PDA

View Full Version : Collarsfor rabbits?


redd1800
13-02-2008, 01:56 AM
Hi sorry for the long post but I'm just trying to provide all relevant info.

I have two male rabbits(nutered) and I am keeping them in a custom built cage in a shed. The area they have is large and is opened out to the garden when the shed is open. I was thinking of trying to find way for them to be able to go in and out a will. They share the shed with guinea pigs, (in a sepearte run) so leaving the door open all the time isn't an option in this cooler weather and i wouldn't want to leave room for cats etc to come in. so at the moment I let them out and then let them in again. This is no problem for me but I think it removes some of the freedom for the rabbits themselves as they can only be either in or out. The garden is very well closed in and there is no way of them digging out (unless they can get through a concrete wall :D).

I was thinking of installing an electronic cat flap and training them to use it to get in and out but these require collars. Is there any issues with putting collars on to rabbits? I will also be creating a sepearte "bolt hole" hide with multiple exits in the garden for them to use when they need to hide from anything (usually me :roll:). They had been going around the back of the shed but because I have limited ability to clean that area out incase of sharp item such as thing that may be thrown over the wall into that space by passing kids I have had to close that off.

Sooz
13-02-2008, 02:30 AM
Theres quite a debate here: http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?t=112065&highlight=collars

lucy pepsi
13-02-2008, 07:17 PM
I can't even get my cat to wear a collar:roll: never mind the rabbits!!!:D

Tamsin
13-02-2008, 07:28 PM
I think the trouble is not so much them getting out but somehing getting in. Foxes, cats, ferrets/weasles, birds of prey etc. I wouldn't leave rabbits free range in the garden unsupervised particularly at night.

Perhaps a cat flap into a larger run with a rabbit sized door from that to the garden for when you are there watching?

Tamsin

redd1800
14-02-2008, 01:38 PM
I think the trouble is not so much them getting out but somehing getting in. Foxes, cats, ferrets/weasles, birds of prey etc. I wouldn't leave rabbits free range in the garden unsupervised particularly at night.

Perhaps a cat flap into a larger run with a rabbit sized door from that to the garden for when you are there watching?

Tamsin

The garden is very encloses foxes etc aren't a risk. The only risk is cats. They would be supervised when the cat flap is left on an open setting and if we were away or at night they'd be closed in.I have been considering the idea of an underground hide for them but it will take a bit of planning to fit it. Putting an enclosed run wouldn't be an option as the space isn't uniform in shape due to vegetable patches.