RSPCA Norfolk West Branch

Keeping a rabbit alone in a small hutch does not meet any of the fundamental needs of the species and results in a bored and distressed pet.

Keeping a rabbit outdoors...

Two or more rabbits (provided they are neutered to stop fighting and breeding) can live in a permanent enclosure in the garden with a suitable dark, warm area for shelter.

Two rabbits can share a hutch at night with permanent, unrestricted access to a large exercise run. Remember, gardens and runs need to be secure against foxes, cats, dogs and flying predators.

Both these options offer a good quality of life. You would enjoy watching your rabbits behave in a natural way, but they will not become particularly tame unless you spend a lot of time with them.

Keeping your rabbit indoors...

If you want a closer relationship with your bunnies then why not keep them as houserabbits? Rabbits are very clean animals and, if neutered, can be trained to use a litter tray. Just like cats and dogs, however, rabbits can be demanding and destructive. To avoid the initial mess and danger to your rabbit you will need a safe small area to start off with until your rabbit is house trained to use their litter trays and your house has been "bunny proofed".

Houserabbits regard their cage as home, not prison. Wild rabbits spend hours underground in very confined warrens. Your rabbit will not mind being based in a nice roomy cage, so long as he can come out for several hours every day.