Rabbit Habitat

Rabbit Bed

Baby bunny, Information, Pet rabbit, Rabbit Comfort, Rabbit Habitat / By

Wild rabbits take shelter in warrens, dens, or holes in the ground. And unlike their indoor or domesticated counterparts, they fill their home with fur and warm natural materials. But do rabbits really need bedding? 

If you own a rabbit, it is a requirement to make one in a litter box. You can also make bedding in a cage, but that’s optional.

It is also essential to determine the type of bedding that will suit your rabbit. Maze rugs and seagrass can make excellent bedding for rabbits who love to chew their bedding while towels and mats can be used by non-chewers. 

Various types of rabbit beddings are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The bedding materials are available for rabbits but there are still some factors you need to consider when choosing the appropriate rabbit bedding.

Beddings for Rabbits

A good cage and food are not the only things your rabbit requires. Bunnies must also feel warm, safe, and comfortable, just like humans.

Beddings help rabbits to live longer and have a healthy life. And these beddings must be non-toxic because rabbits frequently feed on them. You should also consider the cost and how often the bedding needs to be changed.

Some of the best materials you can use for your rabbit beddings include hay, shredded paper, and specialist litter.

Private Bedroom

Most rabbits normally sleep at night as well as in the afternoon or early evening. They are more likely to rest at dusk and dawn.

Just like humans, rabbits also require their own private area. Your rabbit will feel cozier if it has its own dedicated sleeping area.

Several factors may influence a rabbit’s sleep, this includes noise from their surroundings and disturbance in their hutches.

When building a bedroom for your rabbit, be sure to make it dark, warm, shielded, and enclosed. A clean cardboard box that was turned to its side can make an ideal sleeping area for a rabbit. In addition, you should also provide them with the appropriate bedding material inside their bedroom.

What to Consider when Choosing A Rabbit Bedding

Rabbits require great care and attention to reduce the risks of health difficulties.

The essential factors to remember when choosing rabbit bedding are their breed and potential health complexities. Typical health issues in rabbits include overgrown or misaligned teeth and ear mites.

Consider these several factors when choosing a bedding for your rabbit:

Odor Control

Rabbits can be very smelly and messy at some times. Therefore, choosing rabbit bedding that provides excellent odor control is essential.

Some rabbit beddings have a built-in odor control to eradicate bad odors.

Absorbent Materials

You should also consider the absorbency of the bedding material. Absorbent materials reduce the need for constantly changing. It also makes the rabbit hutch cleaner and more comfortable.

In addition, this bedding material is best for both play and sleep.

Safety

Rabbits sometimes spend most of their time lounging, sitting, and lying on their beddings, and some beddings are deemed to be toxic for rabbits.

It is crucial to choose rabbit bedding that is safe and harmless to your pet.

Dust-free

Choosing dust-free bedding for your rabbit can make it easier and quicker every time you change them.

Dust-free beddings also support the respiratory health of your rabbit.

Comfort

As said earlier, rabbits spend most of their time sleeping and lying on their bedding. Therefore, you have to make sure that the bedding you choose for your pet will make them comfortable and relaxed.

Feel the bedding with your hands first to find out if it is soft enough for your rabbit before giving it to them. You should also make sure that the bedding does not include any sharp or coarse objects that may harm your rabbit.

Environmentally Friendly

Use eco-friendly bedding, especially if you own multiple rabbits. Eco-friendly beddings are great for the environment and your rabbit as well.

Eco-friendly beddings are biodegradable which means that they do not have adverse effects on the environment and can also be turned into compost.

What Rabbits Like to Sleep On?

Rabbits love to sleep in very comfortable surroundings. There are some beddings alternatives that your rabbit will enjoy sleeping on, including:

Shredded Paper

This type of bedding is probably one of the simplest and cheapest to make.

Shredded paper is a great absorbent and provides outstanding odor control.

Feed standard, plain paper straight through a shredder, and then you can use the shreds as rabbit bedding. On the downside, this type of bedding can be a mess if it gets blown around.

Sand

This type of bedding is affordable and helps to support your rabbit’s paws.

Sand is very comfortable when used as a bedding material for bunnies. In addition, it can be reused and has low bacterial counts which limit the growth of pathogens.

Aspen

The significant benefits of this type of bedding are its softness and absorption. This rabbit bedding is best suited for young rabbits that pee frequently.

Aspen provides excellent thermal insulation and enhances the lying experience of rabbits. Also, aspen is perfect on the paws of bunnies.

This bedding material is excellent for people who consider odor control. However, it may cling to your pet rabbit and get dragged around your house.

Hay

Most rabbits will prefer to sleep on hay because of its softness and it is something they can play with. This type of bedding can be simply obtained from farms or backyards

Despite its popularity as a bedding material, hay also has its disadvantages. It can be sticky and messy, especially when it combines with rabbit waste and pee.

Hay is not the best bedding material for promoting the paw health of bunnies, either.

Rabbit Bedding Options

Several rabbit bedding options are available on the market. You can determine what suits best for your rabbit by knowing its breed and your living arrangement.

Good rabbit bedding can make your pet feel safe and comfortable.

For some instances, your pet does not like the bedding you have chosen for them. But instead of buying a new one, try to move the bed into a different location first.

Pets sometimes refuse their homes not because of their condition but because of their location.

Plush or Fabric Beds

These beds are soft, cuddly, and can be purchased in different sizes, shapes, and designs. Most pet stores offer this type of bedding, and you can find them most of the time in the cat/dog isles. They can be washed or sometimes feature a removable and washable cover. 

While some rabbits may like this type of bedding, plush materials are generally too soft, and your pet might only use it for peeing and not for napping. But if this is the case, try using the flat ones instead.

Towels, Blankets, or Rugs

A very cheap and washable alternative for beds is 100% cotton towels, rugs, or fleece blankets. They can provide a soft and cuddly spot without creating an unstable surface on which most rabbits can’t properly stand. 

Towels can be washed repeatedly at high temperatures and can also be replaced if needed without breaking the bank. Ikea’s Signe rugs have this characteristic. 

Fleece fabric or blankets are also a great option because they don’t fray and can be easily cut to your desired size. Look for anti-pill fleece, as it will definitely last longer without pilling.

Wooden Beds

By now, we’ve already seen adorable photos of rabbits resting in doll beds. And you can also buy this type of bedding at Ikea.

If you own an old American Doll or Melissa & Doug bed, it’ll surely do the trick. Most of these materials are not soft enough to be confused for litter boxes, so that’s a definite plus!

Baskets

If your rabbit doesn’t have a chewing and peeing habit on your furniture, then a simple basket can be a great option.

Baskets are sometimes made of willow or wicker, seagrass, or even plastic ones. Some come in an oval shape and some have a lid that can be a pathway for your pet. Regardless, it is a good idea to go with one best suited for pets. 

Most pet furniture is not coated with a water-based finish. Try placing a towel or fleece blanket around the basket to provide extra comfort.

Grass Mats/Beds

Some pet stores sell this type of material. 

Most rabbit owners use Grass mats because they are somewhat soft, edible, and rabbits love them! This type of material is not just for sleeping, but to tear apart slowly in between naps as well. Rabbits will surely love this bedding until his single days are over.

Hammocks

While neither of your pet rabbits would ever be willing to jump onto a moving surface, some rabbits will surely enjoy the amenities of a hammock. 

You can find different makes out there, but most pet owners like the one that looks like a small side table with a hammock underneath. In that way, your pet rabbit can sit on top of the frame, too! 

The hammock itself can easily be stitched by hand or bought from various sellers on Etsy. Most hammocks utilize a simple metal hook on each end to fasten the frame securely. 

Pee Pads

If your pet rabbit loves to sleep behind the couch, try placing a washable pee pad on the floor for added protection. Pee pads can protect your carpet and can be used as a comfortable sleeping spot as well.

Alternative Ideas

You can find several unique rabbit beds on Etsy, and our favorite would probably be the Ugli Donut by The Hare Apparent.

It is comfortable, seems to meet a rabbit’s needs, and solves the pee problem. Plus, some of the proceeds go to a rabbit shelter! They also have fun beds for single or disabled rabbits that can be shipped all through the US.

Etsy also sells an up-cycled jean jacket, various pillows, blankets, and hammocks, as well as the MiniBun, which can also be used for small dogs and cats.

Best Bedding for Baby Rabbits

Beddings for young rabbits are crucial to their overall health. Rabbits younger than six months old only have their babyfurs and are required to be kept warm.

Apply comfortable bedding for baby rabbits until they reach their maturity when they can manage their own body temperatures. The body temperature of a baby rabbit should not drop below 101 degrees Fahrenheit to give them the comfort they need and make them sleep better.

The materials used for bedding for baby rabbits should be absorbent. Baby rabbits pee most of the time because they still haven’t figured out how to control their bladders.

Training baby rabbits to pee outside their hutches is very challenging due to their short attention spans. Therefore, looking for bedding that is absorbent and affordable is crucial.

Best Beddings for Adult Rabbits

Healthy adult rabbits do not have many necessities for their beddings.

They can maintain their own body temperatures and can easily learn how to be comfortable in different surroundings.

Still, choose comfortable and reliable beddings for your adult rabbits. Also, consider the characters of your adult rabbits when preferring their beddings. 

Best Bedding for Senior Rabbits

Senior rabbits may spend a lot of their time in bed. They are frequently not interested in plays and exercises.

Comfort should be your number one priority when looking for beddings for senior rabbits. They are often sickly, which is why they need comfortable beddings.

Senior rabbits are also more prone to joint difficulties than younger bunnies. Therefore, their beddings must be as smooth and soft as possible.

Older rabbits have weak immune systems and can be adversely afflicted when they become sick. So be sure to make their beddings non-toxic, warm, and free of irritants.

Best Bed and Hideaways for Rabbits

Your furry friend will feel safe when they have their own comfortable and cozy shelter to hide away and sleep in. 

Check these great ranges of beds and hideaways!

Cool Club Small Animal Square Bed Grey Large

This summer in style, the Cool Club Range is exclusive to Pets at Home. This wonderful range of bold and colorful holiday-themed products is wonderfully colorful and vibrant, excellent for attaching splashes of color to your pet’s accessories.

Small pets adore feeling warm and cozy when resting and snoozing, and the Cool Club Small Animal Bed is an excellent spot for them.

A comfy accessory to your pet’s house, this large bed is the ideal place for your pet to nestle up and sleep life’s troubles away. To get the best out of your pet, they encourage you to improve their small homes with toys and accessories to keep them amused

JW Pet Walk-Up Small Animal Barn

This cute walk-up small animal barn gives your furry friend a place to provide privacy and a sense of security. It also offers opportunities for climbing fun. It also comes with an easy-to-clean translucent plastic which also allows you to see the inside, and a flat top for additional play space.

Ferplast Maxi Rabbit and Guinea Pig Hideaway

This product is not just for rabbits, but for guinea pigs as well.

For 50 years, Ferplast has been producing innovative pet accessories, with precise attention to quality and design to ensure that all products are enjoyed by owner and pet alike.

A hideaway is an excellent place for your rabbit or guinea pig to get a little tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of their busy daily routines.

The Maxi Rabbit hide is constructed from wood, which comes from responsibly maintained forests.

This product is easy to assemble and arrives in flat packaging.

Woodlands Seagrass Large Munchable Mattress

The Woodlands Seagrass Large Munchable Mattress is ideal not just for rabbits, but for guinea pigs, rats, chinchillas, and degus as well.

Their Large Munchable Mattress has been intricately constructed to support comfort, warmth, and security, as well as a great place to play.

Made up of natural fibers, this mattress is excellent for nibbling on, helping to keep your small animal’s teeth in a perfect length.

Pets at Home Small Animal Spotty Hoody Bed

Small animals love to play, and this product can enable your pet to enjoy an enriched playtime activity. At the end of a busy day, give your pet a reliable hideaway to allow them to feel safe and cozy.

Small animals love to take their time by resting and snoozing. A soft plump bed is just what they require, and their Hoody Bed will surely fit the bill.

The product features a machine washable cover to keep your pet’s home clean and fresh. It also boasts a warm and cozy surrounding perfect for a good night’s sleep. It also offers your pet a comfortable place to rest to create a safe and secure environment.

Woodlands Seagrass Basket

The Woodlands Seagrass Basket is not just perfect for rabbits, but for guinea pigs, rats, chinchillas, and degus, too.

The Seagrass Basket has been constructed to keep your small animal entertained.

Made from seagrass, it is an excellent product to explore inside and out.

Rabbits Eating Their Bedding

Rabbits can eat almost anything, including their beddings. They usually chew objects for play and for grinding their teeth down.

It is normal to notice rabbits nibble on their beds occasionally. However, choose the best bedding material if your rabbits are habitual chewers.

Always consider the fact that rabbits may chew their bedding. Therefore, prefer bedding that is not likely to obstruct the intestines of your bunny once eaten. Also, avoid rabbit beddings that may potentially pack in their stomach, and look for non-toxic bedding material.

You can also provide your pet rabbit with chew toys to turn their attention away from eating their beddings. And give them extra hay to chew on.

What You Shouldn’t Use as Rabbit Bedding?

Some materials are hazardous or toxic and should not be employed as rabbit beddings.

These materials are not recommended as rabbit bedding:

Cat Litter

Although this can produce soft and comfortable bedding for your pet rabbit, it is not the safest alternative for rabbits. Bunnies may die if they nibble and swallow cat litter.

Cat litter is also dusty and may create allergic effects in rabbits and humans as well (a major consideration if you have an asthmatic family member).

Straw

Some people utilize this bedding material as an alternative to hay. Straw is an irritant that can also discolor and stain the fur of your rabbits.

This bedding material can also be expensive because it demands a significant amount to make a standard bed. Also, straw is lightweight and can be easily blown around the house.

Sawdust

Some animals prefer to sleep on sawdust due to its softness. However, sawdust can aggravate the rabbits’ eyes and noses.

Although sawdust is receptive and non-palatable, it still needs to be changed frequently. Sawdust is also very flammable and not advised for use in hot climates.

Cardboard

This material makes great bedding for several types of animals. However, bunnies love to chew on cardboard, which can be a choking risk.

Cardboards can attract worms, which may place the overall health of your bunny in peril and may alter the neatness of its hutch.

Wood Shavings

Although aspen can be a great bedding material for rabbits, pine and cedarwood shavings do not.

They can produce harmful effects on the liver and respiratory problems to your bunny.

It is also not recommended to apply generic wood shavings as bedding. It is hard to tell the source of generic wood shaving and whether it is safe for your pet rabbit.

Newspaper

Rabbits love to eat paper and ink-printed newspapers, which could be very harmful to the digestive system of your pet rabbits.

Final Thoughts

Your pet rabbit is a great addition to your family. As such, you may naturally want to make your pet rabbit feel at home.

Spoil your cuddle buddy while ensuring his environment is safe and healthy with beddings that are easy on the wallet, pet-friendly, and eco-friendly.

Want your rabbit to be happy and healthy?

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rabbits and dogs

Rabbits & Dogs: Can the prey be safe around its predator?

Leave a Comment / Pet rabbit, Rabbit Behavior, Rabbit Habitat, Uncategorized / By

Let’s discuss the challenges of owning rabbits and dogs today.

Despite which species of dog you have as a pet in your house, learning about the challenges will ease your problems.

I can’t say for sure, these two species will bond together, but there are techniques in this article that will ensure the safety of having rabbits and dogs together.

I will start by explaining the characteristics of these two animals first.

Qualities of rabbits.

Rabbits are small, cuddly pets. They are delicate and get nervous quickly.

Rabbits belong at the bottom of the food chain. Being prey animals, they tend to be scared very easily.

Even a loud bang can scare a rabbit very much. Trying to pet a rabbit by raising your pet rabbits in the wrong way will escalate stress in rabbits.

Stress in rabbits contributes to deteriorating their health condition. If you own a rabbit for some time, you might already know a tiny change in their environment can cause a rabbit to become sick.

Traits of dogs.

Dogs are loving animals. The loyalty of dogs towards their keeper is unquestionable.

Loyalty in dogs has made them loving pets in most residential houses today.

Apart from that, dogs are predators. Belonging at the top of the food chain, dogs have an instinct to attack danger in their territory. Not merely a threat, however, any prey animals that are smaller in size can bring out a dog’s natural ability. What is a dog’s instinct?

It is to protect, guard, and hunt. A dog will not hesitate to put itself in danger to protect the owner.

Although in the end, all traits of dogs rely on one point:

How his/her guardian raises a dog.

Do rabbits and dogs get along?

Owning rabbits and dogs together is not a new thing. Many households have dogs and rabbits living together in harmony.

Nevertheless, every pet owner will answer you differently because everyone’s experiences are not alike.

There are multiple cases where a pet dog has severely injured a rabbit.

Although the pet dog was friendly with the rabbit somehow, the dog hurt the rabbit. It might have been an accident by the dog or perhaps intentional.

We, as guardians, can’t comprehend what has happened if we were not present in the scene.

On the contrary, some guardians own rabbits and dogs together, and for years, these two pets live together. In years rabbits and dogs being from two different species have created a strong bond for each other.

Thus the answer to the question you seek cannot be given by merely saying YES or NO.

The answer is a lot more complicated, and a responsible pet owner has to do his/her research before introducing these two pets.

Your experience might be different from others owning rabbits and dogs together.

I don’t know which animal you currently own, and which animal you are going to adopt. Although I don’t know what your intentions are precise, I will do my best to give you a proper answer.

I have mentioned early in this post that rabbits are prey animals and dogs belong to the predator’s species.

Accordingly, I believe you already understand that trying to bond these animals is not an easy task nor impossible.

Are rabbits scared of dogs?

It is a common question by dog owners willing to adopt rabbits. Understand the characteristics of both these animals before you bring a bunny in your dog’s territory.

Dogs are predators and territorial animals. It is typical for a dog to protect its guardian and its territory.

How about a rabbit’s character?

Belonging at the bottom of the food chain, a rabbit tends to keep them safe from predators. Rabbits like to relax in burrows where predators cannot reach. Similarly, rabbits get nervous quickly if they feel danger.

Thus it is reasonable to say a rabbit is certainly scared of dogs.

Hence, I can assure you this introducing a rabbit to a pet dog is dangerous.

The first bonding of dogs and rabbits is essential.

Imagine the consequence of introducing a dog to new rabbits without proper training.

Your dog will most certainly try to attack the rabbit. Though you keep your dog in a leash, the mere sight of an attacking predator is dangerous for rabbits.

It is common for rabbits to die from shock.

How to train a dog not to attack rabbits?

Training dogs to not attack rabbits is crucial. Without proper training and not following the steps for bonding these two animals can create a violent scene.

Bonding rabbits and pet dogs are the most complicated of all. Moreover, after you follow the bonding steps, I can’t say these two animals inevitably will create any bond.

If you fail to create any bond, it is best not to own these pets in your house together.

And if you insist on owning house rabbits after you own a dog, keeping them apart is the best option.

I will describe some necessary steps to follow before you continue with the bonding process.

Step 1: Evaluate the personality of your dog.

Many dog owners think adopting a rabbit will not be a problem as they own a dog which is a smaller breed.

Yet, the truth is the size of a dog doesn’t matter. Regardless of the scale, dogs are predators, and their typical behavior is to attack prey.

Hence, considering the size of your dog as a positive thing before adopting a bunny is a wrong concept.

Is your dog friendly? If your dog’s predatory drive is high, then it is a dangerous sign. A very active dog with unpredictable behavior is not the type of dog that will bond with rabbits.

Ultimately it all comes down to the rabbit guardian. If you have raised your dog as a guard dog, then the right thing is to avoid bonding such a dog with rabbits.

Ask yourself, how does your pet dog act when it sees an unwanted guest in the territory?

If your dog is old and not very active, then perhaps you can try to bond this animal with a domestic rabbit.

If your dog does not show any interest in other small animals because you have raised him like that, bonding such a dog is a good idea.

Those pets dogs which are very active outdoors can cause harm to pet rabbits because of their busy lifestyle.

STEP 2: Neutering and Spaying.

It is necessary to keep your dog’s predatory drive low by neutering/spaying before activating the bonding steps.

Willing to bond rabbits and dogs without desexing both parties is predetermined to fail.

Both of these animals are territorial. However, while bonding a prey and a predator, the likely victim is the prey animal.

Unneutered or unspayed pets are very hormonal. Having a high level of hormone in their body makes the animals aggressive. Territorial animals are more protective of their territory in this condition.

Thus bonding an aggressive predator with a territorial house rabbit is impossible.

None of the animals may give up their territory so quickly.

STEP 3: Test their reactions in front of each other.

If you have attended the first two steps and determine it is time to move on, then follow the instructions here.

It is time to test the reactions of the two animals when they see each other.

In the first two steps, the dog and the rabbit must not meet each other.

In step three, you can introduce the rabbit and the dog to recognize their reactions when they see one another.

Be very careful with rabbits, because rabbits get sensitive pretty quickly.

If your dog barks at the small pet and the rabbit is scared, then it will be traumatized.

If the rabbit is traumatized during the first introduction, then the rabbit will never consider the dog as a friend.

Likewise, if the dog’s reaction is predatory, it is wise not to continue further.

Any kind of interest in your dog towards the rabbit is dangerous.

Both spirited and rapacious drive by your dog is dangerous for a small pet like rabbits.

How to organize this first meeting of your dog and rabbit?

The first meeting of rabbits and dogs is a component of this third step.

You can organize the meet by placing your rabbits in a cage. The cage must also include a room where the rabbit can hide immediately sensing danger.

If you do not give a place for the rabbit to hide, then the rabbit will be critically stressed.

Next, leash your dog and walk by the cage. Do not walk with your dog so close to the cage.

Close enough so that the dog can smell the rabbit, far enough so that both these animals can see each other.

It is crucial at these steps to not scare the rabbit away. Maintain a distance that will make your rabbit feel safe enough, although it is inside the cage.

Perform this introduction in neutral territory like every bonding process.

Now, observe the behavior of both animals while they sense the existence of each other.

Especially observe your pet dog. Is the dog showing any kind of interest towards the rabbit in the cage?

If the dog is overly excited and tries to reach for the rabbit in the cage is a bad sign.

You may not comprehend why your dog is trying to reach for the rabbit. The reason for that may be good or bad.

The dog may want to play with the small pet or simply attack the rabbit.

On the contrary, if your pet dog doesn’t consider the existence of the rabbit in the house, it is a good sign. Lack of interest in the rabbit doesn’t ensure the safety of your pet rabbits ultimately.

Lack of any excitement means you can move on to the next step.

But you have only observed the behavior of your dog, how about your rabbit’s reaction?

I suppose you haven’t forgotten about your rabbit.

Observe your pet dog at the same time, witness your rabbit’s reaction.

If the rabbit is too nervous and runs for his hiding place, then the introduction is not working very well.

If your bunny is scared during the first meet, which is typical for a prey animal, then certainly moving on to the next step is not ideal.

Nevertheless, some pet rabbits are not bothered to see a dog immediately. They wait for the predator to react, and then they are ready to run.

In a scene where the rabbit’s first impression is not nervous, you can move on to the next step.

STEP 4: Test their reactions more than once.

You have already introduced your rabbits and dogs. Hopefully, you are satisfied with their first meet reactions.

If you are not satisfied, then do not proceed further.

By satisfying, I mean the rabbit and dog reacted as planned and not unexpected.

So once you have seen them reacting well in front of each other, you have to test their reaction several times.

Did you just think you completed the bonding stages? Not at all.

Step 3 was only the beginning. Step 4 is repeating step 3 numerous times.

It will help you to recognize any unpredictable behavior in both of these animals.

If the first meet was a success does not mean the next event will be successful.

Assuming after a few meets that it is safe to raise rabbits and dogs together can be very dangerous.

Terrible things may happen even when rabbits and dogs are friends for years in a household.

How much worse can it be if dogs and rabbits are only at the initial stage of their bonding?

Therefore assuming their relationship has grown enough will have adverse consequences.

To ensure safety, you have to repeat step 4 many times.

Are you willing to take all these troubles just to raise dogs and rabbits together?

If you are not enthusiastic to follow all the instructions, I suggest contacting a professional in your area who can conduct the pet training.

That way, you will ease your hassle, and both of these pets will be in safer hands.

STEP 5:

Once you or your pet trainer is convinced, it is safe to allow these two pets to live in the same household.

But observation is essential. Just because it seems these two pets are friendly doesn’t necessarily mean the dog will not harm the rabbit.

A dog might kill the rabbit by mistake or by intention.

After all, the dog is a predator.

STEP 6:

To strengthen rabbits’ and dogs’ relationship after step 5, you can often take them out for a walk together.

It all depends on how you have raised your dog. If your dog is developed as a friendly dog and thinks of the guardian as his/her alpha, then this task will be a lot less complicated for you.

First, you have to buy a rolling cage for your rabbit. It is available in pet stores, as well as you can purchase online.

Now that you have a rolling cage, you can walk your dog and rabbit at the same time.

When you will go out, leash your dog and place your rabbits in the rolling cage.

You might ask someone else’s help to move the rolling cage beside you while you walk the dog on a leash.

If you walk your dog and rabbits together often, the dog will start to believe that the rabbit is a member of the pack.

As you are the alpha for your dog, the dog follows you. As well as the rabbit walking alongside you, when the dog is walking, it will help create a positive image of the rabbit in the dog’s mind.

The dog will follow the alpha and will prevent itself from harming another member of the pack.

Do rabbits like to play with dogs?

Rabbits like to play with any creature they have a bond with. Suppose your rabbit has a friendship with a cat, then it will play with the cat.

If you succeed in building a friendship between a dog and a cat, they will enjoy each other’s companion.

However, unlike a dog, when a rabbit is happy, it will do bunny binkies. Rabbits like to groom other rabbits to show their affection.

Those are a few ways how rabbits prefer to play with their companions, which is different from dogs.

Now I do not think rabbits will groom dogs to show their affection.

Because dogs are predators, and dogs do not groom each other to show their affection.

Thus it is unlikely to see them playing with each other by grooming.

To our eyes, recognizing the signs of affection and playfulness between a dog and a rabbit might be unclear. Similarly, an over-friendly dog is dangerous to rabbits.

If a rabbit is very excited and likes to play often with the rabbit, that relationship needs observation from the guardian. A big friendly dog bonded with a small rabbit is dangerous.

A large dog that is playful and always excited might injure your pet rabbits only by showing affection. A dog’s way of devotion is different from rabbits and is not suitable for delicate pets.

Hence I do not suggest much about bonding rabbits and dogs.

If you fail to recognize their signs, whether they are playing or not, you will misunderstand their relationship too. Misunderstanding their relationship will result in more danger to the rabbits.

Rabbit friendly dogs.

There is nothing like rabbit friendly or unfriendly dogs. Everything comes down to how well their guardian raises a dog. We are speaking of bonding a prey with its predator.

Thus if the dog is not well trained or not well disciplined by its owner, it will probably kill the rabbit.

People may think larger breeds are unsafe around rabbits. However, even a smaller kind of dog can be dangerous for house rabbits. Unless the dog is smaller in size than your pet rabbits, I genuinely wonder how these two pets behave around each other.

It will be a lot easier to bond a mannered dog with a rabbit regardless of their size.

Dogs are unbelievable loyal pets, and rabbits are cuddly loving pets. They just require proper training to be each other’s friends.

Rabbit safety with dogs.

Ultimately I do not prefer bonding prey with its predator. However, some rabbit owners insist on raising dogs and rabbits together.

There might be many reasons why a family wants to adopt a dog.

Hence I have explained how much effort you must put into bond rabbits and dogs.

In many households today, these two animals live happily and without causing any trouble for their guardian.

Although, after you put a lot of effort into bonding rabbits and dogs, it is essential to follow safety measures forever.

I suggest always observing these two animals ensure safety.

I know a rabbit guardian can’t keep an eye on his/her pets twenty-four hours.

Therefore keep your rabbits most of the time separate from your dog. Let them have a good time together only when you are there.

When you are not there to observe, keep your bunnies in cages.

And indeed, this comes after you sincerely follow all the bonding steps I have mentioned above.

One other thing a rabbit guardian can do is to choose an older dog. Having older dogs around rabbits is safer than having a lively dog.

A lively dog may hurt a rabbit merely out of excitement.

On the contrary, older dogs are usually lazy and tired due to age. Thus they don’t show much interest in their surroundings. Keeping a rabbit in an older dog’s surroundings will not bother the dog much. An older dog has less predatory drive; likewise, it will not be very active around a rabbit out of mere excitement.

A rabbit guardian can follow these preparations to raise rabbits and dogs together by ensuring safety.

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can pet rabbits live outside

Can pet rabbits live outside? FAQ to keep your pet rabbits safe outdoors.

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Confused about moving your indoor rabbits outdoors? YES, you can keep your pet rabbits outside but I must say you have to take proper safety measures which I am going to share in this article.

In this study, I wrote about every detail on keeping your pet rabbits safe outside all year round and in different weather conditions.

After you finish reading this article you will understand whether can pet rabbits live outside or not. Protecting your rabbits outdoors will not be troublesome!

Can pet rabbits live outside?

Can pet rabbits live outside?

Pet rabbits can live outside only if you take all the precautions to keep your rabbits safe.

Get ways to keep rabbits away from predators, as well as extreme weather conditions.

Similarly, interact with your rabbits often which will prevent your pet rabbits from getting bored!

Before you move a rabbit outdoors from indoors there are several factors you must consider.

Should you move an indoor rabbit outdoors?

First and foremost thing to consider before moving an indoor rabbit outdoors is sudden changes in the environment can cause stress for your pet rabbits.

Rabbits are very delicate animals. Although the wild rabbits are used to with being in the open your domesticated house rabbits are not at all prepared for the changes outdoor.

You may decide to transfer your house rabbit outside due to many reasons but you must consider keeping them in a hutch.

A hutch that is strong enough for predators to break in and must have compartments that will allow your rabbits to hide.

It is their natural instinct to hide and relax in the tunnel. So a hutch without a hideout is not a good idea for your rabbits.

The sight of an aggressive predator can be very shocking even fatal for a house rabbit that has recently transferred outdoors.

On the contrary, although you keep your rabbits outdoors you must keep them always caged. They need to exercise meaning they require some running space too.

Every day maybe for an hour you must allow your rabbits to run around freely in your garden but keep proper supervision.

Protecting your rabbits outdoors.

It is not as complicated as you may think to keep and protect your rabbits while their outdoors.

After all you will choose the best outdoor rabbit hutch for them. An then you will only have to consider key factors to keep them safe which I have described in this article.

One key factor is to let your rabbits have proper meals and on time. When your rabbits are indoors you can just give them plenty of food and rabbit chew toys scattered around their running space.

When these delicate animals are left outdoors in a hutch you always have to keep an eye on their dish. If the dish is empty and you don’t even realize that you have to refill your pet rabbits pellet dish, your rabbit will starve.

Same goes for water, you must observe the rabbit water feeder frequently so that they don’t go thirst and eventually dehydrate.

Rabbits can live outdoors but in compared to wild rabbits which have grown up in the wild, a house rabbit or domesticated rabbits will take some time to get used to with the sudden change in their surroundings and the weather conditions.

Can rabbits live outside all year round?

Keeping rabbits outside all year round requires some precautions and a very suitable environment.

Domesticated pet rabbits can live outside all year round only if they are kept under a shed to prevent them from direct sunlight exposure and cover up the hutch with a tarpaulin during night time.

Consider a strong enough predator safe rabbit hutch.

Temperature for rabbits outside.

Rabbit regulates their body temperature by growing a thick or thinner coat depending on the temperature.

A rabbit living outside can easily get used to with the weather conditions and temperatures.

However, unlike wild rabbits that leave in burrows, it is a bit complicated for domesticated pet rabbits. A rabbit guardian has to assist the pet rabbits so that they will be safe from extreme weather conditions all year round.

In burrows, the temperature remains the same all year round, hence the wild rabbits they don’t have to regulate their body temperature much.

On the other hand domesticated pet rabbits living in a hutch outdoors need to regulate their body temperature by growing thicker and thinner coats which takes a while.

So if the rabbit guardian exposes the rabbits very frequently to different temperatures, that can cause fatal shocks for the rabbits.

Therefore it is vital you keep the hutch away from direct sunlight and during winter season cover the cage using some tarpaulin.

That way there will not be any problem keeping rabbits outside all year round in any temperature.

Keeping rabbits outside in summer.

To prevent your pet rabbits from getting dehydrated during summer, always place the rabbit hutch in a shade.

Similarly, provide them plenty of water and add some ice cubes to their water occasionally.

As I have mentioned above that rabbits must be prevented from direct sunlight exposure you must, it is vital to keep them in a shade and somewhere there is proper ventilation.

A rabbit prefers it more during the winter and they are livelier. So it is your duty as a rabbit guardian to keep your pet rabbits cool during summer.

You can provide them plenty of water, and perhaps give a tile for your rabbit so that they can keep themselves cool laying on the tiles.

Here is a nice article that says about how to keep your rabbits cool during summer >>> Keep your rabbits cool in summer.

Can rabbits live outside in winter?

Rabbits are more comfortable during winter than in summer. YES, you can keep your rabbits outside during winter.

But the temperature must be not less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A rabbit is fine in temperature between 45~50 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, it is always best to cover the rabbit hutch at night time regardless of winter or summer season.

Use as much as hay possible within the rabbit hutch so that your pet rabbits can keep themselves cozy and warm.

When can baby rabbits go outside?

Introduction of baby house rabbits to the outside world depends on the will of their guardians.

Regardless of the rabbit’s age and owners intention, the best practice is to introduce baby rabbits to the outdoors only during springtime.

Why shall you introduce baby rabbits to the outdoors only during spring?

Because as I have mentioned earlier it takes some time for any rabbit to get used to with the temperature changes.

In order to keep rabbits safe and prevent them from unnecessary health issues, your baby rabbits must be in a temperature that is not too hot and too cold for them.

Similarly, some rabbit owners suggest it is equally important to wait until the rabbit is at least two weeks old before you take them outside.

But my suggestion is to observe your baby rabbits’ health and behavior before introducing them to the outside world.

If they are too young they may get a shock and will be stressed with the new environment.

On the contrary, not all rabbits are similar, so it is you who will have to identify when you decide it is the right time to take your rabbits outdoors.

Should I cover my rabbit’s cage at night?

It is not necessary to cover your rabbits’ cage at night but depending on your location and the weather you must cover up the cage at night using a tarpaulin.

Do you live in a place where it is too cold?

If it is too cold then it is a must to cover up your outdoor rabbits’ hutch at night using a tarpaulin.

However, you must understand your rabbits’ sleeping behavior in order to decide shall you cover up your rabbits’ hutch at night or not.

Rabbits don’t usually sleep at night they usually are most active around dawn and dusk. So that is the best time to allow your rabbits to go free of the cage and exercise for a while.

That may not be possible for you all the time, yet in case it is not possible to do so I would always prefer covering up the outdoor hutch of my rabbits.

If it is not covered and a predator comes by near your rabbit’s hutch your rabbit may get a fatal shock.

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how to bunny proof your house

How to bunny proof your house? Bunny Safety Essentials!

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Today I will explain to you about certain ways you can ensure the safety of your bunnies, and prevent them from chewing through valuable stuff within your house. Most importantly, how to bunny proof your house?

Did you actually know that there plenty of ways and techniques which is applicable for a house with pet rabbits?

In this post, I have shared the best ways for bunny-proofing your house without being too ungracious on your house rabbits.

How to bunny proof your house?

Bunny-proofing your house is not only important but is a necessity at the same time. The best thing you can do to bunny-proof your house is by giving them alternatives to keep them occupied and something to chew on.

Hence hay plays an important role in everyday rabbit health issues. You may as well buy rabbit toys for your house rabbits to keep them busy.

But below I have listed the most common bunny proofing techniques:

Bunny-proofing baseboards.

Bunnies that roam freely within your house tend to chew on baseboards. To prevent rabbits from chewing on baseboards you can spray bitter apple spray or cover up the baseboards using plastic guards.

Allowing your rabbits to run around freely within your house is fun to watch. But it is not fun anymore when your rabbits start to chew and dig on everything they find appealing.

In order to save your rabbits from getting health issues, you have to use bitter apple spray on items that your rabbits like to chew on.

Rabbit proofing wires: How to protect cords from rabbits?

Rabbits they enjoy chewing through on wires. It is only a natural habit for rabbits to chew on something to prevent their teeth from growing unusually long.

But the problem here is you can’t allow your rabbits to destruct all the wires within your house and in the worst case scenario your rabbit will get a shock and even die.

In order to rabbit-proof wires, you can simply purchase plastic tubes that are thick enough to prevent rabbits chew through.

It is very difficult for a rabbit to chew through a PVC plastic and if it is at least a 1/2 inch thick it will be impossible for your house rabbits to break through the plastic tubing.

You can purchase plastic tubing in any electronics shop or even order online.

As well as plastic tubing is known as vacuum tubing, polygon tubing or plumbers tubing.

Use any of these to cover up any wires within your house that is easily accessible for your bunnies.

Bunny proofing carpet. How to stop the rabbit from chewing carpet?

To prevent your rabbits from doing so you will have to consider several factors. Rabbits usually choose one specific place to dig in.

First and foremost you have to identify that particular place and use some bitter spray along with several other options which I have mentioned below.

Carpets are one of the most favorite chewing objects for rabbits. Due to the fact carpet is warm and fuzzy any house rabbit will try dig in and chew on it.

Here is the deal:

Once you identify that particular location where your rabbit loves to dig, you must cover that place with any heavy object.

If you have enough space, you can place an item of furniture there.

Another website Bunnyproof has suggested using a cardboard castle in such places so that your rabbit will remain busy around that location and forget about digging in the carpet.

It is natural for rabbits to dig so if you provide something for your rabbit that will keep him/her busy with digging, your rabbit will not fancy digging the carpet anymore.

One more thing you can do to prevent rabbits from ripping your room’s carpet is you can put a ceramic tile if it is available on that place where your rabbit has the most interest.

If your rabbit is unable to find the place of his/her interest and it is difficult for them to lift and remove the heavy ceramic tiles, eventually they will forget about the carpet digging and find something else to keep themselves busy.

How to prevent bunny from going under the bed?

The only way to prevent bunnies from going under the bed is by blocking their way under the bed.

It is natural for rabbits to explore new shelters and challenging to change this behavior of going somewhere they can feel safe.

Rather than changing their natural instinct, it is a lot easier to block the gateway under the bed for your rabbits.

There are several ways how you can achieve that.

My favorite way of blocking their entrance under the bed is simply by using a rabbit playpen. Rabbit playpens are inexpensive and very simple to construct the way you desire.

You can read more about DIY rabbit playpen here.

That’s not all:

You can block the space under your bed by using plastic tubs or cardboard boxes. You can find plastic tubs which are inexpensive and comes in a variety of sizes.

First, measure the height of the opening under your bed and then buy plastic tubs according to the size of the opening.

NOW

You can place the plastic tubs under your bed to prevent your bunnies from going under the bed.

Similarly, if you have old cardboard boxes sitting at your house you can do the same with those to block your rabbits from going under the bed.

Another trick to prevent your house rabbits from going under the bed is by using pipe insulation.

It is not as simple as the other techniques mentioned above but Wikihow has an interesting article explaining how to do it properly here >>> Block off under the bed.

Rabbit scratching couch.

A rabbit loves to discover new places and shelters. They love to scratch because it is their digging behavior.

You as a rabbit guardian must find ways to stop your rabbits from scratching couches because scratching on a couch and digging on it will destroy your furniture as well as can cause serious health issues for your rabbit if something goes severely wrong.

Rabbits are delicate and prey animals. They like to dig tunnels and hide in places where they think it is safe for them to relax.

Therefore they may scratch, chew and dig holes in your expensive couch. As well as they may use the gap to go under the couch.

But to prevent your house rabbits from destroying your couch you must use the bitter apple spray. That way your rabbit won’t go anywhere near the couch and hate to bite on it.

To fill up the gap between the floor and the couch you can use the same techniques as I have mentioned earlier to prevent your bunnies from going under the bed.

Have plenty of digging tunnel toys scattered around your house which will keep your house rabbits busy and distracted from scratching the couch.

Here is a nice article BinkyBunny >>> How to make your sofa rabbit safe.

Bunny-proofing house doors.

Bunnies love to chew on woods. If your house door is made of wood, it is vital to protect them using kick plates.

Kick plates will block bunnies from chewing on your doors, as well as cover up the previous damages done by your bunny.

Using kick plates can prevent bunnies from getting serious health concerns, similarly, keep the bottom of your doors intact from scuffs, scratches, and dents.

How to stop house rabbit chewing furniture? What to give bunnies to chew on?

Bunnies get bored easily, and house rabbits chew on furniture to keep themselves active and busy.

The best way to stop house rabbits from chewing on furniture is by providing them enough chew toys and creating a playful environment for them.

You can make the environment within your house exciting for your rabbits in many different ways:

Provide plenty of hay for your rabbits to chew on. Rabbits need hay not only because they love chewing, but hay also has many health benefits for a rabbit.

Find Here >>> Why is hay important for rabbits?

Give your rabbits many chew toys to chew on that will keep them active. A bored rabbit will chew on anything regardless of edible or non-edible.

Buy safe chew toys for your rabbits and prevent them from chewing on furniture.

Chew toys will keep your rabbits busy and they won’t be interested in chewing items of furniture anymore.

Best bitter spray for rabbits.

Bitter spray for rabbits is essential for every house rabbit guardian. It helps by making the chewable items in your household a lot less appealing to your rabbits.

The most common bitter apple spray used by rabbit owners is Grannicks Bitter Apple Spray.

Either you can spray this liquid directly on the surface you want to stop your rabbits from chewing or you can spray the liquid on a towel and then use the towel to wipe a wider surface.

Want your rabbit to be happy and healthy?

How to raise happy & healthy rabbits!
How to raise happy & healthy rabbits!

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