HOUSING YOUR RABBIT INDOORS

Pet rabbits should be kept indoors as family members. Particularly over the past 20 years, attitudes have changed towards what it means to have a pet rabbit and rabbit owners have realized that having a house rabbit is far more beneficial for the rabbit himself and for the family.

Why shouldn't rabbits be housed out of the home?

• Rabbits crave interaction. They are a social animal that loves the company of not only their own species, but that of humans. Depriving a rabbit of human contact leads to a likely maladjusted rabbit with issues such as aggression and severe fear of humans.

• Our Canadian climate is ill-suited to an outdoor animal such as a domestic rabbit. Our temperatures range from extreme cold to extreme heat throughout the seasons. Extreme cold can lead to frost bite and hypothermia, while extreme heat can cause heat stroke. Note as well that since rabbits regulate their body temperature through their ears (like elephants!), dwarf breeds who have shorter ears will be more prone to heat stroke.

• Rabbits housed outdoors are at risk from parasites. Fur mites and ear mites are two of the most common and can cause discomfort in early stages and serious medical issues if left untreated.

• It is impossible to accurately observe your rabbit's health if not inside the home. You can more easily detect health issues and injuries if your rabbit is with you in your home.

• Maintaining an appropriate level of cleanliness in the rabbit's environment when outdoors is far more difficult. Insects are instantly attracted to feces, urine and to the rabbit's themselves. If the rabbit himself is suffering from urine scald, injury, soft stool or is unable to properly clean himself, they can succomb to "fly strike." For more information on this horrible issue please read (PLEASE NOTE THIS ARTICLE MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS) "Fly Strike" by Marinell Harriman.

• An outdoor hutch or other enclosure does not provide adequate protection from predators. Even if you are certain that the hutch/enclosure is properly secured, a "stalking" predator can frighten a caged rabbit enough to cause a sudden heart attack. Predators in Ontario include but are not limited to foxes, coyotes, wolves and fishers, who can all easily enter a rabbit hutch if determined enough, particularly in the winter months when there is less food resources available.

Some rabbit owners choose to bring their rabbits outside for supervised outings. If you choose to do so, ensure the area is secure, such a fenced-in yard (check for holes/gaps in and under the fence - remember rabbits can dig underneath a fence very quickly!), a dog exercise pen high enough that your rabbit will not escape or on a rabbit-safe harness (as rabbit's necks are very different from cats and dogs, a collar is not an appropriate or safe choice and risks injury, not to mention escape) and leash.

NEW MOON RABBIT RESCUE POLICIES
We DO NOT adopt to owners wishing to house their rabbits outdoors, in a barn or garage, etc. for any reason or in any area (country, city, etc.). New Moon rabbits are house pets ONLY.