While there are many benefits to taking your bunny outside, there are also some major disadvantages as well. It is essential to prioritize their safety and well-being at all times so take extra consideration and plan wisely prior to going outside.
Playing with your bun and encouraging exercise is a great way to bond and prevent boredom. While I am an advocate for pet rabbits to solely live indoors, I do see a benefit to taking a bun outside for playtime. Rabbits that are not free roamed should be offered about 4 hours of free time to run and play.
Before considering outside play, it is essential to know your rabbit. I have one bunny that was dumped outside during inclement weather and when I rescued her she was in a yard that had 2 large dogs. After two years she feels safe and secure in my home so I would not consider taking her outside. Rabbits are very intelligent and can remember past traumas.
The Pros of Going Outside
Taking your bunny outside in a safe and supervised manner can offer physical and mental benefits.
Exercise and Enrichment: Bunnies need exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Outdoor playtime allows them to explore new environments while stretching their legs. They can explore new scents, textures, and sights which is important for their physical and mental well-being. Bring out some of your buns favorite enriching toys for them to play with!
Fresh Air and Sunlight: Exposure to fresh air and natural sunlight can be beneficial for your rabbit’s well-being. Sunlight helps with vitamin D production (many indoor rabbits are deficient in this vitamin) which is important for your bunny’s bone health. It also helps regulate their sleep-wake cycle . Fresh air is good for your bunny’s respiratory health. It can help prevent a buildup of odors and ammonia in their living space.
Bonding: Spending time with your rabbit outdoors can help strengthen the bond between the two of you. It’s an opportunity for you to interact with your rabbit in a different environment.
Change of Scenery: Offering a change of scenery by taking your bunny outside can prevent boredom and monotony. Bunnies enjoy exploring different environments and may find new sights, sounds, and smells stimulating.
Natural Behavior: Rabbits are instinctually outdoor animals so being outside can allow them to express some of their natural behaviors like digging, grazing, and exploring, which can be enriching for them.
The Cons of Going Outside
Taking your bunny outside can come with potential risks. First and foremost, never ever open your door and let your rabbit out loose. Besides the issue of predators, your bunny could get lost or worse hit by a car. Domesticated rabbits do not have the skills to survive out of doors.
Predators: One of the most significant risks of taking your rabbit outside is the presence of predators. Birds, especially hawks and owls, foxes and other wild animals as well as cats and dogs can pose a serious threat to your rabbit’s safety.
Disease and Parasites: Outdoor environments can expose your rabbit to diseases like RHDV2 or parasites and pests like fleas, ticks, mites and mosquitos that can carry infectious diseases such as Myxomatosis. These can be extremely harmful to your pet’s health leaving long lasting effects or even death.
Extreme Weather: Weather conditions like extreme heat, cold, rain, or wind can be dangerous for rabbits. They are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can suffer from heatstroke or hypothermia. When the temp is below 50 degrees or above 75 degrees you should only consider inside play. Another thing to remember is that pavement gets extremely hot…when it is 77 degrees out, the pavement can be 125 degrees which is much too hot on a rabbits paws. On the flip side, going out in the icy snow can hurt their hocks. Some rabbits seem to enjoy the snow, but you have to keep an eye on their internal temperature and when they return inside they need to be dried quickly and thoroughly.
Escape Risk: Rabbits are fast and agile, and if they get spooked or find a small opening, they may escape. They are also incredible diggers and can very quickly dig under an enclosure. It can be challenging to catch a loose rabbit, especially in an unfamiliar outdoor environment.
Chemical Exposure: Pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals used in gardens or on lawns can be toxic to rabbits. These substances may be ingested if your rabbit nibbles on plants or grass treated with them.
Allergens: Some rabbits may have allergies to pollen or other outdoor allergens, leading to respiratory issues or skin irritations.
Toxic Flora: Many plants, trees, mushrooms etc… are either harmful to a rabbit or can easily upset it’s fragile digestive system.
Measures To Take When Going Outside
Now that you have read the pros and cons of taking your bunny outside, if you decide to take your bunny out, it’s important to do so safely and with proper supervision. To mitigate the risks it’s crucial to take some precautions.
- If you don’t have the benefit of a walled in yard (with a brick or stone base that goes 18″ deep into the ground), use a secure and predator-proof enclosure or playpen (I would recommend hooking 2 sets together) to prevent your bunny from escaping or being attacked by other animals. If you have a limited amount of space, you can use a leash with a harness designed for rabbits. Practice with the harness first before heading outside as some bunnies do not like them. Never us a collar on a bunny.
- Make sure the area is free from potential hazards, predators and toxic plants. Always supervise your bunny to ensure their safety.
- Be vigilant about weather conditions. Make sure there is plenty of shade in warm weather and that there is access to constant clean water. Keep an eye on the sky for impending rain or storms.
- Protect your bunny from parasites like fleas and ticks by keeping your grass cut short and avoiding piles of leaves. Rabbits should also have up to date vaccines before going out to play. Carefully check your bunny all over for fleas and ticks.
- Some bunnies may find the outdoor environment stressful, so pay attention to their body language, and if they seem anxious or scared, it’s best to bring them back inside.
- Don’t risk going outside if you have had pesticides sprayed on your lawn. Get bunny used to eating grass slowly by introducing some grass clippings to their food and hay for 1-2 weeks prior to heading out.
Examples of Great Outside Playtime Enclosures
A walled in garden or yard, an enclosed porch, balcony or courtyard or any roofed enclosure can serve as a great play area outside.
Building your own rabbit run is quite easy to do. You can also customize size and shape. Having floors will keep your bun from digging and escaping while a ceiling will keep predatory birds out. Create your side panels using heavy welded wire or an x-pen. This will keep your bun safe from everything!
This is a good example of a DIY run. It does not have flooring in it, so rabbits should be vaxxed and checked for fleas and ticks when coming inside.
If you are still unsure as to whether or not going outside is a good option for you and your rabbit, consult with your veterinarian for guidance on health and safety considerations. Lastly, If you want to give your bunny fresh air and sun, but are afraid of letting them on the grass, predators or you live in an apartment and don’t have a greenspace, consider taking your bunny for walks in a special pet stroller!
