Many of us have kept rabbits outdoors at one point. However, as the rabbit community learns more about rabbit health, the answer is clear: indoor rabbits are much healthier, happier, and make more enjoyable pets!
- Fatal illnesses result from exposure to 80° temperatures (or above) for a prolonged period of time.
(Rabbits kept indoors need protection from heat, too - click here for more information.) Cold weather is also dangerous.
- Domesticated rabbits are different from wild rabbits. Domesticated rabbits feel safest in familiar surroundings and do NOT need time outdoors.
- Rabbits kept outdoors have an average lifespan of only a few years; while house rabbits can live 8+ years.
- Outdoor rabbits are often inadvertently neglected and don’t get necessary exercise, medical attention or interaction.
- Even rabbits in a supervised, urban backyards can be (and are) victims of predators! They can suffer fatal heart attacks from the APPROACH of a predator.
- Rabbits can run 35 miles per hour. Picture yourself trying to catch your escaped pet!
- Rabbits should not be put on harnesses or leashes. The outdoors can be scary to rabbits, and they can easily injure themselves trying to get away.
- Outdoor rabbits are exposed to potentially fatal insect bites/stings, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
In other words: don't risk it!
Adapted from "Consider Making Your Outdoor Bunny an Indoor Companion" at http://www.rabbit.org
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