Keeping Rabbits Indoors - How to Do It

Many people wonder, "Can I keep my rabbits indoors, and how do I do it?" Rabbits are adorable, social creatures that can be a delightful addition to your household. However, keeping rabbits indoors can also be challenging. This article provides practical tips and advice to keep your rabbits happy and healthy indoors.

Whether you already have indoor rabbits or are thinking about adopting them as pets, you will find everything you need to know here. We will cover the benefits, drawbacks, and how to rabbit-proof your home. This way, you can enjoy your new pets with peace of mind.

 

The Benefits of Keeping Rabbits Indoors

Keeping rabbits indoors offers many advantages for both you and your pets. Here are some of the main reasons to consider having indoor rabbits:

1. More Interaction: Indoor rabbits have more opportunities to interact with their owners. This strengthens the bond between you and makes them happier and more social.
2. Better View of Your Rabbit's Health: By keeping your rabbits indoors, you can watch their health more closely. You'll notice changes in their behavior, appetite, or overall health more quickly.
3. Protection from Weather: Indoors, your rabbits are shielded from extreme weather conditions like heat, cold, rain, and wind. This is particularly important during winter and summer.
4. Safety from Predators: Indoors, your rabbits are safe from predators such as foxes, cats, and birds of prey that could threaten them if they were outside.
5. Longer Lifespan: Rabbits that are kept indoors live longer (according to rabbit.org) due to protection from diseases and outdoor hazards.
6. No Hassle with Outdoor Hutches: You won't have to worry about moving heavy hutches or cleaning them outdoors. Inside, you can create a fixed, safe spot for your rabbits.

 

The Drawbacks of Keeping a Rabbit Indoors

While there are many benefits to having rabbits as indoor pets, it's important to consider some potential downsides. Here are six key disadvantages:

1. Lack of Space: Rabbits need plenty of room to run and play. In a small house or apartment, it might be challenging to provide enough space for their needs.
2. Damage to Furnishings: Rabbits are known for their tendency to chew and dig. This behavior can result in damage to furniture, carpets, and cables. It's essential to rabbit-proof your home to minimize such damage.
3. Noise and Mess: Rabbits can be messy. They leave hay, straw, and droppings everywhere. Additionally, they make noises such as chewing on toys or running around their enclosure, which can be disruptive.
4. Allergies: Some people may be allergic to rabbit fur or hay. This can cause health issues for family members who are sensitive to allergies.
5. Odours: Rabbit cages need to be cleaned regularly to prevent odors. If you don't clean consistently, it can lead to an unpleasant smell in the house.
6. Costs: Keeping rabbits indoors can be more expensive than keeping them outside. You'll need additional supplies such as cages, bedding, and toys - and energy costs may be higher due to keeping appropriate temperature and ventilation.

 

Providing Enough Space for Indoor Rabbits

Rabbits need plenty of room to move freely to stay healthy and happy. Start with a rabbit hutch or a cage, big enough for your rabbits to stand, lie down, and take a few steps. Ideally, the hutch should be at least 1.5 meters long, 0.75 meters wide, and 0.75 meters high. In addition to their hutch, rabbits need a free ranging area where they can have a bit of activity daily.

Elevated platforms, tunnels, and hiding spots in their play area provide opportunities for playing and challenges. This keeps them physically active and stimulates their natural behaviors. If you have a garden, you can set up a secure run where your rabbits can spend a few hours outside each day. Inside, set up some furniture and accessories designed specifically for rabbits, such as rabbit ramps, tunnels, and toys.

Rabbit-proof your home by keeping cables and toxic plants out of reach and make sure there are no small openings they could crawl through. You might as well use barriers to block off certain areas of the house.

 

Practical Information: Chewing, Digging & Bedding

Keeping rabbits indoors requires careful planning and adjustments to your home. Here is some practical information to keep your rabbits safe and happy:

Chewing and Digging

Wild rabbits have a natural tendency to chew and dig - this instinct also touches our domesticated rabbits. However, it can be a bit annoying when your bunny damages your home. We recommend bunny proofing your home to discourage your rabbit tearing down your furniture.

Ensure all electrical cables and hazardous items are out of reach. Use cable protectors or route cables through protective tubes. Provide safe toys for chewing, such as willow branches, chew blocks, and special chew toys. This helps prevent them from gnawing on your furniture. Place cardboard boxes, old towels, and other chew-friendly materials in their playing area.

Bedding

The right bedding is important for the comfort and health of your rabbits. Use bedding materials like hay, straw, or hemp fiber, which are soft on their feet and absorb moisture well. Lay soft mats or fleece blankets in the enclosure to provide extra comfort and prevent sore hocks. Change the bedding regularly to ensure a clean and hygienic environment, which helps prevent odors and health issues.

 

How to keep rabbits inside?

Choosing the right habitat for your indoor rabbit is crucial for their well-being and happiness. Here are some important aspects to consider when setting up the perfect habitat for your rabbits:

Suitable Flooring

Choose an enclosure with a sturdy, non-slip floor. Avoid wire mesh floors, as they can be painful for your rabbits' feet. Cover the floor with soft materials like fleece blankets or special mats. A well-ventilated enclosure prevents the buildup of ammonia from urine, which can be harmful to your rabbits' health. Ensure good air circulation, but avoid drafty areas.

Safe Hiding Spots

Pet rabbits need safe hiding places where they can retreat. Place houses, tunnels, and boxes in the enclosure to give them a sense of security.

Feeding and Water

Use sturdy food bowls and water bottles that cannot be easily tipped over. Change the water daily and provide a constant supply of high quality feeding hay, which is essential for their digestion and dental health. It's recommended to supply enough food and water both in the morning and the evening.

Cleanliness

Keep the space clean by removing waste and soiled hay daily. Clean the area thoroughly each week with a pet-friendly cleaner to prevent bacteria and odors.

Rabbit Training: Litter Training

Training your rabbits to use a litter box can offer numerous benefits for both you and your pets. While it requires patience and consistency, litter training can help keep their habitat cleaner and your home more hygienic. Here are some steps and tips for successfully litter training your rabbit:

Why Litter Train My Rabbit?

Litter training simplifies cleaning your rabbit's habitat and helps reduce unpleasant odors. It also makes your rabbit feel more comfortable and secure in their environment.

Getting Started

• Choose the Right Litter Box: Begin by selecting a suitable litter box. It should be large enough for your rabbit to move around in comfortably. Use a shallow box for young rabbits and a larger one for adults.
• Appropriate Bedding: Use absorbent bedding such as wood pellets or paper pellets. Avoid clumping cat litter, as it can be harmful if your rabbit ingests it.
• Strategic Placement: Place the litter box where your rabbit already tends to do their business. This might be a corner of their enclosure. If your rabbit is using multiple spots, consider placing several litter boxes.
• Observation and Placement: Watch where your rabbit prefers to relieve themselves and place a litter box there. Move some of their droppings and urine into the box to encourage them to use it.
• Reward your bunny as they use the litter box

Issues and Solutions in Litter Training Your Rabbit

Not Using the Litter Box: If your rabbit isn't using the litter box, check if it's in an appropriate location and if the bedding is comfortable. You might need to try a different type of bedding.

Clean Unwanted Spots: Clean any unwanted spots with an enzymatic cleaner to completely remove the scent. This prevents your rabbit from returning to the same place.

Sudden Changes: If your rabbit suddenly stops using the litter box, it could indicate a health issue such as a urinary tract infection. Consult a vet if this happens.