It's finally summer! It's so tempting to take your bunnies outside to stretch their fuzzy thumpers. 

Here are some tips to keep your rabbit safe while outside

1. BUNNY PROOFING

Plants are the most common thing you will have to look for. While many garden weeds like dandelions and clover are safe for your rabbits to have an all you can eat buffet, be sure to do your research the plants in your garden to make sure none are toxic. For example, the fruit portions of tomatoes are safe for rabbits, but stems and leaves are toxic. 

Equally important as things for rabbits to keep out of, is things that should always be available, especially if it's hot. Water and hay should be accessible to your rabbit, as well ways to keep cool.

2. LOOK UP

Depending where you live, your area may be prone to birds looking for their next meal. It only takes a second for them to swoop and pick up your rabbit. Neighbors' pets like outdoor cats, or off leash dogs may pay your rabbit a visit too. If your rabbit is in an xpen, you can get coverings that attach to the top which is actually triple purpose.

A. It keeps predators out (or will at least deter or slow them down)

B. It keeps your rabbit in. Acrobatic rabbits can attempt to jump even 4ft xpens!

C. It provides some shelter for your rabbit. Remember rabbits are not great with heat. Providing some shade for your rabbit cannot be recommended enough!

 

3. LOOK DOWN

Bunnies love to dig. What is on the ground? Can they dig under the fence or gate? Are there places (maybe the flower bed you spent hours on) where you wouldn't like them to dig? Blocking off these areas is the easiest thing to do, and staking down fencing will ensure your rabbit won't get their mischievous nose into the area.

If you're into serious bunny proofing renovations, bury chicken wire flat under your fencing, before you lay your sod. Rabbits may dig through grass, but will not be able to get through much of the topsoil and fit under areas. 

 

MOST IMPORTANTLY As nice as it is to enjoy some sangria outside with your rabbit, keep in mind that not all rabbits are happy being outdoors. Many are much happier inside, where they feel safe. You know your rabbit best, and will know when they are uncomfortable or scared.

 

 I live here and you don't. 

 

 I will sniff you at my leisure. Or I may not.

 

 If you are worthy, I may let you pat me. I may also retract from your touch as if you carry the bubonic plague. 

 

 If you don't want fur or hay on you, don't touch anything. 

 

 I am more important than you. For example—if you would like some water, it will wait until after I get my vegetables.

 

Enjoy your stay at my house. You may leave when I give you the butt or lunge and box at you.

 

Bunnies are such funny creatures. They are social animals, but very picky about the company they keep. Are you bonding rabbits? Here are some tips!

 

Good shelters will know the personality of their rabbits and what kind of personailty will go well with your rabbit. Be sure to let your own rabbit have a say in who their special somebun will be. It will make the bonding process a lot easier! Bring your bunny along for some speed dating and see who your bunny shows a special interest in!

When you have your potential new family member at home, that's when the hard work starts!

Take the bunnies for car rides (one person driving, one person with the rabbits ready to break up any fights). A slow 10-15min around the block is great. Keep in mind that your rabbits should be secure at all times in moving vehicles, but you should be able to access your rabbits quickly. A top loading carrier fastened to a seat beside you usually works best for these purposes. Have an oven mitt handy to break up any potential fights. When you get back home, return them to neutral territory. Putting them both in an empty bathtub works as well, as it is much harder to fight on that slippery surface. 

 

Neutral territory should be any area where you rabbit does not usually have access to and has not been before. If your rabbit is free range, it’s a bit more difficult to do this, but going to a friend’s place may work as well. Start off with a small area (4ftx4ft) in a few minute increments daily. Try to end on a good note, such as right after they groom each other, or petting your rabbits side by side without incident. Slowly increase the space and time, but standby with an oven mitt in case you need to break up any fights. Some have used water bottles to spray and break up fights, however if it is a really heated fight, you need to get in there right away. Our opinion is that the goal is to break up and redirect. Water bottles may just give your rabbits a negative feeling when interacting with each other. Sharing vegetables or hay is a great way to see how comfortable your rabbits are with each other. During this stage, it is also helpful to switch their litter boxes so they can get used to each other’s smells. After doing this for a few days, you can get the bunnies to switch living areas each day to minimize any territorial battles. When you feel comfortable enough to leave them in their neutral space alone, they are ready for the next step!

 

Last step! Bonding in their own territory. Similar to the neutral territory approach, start off with a small area for a few minute increments. End on a good note, and increase space and time slowly. The last step is always the famous 24h monitor where you camp with them overnight just in case any fights occur. This is usually best done on a Friday night, so you have Saturday and Sunday to slowly step away. Some scraps from time to time is perfectly normal, as long as it does not continue for long periods of time. 

 

Best advice:

1. Be patient. When you bring a rabbit in to your home, they are just getting used to you and their new surroundings. If your new fuzzy is agressive or scared, be sure to give them the space they need.

2. Let your rabbit choose their mate. Although you may have preferences on rabbits you would like to adopt, watch to see who your rabbit shows particular interests in.

Dear Santa, 

I am an adorable, well groomed lagomorph who has been (more or less) "nice" this year. It has come to my attention that my human minion has put together a list of gifts to bestow upon me for Christmas. I want to be very clear. These gifts will not appease me. I have included a list below of offerings worthy of a rabbit such as myself. 

And yes, I do want the boxes and wrapping paper they come in as well. 

Best regards,
Fluffy

 

 

 

1. This removable paw.

The humans take this on and off their paws. Never mind the glorious smell, this device often has not one, but two different materials to feast upon! Bonus if the sole is foam, and the long straps are plastic. Hours of good chewing are to be had!

 

 

2. This buffet of snacks

Although never by my food dish, this is often left out in my lounging area. It is a long line of treat samplers. It is pretty much a candy buffet—all sizes, shapes, and colours.

 

 

3. White hay.

Hay comes in many shapes and sizes, but rarest, and most prized form comes in this beautiful shade of white. Its decadent texture, its hint of plastic rubber aromas... *Shudder* I'm grinding my teeth just thinking of it. 

 

 

4. These furniture supports

These supports are inconveniently wedged underneath heavy furnitures. While tasty, I think optimum eating position would include these supports being free. 

 

 

5. Removable fur

These are often left on the floor. I know the thought of removing one's fur is pretty grotesque, but these coverings are not only great for ripping, but when gathered is great for digging and burrowing. Talk about a 2-in-1 gift!

 

 

6. Bedding

I'm not sure what the big deal it. I'm a rabbit, I have needs. I'll be innocently collecting material for nesting, sleeping, or just general curiosity, and I'll get in trouble. I think it's best for all residents of my home if I just got my own long swath of this.

 

5. This dream playhouse

Just look at it. I know it's asking a lot, but think of the joy I'll have with it. The removable soft squares are amazing for chewing the corners off of. The large seating area has great crevices for burrowing and leaving my uneaten cecos in. Plus all the digging and climbing to be had! It holds several humans as well, which is perfect for when I would like to be pampered.