Benefits of an outdoor hutch
If your family is considering adding rabbits as pets to the house, quickly decide whether you plan to keep the rabbits indoors in a cage or outdoors in a special hutch. Keeping rabbits indoors is fine, but you may need to protect certain parts of the house that are not safe for rabbits and also provide daily cleaning to prevent rabbits from dirtying rugs, cushions, and floors. Many people end up keeping their rabbits outside in a hutch, as it is easier to maintain and provides a more natural environment for the rabbits to grow up.
The two biggest concerns when keeping rabbits outdoors are predators of larger animals and cold weather. When unsupervised, it’s very easy for larger animals like raccoons to sneak up on you and try to run off with a snack. Also, at night the temperature can drop significantly and if your hutch is not insulated against attacks and freezing air, you may end up losing your pets overnight to a robbery or freeze. When choosing a hutch to keep your rabbits, make sure it is a durable hutch that can deter predatory animals and also has sturdy doors and ceilings to ensure that all rabbits indoors are safe and warm at night.
Most rabbit owners and veterinarians agree that the ideal temperature for rabbits ranges from 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature above 85 or below 45 degrees is of concern and may require bringing the rabbits indoors or supplying fresh water throughout the day so that the rabbits do not become dehydrated. Although not as needy as cats and dogs, rabbits are not completely self-sufficient and the owner must watch carefully to ensure they have a safe and healthy upbringing.
If you have an outdoor hutch and expect temperatures to drop, be sure to cover the hutch with a warm blanket or towel at night. As well as keeping smart predators away, this insulating layer can go a long way to keeping your furry friends warm. You can also include warm blankets in the hutch so the rabbits can snuggle together at night creating a warmer sleeping environment.
Consequently, when the weather warms up, it is imperative that you keep your hutch in a shady area, as extreme heat can wreak havoc on your well-being. It is also advisable to have fresh and cold water to drink and even wrap a bottle of ice water in a towel and store it in the hutch for freshness.
Large outdoor rabbit hutches are great living environments for raising rabbits and with the right hutch and accessories, you are ready to provide a loving home for your furry pet. Once you have accounted for all internal and external hazards and have made any necessary adjustments, you can safely introduce your rabbits to their new hutch and let them become familiar with their new surroundings.