am i doing my bunny harm

[runnybabbit]

I have been on here a nuumber of times since getting my bunny in july with all sorts of silly but worrying to me questions and always had really good sound advise and lots of support from all of you and I now have another one that has really upset me tonight and with the results of your replys will determine wether I keep my baby bunny or let her go to someone who is able to look after her properly.

She is a House Rabbit, nothing strange in that, many of you have them as dose a collegue at work, who is the person who gave me the worrying information earlier today.

My bunny lives in my house and never gose out. I was told today that this is unhealthy for her and that without fresh air, sunlight and all the things she is able to eat outside she will die. Now I have a small garden of a kind but not one big enough to build a run in, there is a shed which is on a kind of stilt affair which she would be able to go under, I would not be able to get her out from there. It is not secure, as is no part of the garden so she would be able to get out almost anywhere, there is also razor wire running through most of the trees and bushes that surround the garden, placed there by the previous owner which I am unable to remove myself and have been unable to find any contractors that are willing to do it for me, so if she were to venture close to the trees I again would be able to get to her. I also have ivy growing in most of the garden, untamed and to be honest totally overgrown, which again I am told is harmful to rabbits.

When I got a house rabbit, that is exactly what I wanted, a rabbit that could live in the house and not go outside as out there I cant be sure she would be safe.

After being told today that by doing this I am harming her and could kill her, I am very upset but realise that if this is the case I should give her to a home where she can go outside, it will break my heart if I have to let her go but I want whats best for her.

I do hope someone can help me with this, I love her so much.

Karen

 

[Jules]

I am not too sure because my rabbits live in a shed outside but I think there are many people in this forum that have house rabbits that will be along soon to help you out.

Personally I do not think this will do them any harm and they will certainly not die from being indoors. As long as they have hay, veg, water, and lots of love they should be fine.

If you can give them the care that they need and deserve then this is all they will need.

Hope this helps

 

[Bunnyboarding]

I don't think you are a bad person.

People like to think its all rosy & romantic having a rabbit hopping around the garden, BUT very often are unaware of the dangers of foxes etc killing their rabbits, which i feel these days is the biggest threat to outdoor rabbits.

So at least you want have to worry about that & you rabbit is safe & secure!!

With regard to being 'natural' people just don't realise how domestic rabbits have evolved from their wild ancestors! The basics are the same (such as the need to provide roughage, etc) but there are some differences

Like you wouldn't expect to take a wild rabbit & keep it in the house & expect it to thrive happily, now would you?!! :lol:

Put your tin hat on & carry on!!

I hear of lots of indoor bunnies that quite frankly are better looked after than outdoor rabbits! :lol:

 

[Adele]

Hi Karen

oh you poor love, you obviously care very much for your bunny, and it is not true housebunnies will die from not going outdoors :!:
Many elderly people are housebound and although not ideal , it does not kill them.
It is important though that if you are not going to put your bunny outside at all(and in your case it sounds like it would be risky to try), that you ensure your bunny has a good diet, mainly hay, a small amount of dried rabbit foodm fresh veggies, and a vitamin supplement specifically for bunnies in the drinking water.
Your bunny needs the sun to help it produce a specific vitamin , in absense of direct sun (and sun through windows does not do the same thing :? ) a vitamin supplement will help.
We have several bunnies here who never go outside as they are very frail and unable to be vaccinated.
They thrive on a good diet and vitamin supplements in water, so please do not worry.
Best wishes

 

[Adele]

HIya am locking this thread, as it is a duplicate one
Best wishes