Is it cruel to keep a rabbit indoors?

Locking your rabbit up
Keeping them in these tiny cages can cause a range of health problems, including obesity and even deformities if they're not able to move around naturally. It's also cruel. Rabbits are smart, social and highly curious, and they need to be able to explore their surroundings.
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Is it cruel to keep a bunny indoors?

Rabbits can live quite happily indoors and they should be provided with secure accommodation where they can feel safe, sleep, use a particular area as a toilet, and be confined to when unsupervised.
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Is it better to keep a rabbit inside or outside?

Rabbits can thrive both inside and out – as long as they live in a warm, comfortable hutch, sleep in good bedding and have a cosy companion to snuggle up to.
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Are rabbits happier indoors?

In general, house rabbits tend to form deeper bonds with their owners due to the closer contact. Allowing rabbits to live indoors also means they're kept warm in the winter, and having them close by means you'll be able to quickly spot any changes in their behaviour that could indicate discomfort or disease.
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Do indoor rabbits smell?

No they don't! Rabbits themselves are very clean animals with odourless fur and they fastidiously groom themselves all day. Only their urine smells so as long as you keep their living area clean (spot clean every few days and a full clean-out once a week) you shouldn't have a problem.
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PROS



Can rabbits be left alone for 8 hours?

Rabbits are not particularly independent, so they can't be left on their own for more than two days. However, if it's just a weekend or a working day, we can make sure they get everything they need, so we can spend time away from home without worrying too much about their health.
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Why rabbits should not live outside?

If keeping your rabbit outside you must be mindful of these dangers: Predators – pet bunnies aren't as good at protecting themselves from predators as their wild ancestors. Rabbits are prey animals and are in danger of being attacked by cats, dogs, racoons, hawks or foxes. Escape – rabbits like to dig.
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Do rabbits like being outside?

This means pet rabbits' teeth and bones may benefit from sunlight exposure. There is no set rule or published study on how long rabbits need to be outside, but it's probably safe to say that in warm enough weather, up to a few hours outside per day would be beneficial.
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Where is the best place to keep a rabbit?

There needs to be room for your rabbit to move about and lie down, as well as space for food, water, litter box and toys. Never use glass aquariums as they are seldom large enough and do not have enough air circulation. It is also best to have a cage with a front door so your rabbit can come and go on his/her own.
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Do rabbits stink?

Unlike dogs, rabbits don't have a body odor. You shouldn't notice any odor emanating from them. If you do, the rabbit is probably sick or has an infection. An ear infection, for example, can give off a musty smell.
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How do you stop indoor rabbits smelling?

Clumping litter, clay litter, pine or cedar shavings, or deodorized/scented litter. Powdered litter fresheners that contain baking powder. Ventilate the house (but be wary of draughts). Use an air ionizer to eliminate odors.
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Do rabbits get attached to their owners?

Rabbits are very social creatures that form strong bonds. As such, rabbits may form a strong attachment with its primary caregiver, which can be interpreted as the rabbit having a favorite person.
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How much time does a rabbit need out of its cage?

To keep your rabbit happy and healthy, let it out of its cage at least once a day, giving it time to roam. Though at least one hour is necessary, aim closer to three or four. As a rule, never keep your rabbit cooped up for 24 hours at a time.
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How long do pet rabbits live indoors?

The average lifespan of a rabbit kept in an outdoor hutch is 3-6 years. The average lifespan of an indoor house rabbit is 8-14 years.
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Do rabbits need a house in their cage?

The placement of the cage is also very important. Pet rabbits are HOUSE PETS, and their cage should be placed in your home, not in the yard, garage or shed. Yes, rabbits are messy animals, and their areas require frequent cleaning, but they are also social animals and whither when kept isolated from their family.
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Can I take my bunny for a walk?

You can also purchase a harness (or walking jacket) and a leash to “walk” your bunny. Basically, “walking” a rabbit means you follow your bun wherever he/she hops. Your rabbit may not like wearing the harness, however, and may try very hard to remove it.
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What do indoor rabbits need?

Bunny Supply Checklist
  • Indoor housing. Get a puppy pen 36 inches or higher so your rabbit can't jump out. ...
  • Wire covers. Plastic sleeves can be neatly connected to your wall. ...
  • Furniture / baseboard protection. ...
  • Puppy pens / baby gates. ...
  • Litter box. ...
  • Rabbit-safe litter. ...
  • Food / water bowls. ...
  • Hay feeder.
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Should I lock my rabbit up at night?

Bunnies are often active long after humans retire for the night. This means they need to feel safe and secure. Leaving a rabbit to run free overnight is a bad idea for the following reasons: Rabbits chew everything in sight.
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Do bunnies get periods?

Rabbits do not menstruate. If unspayed females start passing blood, they can bleed to death within a few days. Blood in the urine can also be a sign of bladder stones. If a bunny is not feeling well, or if it is obese and has soft poop, then it will not groom itself well in its genital and tail region.
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How do you raise a rabbit indoors?

Here is a basic overview on how to care for a pet rabbit:
  1. Step 1: Set Up Safe Indoor Housing. ...
  2. Step 2: Bunny Proof Your House. ...
  3. Step 3: Provide Fresh Hay. ...
  4. Step 4: Provide Fresh Greens, Fiber-rich Pellets, and Fresh Water. ...
  5. Step 5: Set Up a Litter Box. ...
  6. Step 6: Provide Enrichment. ...
  7. Step 7: Groom Your Rabbit.
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Is it OK to just have one rabbit?

Rabbits can live alone, but you'll need to provide your pet with the attention (company, petting, grooming, exercise, playing, and enrichment) that a bonded rabbit partner would provide. It's always advisable to keep rabbits in pairs. If you can find a pair of rabbits that are already bonded, so much the better.
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How much time a day should I spend with my rabbit?

It's best to spend about an hour each day with your rabbit. On average, early morning is the best time to play with a rabbit, as it will be the most active. After that, the evening will be a prime opportunity for petting and cuddling. Younger rabbits may need your undivided attention as they have more energy.
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Can I sleep with my bunny?

If your rabbit wants to sleep with you and can do so safely, it's fine. If you're prepared to risk losing sleep, sharing a bed with a rabbit will deepen your bond. Just remember that rabbits like routine. You can't share your bed some nights but not others.
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What should you not do with a rabbit?

Here are the top 9 mistakes new rabbit owners make - and how to avoid them.
  • Keeping your rabbit outside. ...
  • Buying a rabbit for your children. ...
  • Trusting the pet store. ...
  • Locking your rabbit up. ...
  • Not spaying or neutering. ...
  • Bathing your rabbit. ...
  • Not paying attention. ...
  • Trying to cuddle.
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Can a rabbit be house trained?

Just like cats, bunnies can be litter trained, which is why so many bunny owners are able to let their buns run free in the house. Most rabbits prefer to do their business in one spot, and so litter training comes naturally.
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