House rabbits have become more and more popular over the past 15 years. Rabbits are now the third most popular animal companion in the USA.
House rabbits live inside with their families and are clean, interactive and lovable pets to share your life with. Rabbits can be litter box trained and enjoy living along with their families, doing whatever their families do - watching TV, listening to music, playing games, (they love toys). A house rabbit's home base is in the house with their family. You will become very close to your rabbit when they live with you, inside.
The main reasons for having a rabbit indoors:
- Safety concerns
- Social/emotional needs
Housing your rabbit indoors with you allows you to carry out your routine tasks while socializing your rabbit. Your bunny needs your time and attention. They love being a part of the family. Rabbits are so endearing and amazing to be around.
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Safety Factors
There are many safety reasons to have an indoor house rabbit. Environmental concerns, (dramatic temperature changes can kill a bunny). Both in summer and winter, rabbits can die of exposure. Predator attacks- Airborne, ground predators slunk, raccoon, dog cat, snakes. City dwellers are usually unaware of the predators that threaten outdoor rabbits. The most commonly underestimated rabbit predators are raccoons. Remember predatory animals include stray dogs, feral and loose cats, large birds, and in more rural areas fox, wolves, and large reptiles. Note: Dogs, cats and birds are active during the day as well as the night. Another little known fact is that the presence of a predator even in the vicinity (within distance to be seen, smelled or heard by your rabbit) can be enough to trigger a terminal state of shock and you may you loose your rabbit. Additionally, disease is much more prevalent in outdoor rabbits. Mosquito born and fatal Myxomatosis, as well as fleas, and spider bites to name just a few health concerns.Living outside, rabbits are exposed to disease that will increase their risk of disease and reduce their life span from 13 yrs down to 5! To keep you rabbit healthy and safe, we recommend that you house rabbits inside.
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Emotional needs of Rabbits
Rabbits are precious, dear creatures and all rabbits need to belong to the family and to be a part of family life. (With you, inside the home). Love, kindness and understanding provide the path to allow your rabbit to appreciate, learn to trust and to truly become a part of the family. Soon you will see their personality unfold. You can also watch as the secure bunny blossoms, safe in their own home with their loving family. In reality only through the intimate environment of a loving indoor home can their true nature, needs, behaviors and abilities be revealed to their human friends and family?It is possible to have a secure, safe outdoor play space for you and your rabbits during supervised playtime outside. Note: Never just let your rabbit loose in the yard. Always supervise your rabbit when they are outside. Also make sure that the grass has not been sprayed with pesticides or fertilizers and place bunny in pen when outside. Remember that a rabbit out of doors, even in an outside enclosure that you feel is very secure, can still die of fright while a predator taunts the rabbit. It is best to be with your house rabbit indoors. Discuss options with Rabbit Haven staff.