4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Mrs Kettle]

We're considering getting rabbits (ie my daughter has worn me down).

 

Ideally, I want the hutch to be permanently on our (slabbed patio), but they would be let out daily onto the grass (supervised as I work/study at home). So:

 

1. Will they be warm enough? I'd cover the hutch in winter as required, and would also consider bringing them in to porch-type area in the house if really cold.

 

2. I also have chickens (in separate enclosed area) and they free range on the grass in the afternoon, so would plan for rabbits to free-range in the morning - is there an optimum time for rabbit free-ranging?

 

3. We have a cat who is a ratter. He ignores the chickens; will he also ignore the rabbits?

 

Many thanks for all, and any, advice.

[bigmommasally]

Hi Mrs Kettle

 

1. They will be fine outside as long as they have been kept outside in the run up to winter, they will then grow their winter coat. Last winter my bunnies stayed out all winter, they had a tarpaulin overthem at night to keep out rain and wind and in the bad snowy weather I put a carpet under the tarpaulin for extra insulation. They will also need lots of dry hay and straw to snuggle down in. Bunnies actually cope better with the cold than they do with hot weather.

 

2. Bunnies tend to be more active early morning and evening - they tend to sleep over the mid day period.

 

3. Can't help you with this one as I don't have a cat.

 

If you haven't already found them these 2 sites are really useful and they also have lots of bunnies looking for forever homes.

 

http://www.goldenbunnies.org.uk/

 

http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/

[franklyrabbit]

I can give you my experience of rabbits and cats mixing.

 

We have two rabbits and three cats. Two of the cats totally ignore the fact that we also have rabbits, even though the rabbits free range the garden all day. Our previous rabbit chose to spend much of his time in the house and again, those same two cats pretty much ignored him. Occasionally they would bump noses with the rabbit in greeting but that was it.

 

The third cat was our first rabbit's best friend. They binked on the lawn together, played a kinda "i'll chase you and then you chase me" game, they slept together in the day time in the house and ate next to each other. Now that poor Frank the rabbit is gone, we have two rabbits called Bonnie & Bandit. Even though we've only had them for about 3 months, our 'third' cat spends a lot of time with them - the relationship isn't as close as with Frank but the cat is doing all he can to join in with them.

 

That said, each have their own character and so nothing can be guaranteed but good luck.

 

It is worth also bearing in mind that you have to keep an eye out for cats visiting the garden or passing through. A neighbour has a Burmese cat who hasn't ever caused any harm here but whenever he's on patrol, we keep a closer eye on the bunnies cos he's a known bully boy in the area.