to get used to all the 'scary' indoor noises
- There's less danger of them eating something they shouldn't (carpet, electrical wires etc)
- Your bunnies can make as much mess as they like 🙂
The Cons
- You'll need to make sure their enclosure is weatherproof, secure and safe from predators (which isn't cheap or easy to do)
- It can be difficult to keep them cool in the summer and you'll need to use heat pads and lots of extra bedding to keep them warm in the winter
- You could have to bring them inside at short notice
- It can take longer to realise when they're not feeling well
- Outdoor enclosures usually cost more and will need some maintenance
- You'll need to be prepared to spend time outside with your bunnies, no matter what the weather
Indoors Vs Outdoors
So whether your bunnies are better off living indoors or outdoors, really just depends on you and your bunnies. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, but as long as your bunnies have the space, enrichment, security, protection, and attention that they need, you're on the right track.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this post was helpful to you and your bunnies 🙂