Should I bring my Free-Range outdoor rabbits inside?

I have two male rabbits who currently live very comfortably roaming our large secure garden, and have done for many years. However, I want to bring them into my house and roam inside instead as I very rarely get to socialise with them when they are outside, not only that but I struggle to monitor their health.

I am wondering if bringing them in is the best option or will they miss the constant access to fresh air and grass? I am also concerned about the lack of space they might have however I am pretty confident that we can rabbit-proof enough rooms of the house so they can exercise. Just want to know the best option, thanks for reading and hope u can give some good advice!

Hi Zoeee, welcome :wave:
it's a very difficult situation to advise on. i think it mainly depends on each individual rabbit. all mine over the years have been outside free-range (3 x pairs over the years). i would say 1/2 of them would've been happy indoors, 1/2 would've hated it.

not much help i'm afraid

If you can make a large enough indoor area bunny proof, it can be easier to have more interaction with them if they are indoors.
Give it a go and see how you and they get on

Richard

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My girl lives indoors, and has full run of downstairs, including the extension which is "hers" . She has an outdoor run to spend time on the lawn in spring/summer. We have a lovely relationship, and she seems happy. As Mike says, all buns are different, so maybe give it a go ?

Personally, if the rabbits have been outdoors for a few years then they probably won't like being indoors. Rabbits don't tend to adjust easily to big changes and it could upset what presumably are happy, healthy rabbits.

Its probably weird me saying this as a house bunny owner of several decades but I think I'd leave them outside with the lifestyle they love. Its a lot of change to go from outside to in (& vice versa) so I'd probably only risk this for health reasons / something unavoidable. If it were winter or their current set up didn't sound so good my answer may well be different.

I do agree with others that it will depend more on the personality of your bunnies than anything.

My bunnies love being outside, and while Lopsy was more human-oriented when he was indoors, he wasn't as active and only really did anything when there were humans about, so I've always preferred him living outdoors. Also, I find them way too distracting when they're indoors ;P

Hi, in my opinion a free roam house rabbit is the best option in most cases. As you have already mentioned, with outdoor rabbits it can be hard to socialise and build a bond with them, as well as monitor any changes in behaviour which often go unnoticed with outdoor rabbits due to lack of time spent with them to observe behaviour patterns. This can often be fatal in cases of GI stasis where subtle changes in diet and behaviour must be spotted and treated quickly. Not to mention, the inconsistency of weather, temperature and threat of predators which the outside poses. Indoors rabbits generally live longer for this reason and I believe your rabbits should adjust well to being indoors providing they have enough space (bunny proofing as many rooms as possible would be great). Not to mention you can ‘bring the outdoors inside’ by cutting them fresh grass, getting bunny safe twigs and sticks from outside as well as providing a range of digging and chew toys to deter them from wanting to chew other things such as furniture etc.

Thank you for the help! I have made the decision to keep them inside but allow outside time when it gets a bit warmer in the upcoming weeks... they seem to have adjusted well and are eating, drinking and going to the toilet perfectly fine

Zoeee2426 said:

Thank you for the help! I have made the decision to keep them inside but allow outside time when it gets a bit warmer in the upcoming weeks... they seem to have adjusted well and are eating, drinking and going to the toilet perfectly fine

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This sounds like a great idea. Hope it works out!