Rabbit biting through hutch

[alisha77]

Hey!
Just wondered if any of you have had the same problem.

We got our rabbit 2 years ago and he was always in a single hutch, this started going a bit tatty just due to general wear and tear and he managed to get out once however that was it.

In May we moved house to a bigger and more secure back garden. We opted getting a double hutch for him so he has more room for the night times. He only sleeps in his hutch as throughout the day he has the full roam of the garden and the hutch doors are open so he can come and go as he pleases. Now recently with the hot weather he hasn’t been out much just as it’s been so hot and there isn’t much shading area in our garden no matter how we try and shade it so he’s been inside but most of the time been enjoying just relaxing in his hutch with the cool air. When we first got him he wasn’t out in the garden much just as it wasn’t very secure so he was always indoors throughout the day so he’s been enjoying the new garden. We went out to feed him this morning and to let him out and we then noticed that he’d bitten a very big hole and was out hopping about. He’s never done anything like this so just find it strange he’s done this now, the hole is a weird place too as it’s not like it’s a corner and he’s scratched at it.

I’ve attached a photo (the stains/water drips are from where it’s been cleaned)

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[alisha77]

Picture of the hole

 

[Shimmer]

That's some determined chewing. At least it's repairable as it's just one slat.

I always put a false roof on with an overhang all round with a sheet of marine ply. Allow at least a couple of inches extra at the sides and back, and 4" or more at the front. Wrap it in roofing felt before fixing to the existing hutch frame with screws. That gives a bit more shade and rain protection.

 

[alisha77]

We do have the thermal hutch cover to help with the rain etc but with all of what you have suggested do you think it will hopefully make it more durable? Thank you!

 

[Shimmer]

I think you need to look at why he's chewing his way out. Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk, which is when they are also most likely to be shut in a hutch. That's why they need access to a safe space 24hrs - so maybe look at gettng a run attached to the hutch? I woudn't leave them loose in a garden without supervision. There are lots of predators around, especially at night - cats, foxes, birds of prey, etc. Even with solid 6' fences, a rabbit can be taken. Foxes are becoming a real nuisance around here this year and can easily clear a standard fence. They are even following me when I take the dogs out now, and that's in daylight. Don't underestimate what they are capable of, or assume that there are no predators.

As for the hole in the hutch, I would replace the chewed slat and line the inside with a panel of ply to give a smooth surface that's harder to get teeth into. You could also put a layer of mesh between to be absolutely certain that he can't chew out.

 

[alisha77]

That’s why we wouldn’t leave him out in the garden over night or unsupervised and he is only out in the whole garden all day as I work from home so can always keep an eye on him. He did have a run attached however he’s been thumping quite a lot at night when he had the whole use of both hutch and run so when he had his vaccinations a month or so ago the vet said to remove the run to then help him relax and be more calm. This worked so far until obviously this happened.

We are now replacing the slat, I’ll look into the panel of ply and mesh, can these be found at a hardware store? Thank you so much!

 

[InspectorMorse]

He needs to have access to a lot more space 24/7 and a Rabbit companion. His behaviour is normal for a Rabbit who is not having their needs met. He will be frustrated at being confined and lonely too.

Space Recommendations

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[Babsie]

That’s why we wouldn’t leave him out in the garden over night or unsupervised and he is only out in the whole garden all day as I work from home so can always keep an eye on him. He did have a run attached however he’s been thumping quite a lot at night when he had the whole use of both hutch and run so when he had his vaccinations a month or so ago the vet said to remove the run to then help him relax and be more calm. This worked so far until obviously this happened.

We are now replacing the slat, I’ll look into the panel of ply and mesh, can these be found at a hardware store? Thank you so much!

I would suggest that the vet knows little about rabbits.
They need 24 hour access to a large safe attached run - one which they cannot dig out of, and predators cannot dig their way into.
They also need companionship - and a vet who knew about rabbits would have suggested that.
The RWAF gives good advice on both matters and I think you would find it helpful to look at their guidance.
A few years ago - before I knew any better - I allowed my rabbits to spend time free ranging in the garden, thinking they would be safe during the day and I was at home and knew what was going on. A local cat got in and 'stole' and killed one of my rabbits. Heartbreaking. The only way to supervise is to be out there, unfortunately, and it can be a very hard lesson to learn. Yes, its lovely to see them running around outside - nothing better in my opinion - as it allows them to run and leap around - but it really isn't safe without outdoor supervision.

 

[Orenoko]

Unfortunately hutches really aren't great, we are all led to believe as kids that that's all bunnies need. As a temporary measure do a repair but really it would be ideal if larger accommodation could be built, something Fox proof like a shed etc. There would also potentially be room for a companion long term if you chose to go down that route.

 

[alisha77]

Thank you so much for the advice everyone. Sorry I hadn’t seen I had a few replies. He’s now in a much bigger home, he’s got his own little “house” which is much bigger than the sizes recommended and has a lovely fox and weatherproof run attached. Thank you again!