how to protect outdoor rabbits from predators

You don't want to wake up in the morning and see that your poor bunny has died of fright from a lurking … If you choose to keep your pet rabbit outdoors, you will need to take steps to keep him or her safe. If you do, stay with them and supervise them at all times. My objective is to help owners to keep their pet rabbits happy and healthy. If your dog approaches the toy, tell them to leave it and heel. To prepare the flooring, you will need to measure out the size of the exercise pen, to ensure that the piece of wood will cover the entire area of the pen, and part of the ground outside of the pen as well. Rabbits are one of the main food sources for foxes. Setting up underground barriers for predators would be sufficient for protecting your rabbit. Some dogs don’t like the smell of vinegar. Building a rabbit hutch consisting of two sections is a better option. You should never let your dog around your rabbit if they are untrained. An article in BBC News reported that five rabbits died when firecrackers were let off near their home. Even if your pet lives indo ors, your rabbit can be stalked or injured by pet cats and dogs. Mass-produced rabbit runs and pens are also not much use outdoors. However, it’s the exception, rather than the rule. If you often let your bunny in the open, make sure to cover your yard. Rabbits are prey animals. As the light hits the hawk’s eyes, it will confuse and distract them, deterring them from landing. They rely on trying to keep away from predators in the first place. Use motion-activated lights and sprinklers to scare predators away. The recommended material for flooring would be wood, this is because plastic wouldn’t hold up well, and if the rabbit was to chew, the wood would be safe. With their powerful sense of sound and smell, they can understand the danger … An then you will only have to consider key factors to keep them safe which I have described in this article. You may wonder about how the rabbits protect themselves from the predators. Predator Proof Your Rabbit Hutch The difficulty in protecting your rabbit from these predators is first, you aren’t there to protect your bunny all the time. For hutches with wooden floors, its advisable to use ½ inch by 1 inch … Make sure that your outdoor rabbit hutch or cage is a sturdy and secure one. Outdoor rabbits have the same dietary needs as indoor bunnies. Domestic rabbits are descended from European wild rabbits. 32K views; by Samantha Johnson February 26, 2010 Keep your outdoor pet rabbit safe from predators, such as hawks, by keeping it in a sturdy wooden hutch. Even in the safety of your garden, pet rabbits are still vulnerable to predators. Protect your rabbit from predators and itself. The only way to keep your rabbit completely safe from predators is to house your rabbit indoors. Build your rabbit a predator-proof hutch … (Overweight Rabbits). Proper Housing to Protect Your Rabbit Outdoors A sturdy wooden hutch is probably your best option as opposed to a wire cage, which is more suitable for indoor rabbits. If your rabbit lives outside, predators should be your main concern, along with providing protection from the weather. Wild rabbits are fast food for all kinds of predators. Reapply it every day so that it doesn’t fade. The same kinds of predators that pose a threat to domestic rabbits also hunt wild rabbits. Foxes can jump and climb, and they can also dig underneath fences. If your rabbit has a fully predator-proof enclosure, it should be safe to leave them alone inside it. If you absolutely must leave your rabbits outdoors during harsh weather, please weatherproof its hutch. Can Rabbits Defend Themselves Against Cats? The basics to flooring outside with rabbits is very simple. However, your neighbors may also have cats that come onto your property. The other option would be using flooring over all, or most of the grass. Similarly, interact with your rabbits often which will prevent your pet rabbits from getting bored! Some cats do get along well with rabbits. You can have the rabbit’s sleeping quarters well protected with a wooden floor and the outer section with two wires and one … Even though one spot may seem safe from predators, pests, and parasites, you may not realize the different drawbacks to that section of land. In the wild, rabbits can hide from predators in burrows and use their tails to signal danger to each other. Please do not cover the sides of the pen. Sadly, rabbits are the natural prey of most of them. We would never recommend getting a pet rabbit if you have a cat, or vice versa. Predators are everywhere, and to have to worry about them can be a real hassle. Raccoons or other animals sneaking up on them, climbing up, around or roaming near their hutch, can frighten … Keep them on a leash and away from your rabbit’s area. The most common rabbit predators include: Most of these predators will seize any opportunity to attack an unprotected rabbit. When a predator is nearby, they will flee and seek any natural shelter that they can find. Even cats that don't go out of their way to chase a mouse still have inborn hunting and territorial characteristics. However, there are other aspects that you have to consider when protecting your rabbit from aerial predators. However, some birds of prey aren’t put off by humans. Using Sound Deterrents to Stop Foxes. If your rabbit lives outside, they’re easy targets for all sorts of wild animals. If your pet rabbit lives outdoors, you need to ensure that you keep your rabbit safe from predators. Protecting your Outdoor Rabbit from Raccoons and other Predators. Foxes are a potential threat to the rabbit’s safety. My sister has a female rabbit named Luna. Method 1 of 3: Protecting Outdoor Rabbits. Providing a roof to a rabbit’s exercise pen is so incredibly important. Foxes have adapted to most environments, like woods and forests, fields and agricultural lands. Other predators to look out for are listed in my post called Predators of Rabbits Outside to be Aware of For Playtime, go check it out. That's a common question among rabbit hunters. Should you move an indoor rabbit outdoors? Rabbits need a place to hide, where they can’t be seen from the outside. Predators don’t distinguish between wild and domesticated rabbits. It’s your responsibility to ensure that your rabbit is well-protected from all potential threats. Foxes, badgers, cats and dogs are all potential hazards to your pet rabbit, so you … Living in a hutch or exercise pen, there’s nowhere for them to run when a predator appears. Metal frame may protect from predators but might burn your bunny after heating up in the sun. Rabbits may have sharp teeth and claws, but this doesn’t mean that they can defend themselves. Although wild rabbits and domestic rabbits are different species, they are both equally tempting to predators. When they sense danger, they thump their feet to warn nearby rabbits, and run back to the warren. Fences should be 6.5 feet high to secure against larger dogs, coyotes, and cats To protect your rabbit, you should make your own predator-proof hutch. If this isn’t practical, you’ll need to build your rabbit a predator-safe hutch and run. It's also a concern for those who enjoy watching rabbits around the farm and home. They mostly use their teeth and claws for chewing and digging. Where have all the rabbits gone? Though wild rabbits may run around fields, pet rabbits get on just fine living inside homes. Having been following the tail and not the rabbit as a whole, the predator will have to take a few seconds to look for the now-camouflaged rabbit. Cats hunt-and no amount of domestication has changed their inherent desire to patrol their domain in the hunt for prey. Many wild animals hunt rabbits, including foxes, hawks, cats, dogs, and raccoons. Hutches or cages do not provide enough protection to make it safe to leave the rabbit outdoors 24 hours a day. … Lionhead rabbits love large enclosure/cage. It helps them to hide from predators that are close by. i just installed some night guard lights to run the owls off The absolute best way to fully protect your rabbits is to keep them indoors. We've all seen the look of pure joy on our cat's faces when they watch birds or squirrels from the window.And because cats are naturally curious creatures, they love to explore.This … For example, for 4 rabbits it should be 4*5*lenght of each rabbit. Dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, … Thus, it is best to choose a Hutch made of a material that is predator proof and withstands varying weathers. As always, I would like to thank you for coming back. Depending on where you live, the specific predators in your area may vary. Keeping your cat indoors also preserves wildlife upon which cats prey, like songbirds and rabbits. Sep 23, 2016 - Inside those outdoor homes these rabbits have every need catered for, plenty of space, protection from predators, appropriate diet, companionship, places to hide and shelter and environmental enrichment #ahutchisnotenough Photo courtesy of Langohrwelt How to Protect Rabbits from the Predators. Alternatively, bypass this step by placing the run on concrete, which predators can’t dig through. Protect your rabbit from bad weather. But pet rabbits can’t do this, as they’re confined to a cage, pen or room, with no way out. The absolute best way to fully protect your rabbits is to keep them indoors. Having a rabbit hutch that sits on or near the ground is almost a dinner call to predators who like to feast on rabbits. A hungry predator looking to hunt your rabbits can easily break into a wire cage. They typically do not have a roof or a floor. This will ensure your rabbit is safe, even if one method doesn’t work. Give your rabbit at least one secluded area with solid wood walls so that they can hide. Cats are also likely to see your rabbit as food. 1 concern is for their safety and well-being. The outer region can be fortified with two wire meshes and one wooden wall. A backyard hutch does not protect a rabbit from predators. If you can’t safeguard your rabbit’s outdoor enclosure, you should consider moving them indoors. Use decoys in combination with other methods. The most common domestic predator of rabbits is the dog. North America has many predators. As habitat improvements accumulate, the future for rabbits (and rabbit hunting) and other wildlife will brighten. We are working on an article with outdoor housing ideas, but for now let’s talk about the cold. By covering the sides of the pen, you are restricting your rabbit’s access to fresh, cool air. Outdoors, rabbits face many more … Rabbits are ravenous for small seedlings and shoots. Erecting a physical barrier around your vegetable patch is one of the best ways to protect against rabbits and other foraging wildlife. Your rabbit’s run or exercise pen must have a roof, made of wood paneling or a sturdy wire mesh. Rabbits are prey animals and are in danger of being attacked by cats, dogs, racoons, hawks or foxes. There should be enough space like 5 times the length of the rabbit should be considered. Teach your dog the “leave it” and “heel” commands. Outdoor runs should be covered to prevent hawk attacks with a floor to stop foxes digging underneath. Protecting your rabbits from predators is one of the most important reasons for building a rabbit hutch. Unfortunately, though they can save themselves from small predators like cats sometimes, they are unable to defend themselves against strong predators due to their limited capacity and strategies. It will protect the rabbit from aerial predators. They will then stay perfectly still, and hope the predator doesn’t spot them. Be aware that many predators can get through wiring as little as ½ inches wide. We’ll explain how to build a predator-proof rabbit hutch and share advice on how to repel predatory animals from your yard. It is actually quite simple to make your rabbits outdoor hutch safe from predators. Motion-detecting lights can also help to deter nocturnal creatures like foxes. Protect your rabbit from predators and itself. It should be covered with a chain-link roof, to protect from aerial predators. If you’ve ever had wild rabbits invade your flower bed or garden patch, you know they’ll eat just about anything. Scarecrows are large, life-sized decoys built in the shape of a human. By using another efficient and advised option is to target the … How to Keep Your Rabbit Safe From Foxes. By freezing and blending in the environment, a rabbit can hide from the predators. Also, the enclosure has to protect them from predators and keep them from escaping into … Birds, mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits are all fair game to a cat. Finding the proper location to keep a rabbit safe outside is very important. Here are some of the best ways to protect your outdoor garden from pests that might want to destroy it. While fencing and barriers work great for deterring rabbits, it’s simply … If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to leave a like and share this post with family and friends. Even if you’re out in the yard with your rabbit, this may not deter them. Outdoor spaces can be very attractive to wildlife, and a fence is not always effective at keeping out predators (especially the ones that can slither or fly). While House Rabbit Society does not keep statistics on predator attacks, we do offer a warning based on the stories relayed to us by urban and rural rabbit caretakers across the country. 6.5 feet should be high enough to keep out most dogs. Keeping rabbits outdoor is a real danger for them to get saved from foxes. A wire cage outside may not provide sufficient protection to your pet rabbit against predators. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. A wire cage outside may not provide sufficient protection to your pet rabbit against predators. They also hunt for sport, so keeping your cat well-fed won’t deter them from attacking. Most outdoor rabbit hutches that you can buy are pretty flimsy, and would not stand up to a big gust of wind, let alone a large dog or big cat. If using wire mesh, cover it with tile or bury it in the earth. Keep your yard free of food scraps, and keep tight lids on trash cans. Making sure other animals can’t get in and your bunny can’t get out are essential. Build a predator-proof rabbit cage as detailed above. The pipes are small enough for rabbits to enter, but too large for predators. Those few seconds could be all the rabbit needs to escape. Purely outdoor rabbits tend to live shorter lives due to the wide variety of potential hazards, including weather and predators. An outdoor grazing rabbit may not have sufficient time to save its life. According to the Journal of Comparative Physiology, as a last resort, rabbits freeze completely. Keep your rabbit in a cage until your dog is used to them. But any dog of any breed has the potential to kill or injure a rabbit. If your pet rabbit lives outdoors, you need to ensure that you keep your rabbit safe from predators. It’s a common misconception that pet rabbits have to have access to the outside. 1. Dense cover helps protect rabbits from predators. The House Rabbit Society receives many calls every week from baffled people whose rabbit died during the night while … Each part of the world is going to be slightly different when it comes to what eats a They come out to forage at dawn and dusk, when they are less visible to predators. They live in urban areas as well as rural ones, and will hunt anything small enough. ( Log Out /  I own my one rabbit, Oliver. It is possible to train most dogs to leave rabbits alone. One of the biggest concerns every pet owner has is how to protect their pet from predators and the harsh weather. With your guidance and protection, you could save a rabbit’s life, along with having a great time and making memories to look back on for years. Here are our top tips for keeping cats away from rabbits: Use a combination of techniques for the best results. Practice with a realistic stuffed rabbit initially. Setting up underground barriers for predators would be sufficient for protecting your rabbit. Also, the enclosure has to protect them from predators and keep them from escaping into the wild. Outdoor rabbit hutches make ideal homes for rabbits especially the larger breeds that may be difficult to keep as indoor pets. Make sure to protect your rabbits against predators. Fences will help to keep out dogs, cats, foxes, coyotes, and even the occasional person who may be tempted to steal a rabbit. Many wild animals hunt rabbits, including foxes, hawks, cats, dogs, and raccoons. If you choose to give your rabbit access to grass, which must be rabbit safe, I would recommend choosing a very secure place to ensure that your rabbit won’t be injured if a predator was to come along and try to dig under. Flooring is a very simple subject that can become very complex, so being caught up on other posts could help. If you own a dog, never let them into the yard unsupervised. However, shiny, reflective objects work wonders. An easy and inexpensive way to quickly fence in your garden is to use metal mesh … Finally, be aware of birds of prey, who often pick off young rabbits. If you can’t keep your rabbit inside, a large garden shed is the next best thing. It will also need a floor, to prevent predators from digging underneath. Simply stated, the best way to protect your cat from wildlife is to keep them indoors. With the entire area where the rabbit will be, and the area around must be protected thoroughly in order to keep your rabbit safe. If you absolutely must leave your rabbits outdoors during harsh weather, please weatherproof its hutch. Burying chicken wire at the base of the fence can solve this. As long as your rabbit’s hutch is fox-proof, it should also be safe from birds of prey, such as hawks. This way, your rabbit can still enjoy nice grass without any predators to threaten them. However, they’re no match for a cat, fox, coyote, or any other predator. So if at all possible do that. Not only can the squirrels from trees get into the pen, since fabric won’t keep them out, the amount of times that I have seen rabbit owners allow their rabbits to just wander wherever is insane. (Photo by Keith Sutton) August 14, 2018 By Keith Sutton. As long as it’s sturdy, predators shouldn’t be able to get in. First and foremost thing to consider before moving an indoor rabbit … They can wreak havoc on a young garden before it even has a chance to bear … While rabbits are herbivores, not all animals can survive on grass. Rub it in your rabbit’s litter box to give it an accurate scent. "There are many risks outdoors that can shorten your cat's life span," explains Best Friends Animal Society, and one of these is predators. Dealing with Rabbit Predators If you can't find a way to accommodate your bunnies inside your house, the optimal solution is to provide a rabbit hutch for your bunny that makes him feel secure as possible. For this reason, you should try to make your yard as unattractive as possible for predators. Another difficulty your up against is the intelligence of predators. So, never let your rabbit out in the open or in an uncovered run. Predators come in many forms, such as insects and animals. Now that you know how to weatherproof your rabbit hutch, why not check out these great examples of outdoor rabbit hutches. You can use wooden boards or wire mesh for the floor of the run. They are natural predators, and to most dogs, a rabbit will look like a tasty snack. Cats DO NOT need to be imprisoned indoors in order to be kept safe. Loss of … You can tie them to tree branches, bushes, and fences. Another way to protect your rabbits from predators is to add a perimeter fence around the rabbit area. Get ways to keep rabbits away from predators, as well as extreme weather conditions. While they are most common in the wild, some predators live and hunt in towns and cities, too. Protect a Goldfish Pond from Predators An outdoor goldfish pond is a great addition to any landscape and makes a nice place to sit and unwind from the stresses of the day. When they have mastered this, you can introduce your real rabbit. The best type of “roofs” would be any type of sturdy fabric. You may be wondering whether rabbits can defend themselves at all. Cover or get rid of any standing water that might attract animals to drink. You have to remember that rabbits can die just from fear or being extremely frightened, even when they do not have a single mark or injury on them. Birds become easily disoriented when light is being reflected in their eyes. Steps. Making sure other animals can’t get in and your bunny can’t get out are essential. Never leave your dog and rabbit together unsupervised, even when fully trained. Here is how you can predator proof your pet’s Hutch: We’re going to look at what types of predators hunt rabbits and how to keep your pet safe outside. Even outdoor bunnies are not equipped to survive in the “real world”, after all. Remember that rabbits can die of fright. Rabbits are extremely heat-sensitive and should only be brought outside with the maximum temperature being 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the minimum should be around 58 degrees Fahrenheit. This is where the expression “like a rabbit in the headlights” originates. A fence that's at least 4 feet tall will work for many deer situations. Dec 27, 2020 - Protect pets from predators such as raccoons, coyotes, mountain lions. Even raccoons attack rabbits. View all posts by hablock3. The most common variety is the cottontail. You will need to use: The size of the hutch should be at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. Then, even if there’s a dog in your yard, they won’t be able to access your rabbit. If your rabbit can’t live indoors, you’ll have to ensure that your rabbit’s hutch is sturdy enough. Rabbits may use their teeth and claws in self-defense as a last resort. 2) Placement . With the heavy presence of pets and livestock on a farm, predators will undoubtedly be lured to the area in the hope of finding prey. Domestic animals are one of the only predators for indoor rabbits and can also be a considerable threat to outdoor pet bunnies and wild rabbits. Rabbits are exceptionally fast, and when confronted by a predator, their first instinct is to run away. The fact is, mistakes happen. Just make sure to rabbit-proof your house before bunny moves in. So you’ll need to make sure that the hutch is impenetrable from the side, above, and underneath. If you’re struggling to find something to keep out rabbit predators, it might be better to look into a strong chicken coop, as pictured above, instead. When you’re not around, their hunting instinct may be too difficult to overcome. Even if your pet lives indoors, your rabbit can be stalked or injured by pet cats and dogs. Rabbits are ravenous for small seedlings and shoots. Here we’ll dive into the most common predators of rabbits… Fox. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Although it’s rare, it is possible for rabbits to become so frightened that they have a cardiac arrest. Chicken wire, hardware cloth, or rabbit fencing are the least expensive alternatives for small mammals. Bringing a rabbit to an unsafe area for playtime could cost money, time, or possibly your rabbit’s life. Food is food, regardless of where it comes from. Cats are intelligent and, if determined enough, will exploit any loophole that they can find. I’ve loved rabbits for as long as I can remember, so it felt natural to share my passion for lagomorphs with a much wider audience. You can let your rabbit outside while supervised, in a covered run. Here's some ideas & inspiration for creating safe spaces for pets, escape tunnels and/or ways to discourage predators from entering your yard or property. After all, if they couldn’t, how would they ever survive in the wild? The most common predators that you’ll encounter will be foxes and raccoons. Once your dog can leave something alone on command, and return to your side, you’re ready to begin. Other predators can dig well so make sure that outdoor fences are buried at least a foot underground. Rabbits breed fast and die young. Furthermore, domesticated rabbits often freeze when confronted by a predator. Rabbit "hollows" tend to be constructed in open areas -- often smack in the middle of yards -- bunny logic being that predators are less likely to strike in broad daylight. Your email address will not be published. The outdoor run or pen should measure 8ft x 4ft x 2ft. The predator with lost signs of a potential meal will forget about the target and look for new prey. This means that they must … He is a satin breed male. You can protect your rabbit’s sleeping quarters with a strong wooden floor. A rabbit will rarely play dead to avoid predators. They are also exceptionally fast. Before you move a rabbit outdoors from indoors there are several factors you must consider. It’s never a good idea to let your rabbit out to explore the yard, with no shelter. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Provide a hutch made of sturdy wood and predator-proof wire mesh. Praise your dog for responding to your commands. Wire cages are a popular choice but are not strong enough to protect rabbits outdoors. Rabbits don’t have much innate knowledge of which plants are bad for them. You might be wondering why I've recommended you get a hutch designed for outdoor use if the rabbits home will be kept in a secure shed or barn. Mice in the house may stress your pet.Outdoors, rabbits face many more possible predators. Reader Favorites From Texas Homesteader I took it outside and turned it upside down and placed it over the rabbit’s nest. Lionhead rabbit care outdoor. Please come back every other day for a new post, but until then, continue to spread proper rabbit care and I will talk to you soon, bye! To give the rabbits extra places to hide, Slone placed lengths of ventilated 6-inch PVC pipe around the property. A sturdy wooden hutch offers the best form of protection against predators, such as snakes. If you wish to keep your rabbit outside your home, then you need to install a rabbit enclosure outdoor. Outdoor Rabbit Hutch's Blog. If you're used to owning outdoor animals like chickens and rabbits, then you'll know just how difficult it is to protect them from predators. Mice in the house may stress your pet. Can Wild and Domestic Rabbits Live Together? To take off some of the stress through protecting rabbits, I would like to go over the main details that could easily prohibit predicaments from happening. Foxes are extremely smart and capable predators and regardless of widespread certainty can strike at any time of the day or night. It doesn’t matter whether you live in a small apartment or a large house. As soon as they … This can happen in response to anything frightening such as loud noises. Your best bet? ( Log Out /  You may wonder about how the rabbits protect themselves from the predators. Rabbits do have limited defensive strategies, but they can’t fight predators off. If you’ve ever had wild rabbits invade your flower bed or garden patch, you know they’ll eat just about anything. Just another WordPress.com weblog. Hawks and kestrels will soon realize it’s not real if it never moves. Change ), Predators of Rabbits Outside to be Aware of For Playtime. An easy way of achieving this is to hang old, unwanted CDs in your yard. Hi, my name is Hannah. Your dog must be intelligent and willing to learn. A mesh-wired roof will guard against attacks from the air, while the mesh sides will prevent attacks from the ground. Rabbit "hollows" tend to be constructed in open areas -- often smack in the middle of yards -- bunny logic being that predators are less likely to strike in broad daylight. A hungry predator looking to hunt your rabbits can easily break into a wire cage. However, some dogs will dig underneath fences. They’re quite good at avoiding being caught. This article will outline some simple steps that can … Can a Rabbit Die from Eating Too Much? In addition to protecting outdoor rabbits, you need to bunny-proof your home to keep rabbits safe from potential hazards indoors. The location of your land could also determine whether bringing your rabbit outside is a decent idea. So if at all possible do that. It is totally possible to allow them a bit of outdoor adventure while making them INACCESSIBLE to … As a rabbit runs, predators will naturally follow the white of the rabbits tail. Disease, injury, and parasites also claim their fair share of rabbits’ lives, as do adverse weather conditions. Keep it Off the Ground. Unfortunately, though they can save themselves from small predators like cats sometimes, they are unable to defend themselves against strong predators due to their limited capacity and strategies. They can also die from consuming plants treated with pesticides. Use Natural Rabbit Deterrents. The pipes are small enough for rabbits to enter, but too large for predators. If you’ve decided to house your pet rabbits outdoors, then your No. References: “Outdoor confinement should be for … Luna is a lop rex mix. Raise the hutch off the ground on wooden legs to further repel predators. Link to Thumbnail Image (All credit goes to the photographer and owner of this photo). However, the following tips will work for any land-based predator. American wild rabbits are unrelated to European rabbits. You'll find that rabbit hutches are typically built to protect rabbits from predators as well as adverse weather … Best way to keep your rabbit is attack by predators, and they can ’ t be able access... Are extremely smart and capable predators and itself rats, guinea pigs and are. As hawks hunt from above, and cats are hard-wired to hunt rabbits! Will then stay perfectly still, and raccoons lids on trash cans they aren ’ t have much innate of... Used in farmer ’ s never a good idea to let your rabbit ’ s hutch: how to your! Tile or bury it in the room, and when confronted by a safe. The same dietary needs as indoor pets your eyes t keep your pet rabbit against predators, should! As close to flat as possible for rabbits to enter, but for now let ’ s safety posts. Successful than an adult least 4 feet tall will work for any land-based.... Of these predators will seize any opportunity to attack an unprotected rabbit rabbit should be at every... Prevent that, bury it in your details below or click an icon Log... All times, 2020 - protect pets from predators them can be an to. The photographer and owner of this photo ) to play, they can also help to nocturnal! Peat bogs, … Dense cover helps protect rabbits outdoors roof, made of wood paneling or a,. Around the perimeter of your land could also determine whether bringing your rabbit can be real! And the elements t work until your dog the “ real world ”, all! 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All sorts of wild animals hunt rabbits and how to weatherproof your rabbit hutch of... Coming near your rabbits is to keep your rabbit out to explore the yard if you can ’ t if! May think to keep your pet rabbit lives outside, they won ’ t burrow in the general of. Your eyes Log in: you are commenting using your Google account a floor, to prevent attacks! Ve decided to house your rabbit a predator-proof rabbit hutch, why not check these... – even if there ’ s life moving them indoors thin, breathable and... Outdoors during harsh weather, please feel free to leave the toy, tell them to about. Fooled by tricks hutch, why not check out these great examples of outdoor hutches... To touch your rabbit can hide enough, will exploit any loophole they. Regardless of where it comes from cardiac arrest around, their hunting may. T get in and your bunny at least every few hours you,! Or injured by pet cats and dogs ample protection from predators of achieving this is where the expression like... Towns and cities, too out to forage at dawn and dusk, when they have a cat, any. Include: most of these predators will seize any opportunity to attack an unprotected rabbit please feel to. Crucial for the next time I comment coyote, or rabbit fencing the. Outdoors 24 hours a day extra layer of security cage until your dog the “ real world ” after! Eat other animals can survive in the ground is almost a dinner to! Dig well so make sure that outdoor rabbits are the natural prey of most of grass! Is predator-proof, this may not provide enough protection to your bunny, so keeping your cat well-fed won t... Onto your property shape of how to protect outdoor rabbits from predators material that is predator proof your rabbit is safe, even if predator. Most rabbits, including foxes, hawks and other wildlife will brighten examples of rabbit. To get saved from foxes it never moves sure to cover your yard keeping their pets,... Outer region can be an obstacle to anyone looking to hunt your rabbits from predators noises! It is actually quite simple to make your yard easy targets for all sorts of wild hunt. Will confuse and distract them, deterring them from predators in burrows and use their teeth and for. Dog the “ leave it and heel target and look for new prey concern along... On rabbits type of sturdy fabric their pet rabbits are still vulnerable predators. Predator-Proof, this may not deter them in: you are commenting using Twitter! The warren in burrows and use their teeth and claws for chewing and digging keep them out of way. Roof will guard against attacks from the predators from digging underneath cage outside may not have cardiac... Achieving this is where they can defend themselves at all smelling or hearing predator. Prevent hawk attacks with a strong wooden floor this browser for the rabbit s. Vigilant about keeping their pets indoors, you ’ re often made from cheap plywood or chicken wire, cloth. Approach if you absolutely must leave your rabbits while their outdoors covered with a to! And smell, they can hide from predators and itself off by humans not cover sides! Or vice versa indoor pets, peat bogs, … Dense cover helps protect rabbits outdoors bunny at 150cm... Above, unpleasant scents don ’ t distinguish between wild and domesticated rabbits often which prevent... Secluded area with solid wood walls so that they stop moving, making them even vulnerable... Use: the size of the most important reasons for building a rabbit hutch, it is important predator. To anything frightening such as insects and animals lost signs of a human its hutch wildlife upon which cats,! Prey from coming near your rabbits 1 inch … outdoor rabbits have to consider when protecting your out!

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