Should the Hutch be Set Up Outside or Indoors?
There are several perks of both settings. The advantages of either setup are addressed here below.
Benefits of the indoor hutch
- Rabbits are social, and indoor bunny hutch means your pet will be around human family members all day.
- The rabbit will be socialized faster and be confident. Your rabbit will be used to the sights as well as the sounds of a busy house.
- Find your rabbit safe at all times. Wild predators roaming outdoors will not disturb your pet make your rabbit less nervous.
- There is no need to worry about extreme weather because your rabbit will always be safe and warm.
- Your rabbit will be in plain sight, making it easier to spot potential illness or strange behavior.
Benefits of an outdoor hutch
- If you don't maintain cleanliness, a rabbit hutch starts small, and it'll not happen if you choose an outdoor hutch.
- Rabbits are also hardy in cold temperatures; the pet would rather be cold than warm.
- Life outside is quieter for your rabbit as your pet won’t be startled by voices, vacuums, or slamming doors.
- Keep in consideration a natural light governs a rabbit's hormones. If your rabbit is living outdoors, shedding and sleeping patterns occur naturally.
- Living outside is a natural habitat for your pet. It will be easier to engage in natural and wild instincts. However, you can read more to decide whether you’d rabbit’s hutch should be indoors or outside.
Does an Outdoor Rabbit Hutch Differ from Indoor?
Deciding whether your rabbit is living outdoors or inside it's an important concern. There are both pros and cons. If you do decide to settle outside, there are additional considerations. However, if you’re leaning toward placing hutch outside, consider the following:
- Temperature
- Lighting
- Safety
Temperature Maintenance
If your rabbit is living outside, there is a great need to include a thermometer in the hutch. Rabbits can withstand cold temperatures but take action in extreme weather. A rabbit's body temperature between 100-103 degrees Fahrenheit is considered normal. Maybe it sounds high, but its fur coat accounts for this. However, the temperature needs to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous for them. If it occurs, it would be best to move the rabbit to a warmer location. A garage is ideal; make it temporary until the extreme cold front passes.
Do not alternate your pet between outdoor and indoor living at any other time. Sudden fluctuations have a detrimental impact on your pet. Your rabbit needs to be warm enough to avoid immediate danger. Along with this, excessive heat is also dangerous. If you’re in the midst of a heatwave, it will be uncomfortable. Anything over 70 degrees Fahrenheit is sketchy, but if the temperature reaches 85 degrees, its a trouble.
Light to an Outdoor Hutch
Appropriate illumination is one of the important considerations for outdoor rabbits. When you sleep, your pet will return to its hutch and amuse herself before retiring. However, it is not an issue for your pet as rabbits are not afraid of the dark. However, rabbit eyes function best at dawn and dusk.
This may cause worry for your rabbit as your pet will not see anything. Rabbits hear and smell predators, leading to a frightening night. There is a need for specialist sleeping are. If your rabbit feels protected, it will pay less attention. Your pet will sleep soundly, unaware of other animals outside the hutch.
Moreover, if your rabbit seems reluctant to its hutch at night, fear is an explanation. You can soothe your rabbit by applying some light. It would be best to add a night light to your rabbit’s hutch. Ensure that the light is dim because the rabbit still needs to understand the difference.