House rabbit?? - new and a little confused!

Hello all

I'm new, I have fallen completely in love with a rabbit that needs a new home.

I have a garden and a spacious (bunny proof) bedroom. I had intended to keep him inside and take him outside when I can so that he can get the benefits of some fresh air and time to dig. I was just wondering what everyone thinks about this and how they have got on with house / garden rabbits, I've never had a house rabbit before and am a little worried that it would be a better idea to keep him in the garden?

Also, I can't find the wire mesh cubes anywhere and wanted a suitable home for him - does anyone have any ideas? I have been looking at dog crates and things like that as they are larger than the rabbit cages that you tend to see in pet shops. He's a lion lop so only small but I'd like something big enough for him (I have one budgie in a massive cage - and he comes out every day!! haha I don't like animals in cages that are too small) The only problem is that I tend to rush into buying things then have problems and buy something else, I bought 4 cages for my budgie in the end because I wanted it to be perfect for him!!

Any help would be very appreciated,
Thank you

Hi there, welcome to HH. House rabbits can work out wonderfully. I have had several over the years and have 2 at the moment. I am lucky enough that mine can be trusted and left all day to their own devices, which you may find happens to you in the end. I would go for a dog crate if you want something large. That way the bunster has plenty of room to move around if they are in all day.

Exercise time outside always goes down well with most house buns. I only have one, old man, who detests having to go outside. He has major tantrums if this even suggested to him.

The Nic cubes can be bought from B and Q I think,. However someone who has used them before will probably tell you the best place to get them!

Sounds like you are in love with this lovely Lion Head to me!

Some other, large indoor cages can be found here :

http://www.zooplus.com/shop/rodents/cages/rabbit_cage/126767

http://www.zooplus.com/shop/rodents/cages/rabbit_cage/126774

Let us know what you decide! Can't wait to see some pics!

Hi and welcome to HH,

If you look at the bottom thread on The Property Ladder page posted by Magoo you will find some info on indoor set ups.

As you have said obviously the bigger the better as far as cages go, that is why a lot of people opt for the NIC panels.

Two of our bunnies wintered in our conservatory, they were in a large pen at night and free range during the day whilst we were in the house. Gabe and Nia did a good job on trashing the conservatory - a bunnies natural instinct is to dig and chew and there is no differentiation in their eyes between chair legs and the twigs they are supposed to chew. Bunnyproofing anything precious or dangerous is a must.

Gabe and Nia are now outdoors because of the heat factor in our conservatory. As much as I loved having their company indoors I have to admit ours are all at their happiest when outdoors on the grass. Just be careful though, if you have a permanent indoor bun they will not grow a full winter coat so garden time in the winter months is not a good idea.

If you decide to keep your prospective bun outdoors then consider a bunny partner for him so he doesn't become lonely and bored. Watching two bunnies interact is so wonderful to see. However to prevent the patter of tiny bunny paws bunny pairs should be neutered.

Hope this helps a wee bit, well done for asking questions before bunny arrives. 'Your' lionhead lop sounds gorgeous,
Vanessa

Would definitely reiterate the point about their coats. If they are kept indoors and taken outside to exercise, it takes a while for their coats to catch up. If they are outside from summer then into winter all the time, they can take the cold with no problem. Just something to take into careful consideration.

Aww house buns are brilliant If you're going to keep him alone, then he should be in as part of the family really. I don't have a garden, but a fairly big balcony, and he has grass pots outside. He can go out there all day, spring to Autumnm if he likes, and sometimes does, but in winter, we essentially keep him inside. He can go out for an houir or two, but that's all. I don't want to risk him getting a chill, although his coat is very thick.

I made a webiste about our first few months with bertie living in, it may give you some pointers - Clicky. really glad you came and asked thinigs first and I'm looking forward to seeing your bun when he gets there...oh and welcome to HH

Thank you all for your warm welcome and advice.

I hadn't thought about his coat - though it should be obvious really He's an outdoor bun at the moment but is only in the run on rotation with other buns so he shouldn't miss the grass too much as I'll get him out there while it's not cold.

Having some resistance from my mum at the moment, I'm 24 but have recently moved back home so it's not a case of not being responsible enough or not knowing enough it's more "if you want a rabbit in the house then you can always move back out and get one " - I'll not give up just yet but she can be a tough cookie.

Fingers crossed that all goes well with that - I'll certainly post pictures of him when we get there!