Can a house rabbit be moved outdoors to an outdoor rabbit?

[tgm1974]

I am a big rabbit lover and years ago I had 4 Netherlands Dwarfs at the one time.

It's been at least 10 years since I've had another rabbit and today my husband has brought home a house rabbit for me.
It seems his friends mate bought this rabbit from "someone" but when he got it home his dogs didn't react well!! Doh! Anyway my hubby has turned up with it here. Never envisaged myself having another pet as I have a 4 yr old and a
4 month old at home. My eldest son is made up but I know very little about
"house rabbits" and how to keep them trained, etc.

Can they be "turned" into outdoor rabbits (I'd only keep it in a hutch within shelter like a windowed shed through any bad weather).

Please help as I don't want to upset/risk her getting sick or ill.

Cheers

[Ratty2E]

In theory any rabbit could live outside given adequate shelter. Do you know how old it is and if it's lived outside before. I don't think it's that hard to house train a rabbit as they tend to find a toilet spot and stick to it, there's plenty of rabbit care sites on the web that could help with that. If you do decide to keep it outside then consider getting it a friend or it will be a very lonely life for the poor bunny.

[tgm1974]

Hi there

The rabbit is 12 months old and female. She's lived indoors since she was born so we've found out but never recd much attention. I really need to have he outside/hutched within the shed as I have a 4 month old at home and don't want to risk anything being picked up by my baby when he starts to move around. Think I will call local vet to double check before housing outside or giving her to someone who can house her indoors.

Poor hubby thought he was being nice taking her but don't think he thought it through!

[chaptazbru]

She'll be OK outside especially as you will keep the hutch in a shed. Just make sure she has plenty of warm, clean bedding. Will she be able to have a run around outside daily, as she'll need exercise and another rabbit would be good company, but you'll have to take time introducing them as at first she could be a bit fiesty towards a new rabbit. I've done it several times though and with patience it doesn't take long at all. They're great pets, full of mischief and personality which most people don't know as they keep the poor things in a bleak hutch at the bottom of the garden !

[ummmm]

Rabbits are stupid.

I buy mine a treat most days (cabbage, carrots, etc) I've not long gave them their carrots and they all fight over the first one I put out.

They are not hungry btw.

[chaptazbru]

I haven't had a stupid rabbit in my life - cheeky, mischevious, funny, daring (chasing local cats away) and very loving - guess I've just been lucky ummmm!! All this talk of rabbits is making me want to have another one or two...

[ummmm]

Leave them alone for any amount of time and they'll chew through your house.

[chaptazbru]

O I know they are prolific chewers, some more than others. I had a big hole chewed in my shed once by the blighters. You can't have plants either unless in tall planters, as they will eat them too. A large run on grass is the answer I guess. Mmmmm do I really want more rabbits ??!

[wildwood]

Rabbits need to chew to keep their continually growing incisors trimmed.