If your family is considering adding pet rabbits to the home, decide quickly if you plan to keep the rabbits indoors in a cage or outdoors in a special hutch. Keeping rabbits indoors is fine, but you may need to protect certain parts of the house that are unsafe for rabbits and also provide daily cleaning to prevent rabbits from dirtying rugs, cushions, and floors. Many people end up keeping their rabbits outside in a hutch as it is easier to maintain and provides a more natural environment for the rabbits to grow in.

The two biggest concerns when keeping rabbits outdoors are larger animal predators and cold weather. When unsupervised, it’s very easy for larger animals like raccoons to sneak up on you and try to escape with a snack. Also, at night the temperature can drop significantly and if your hutch is not insulated against attacks and cold air, you may end up losing your pets overnight to break-in or freezing. When choosing a hutch to keep your rabbits, make sure it is a durable hutch that can deter predatory animals and also has sturdy doors and roofs to ensure that all the rabbits inside are safe and warm at night.

Most rabbit owners and veterinarians agree that the ideal temperature for rabbits is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature above 85 or below 45 degrees is cause for concern and may require bringing the rabbits indoors or providing them with fresh water throughout the day so the rabbits do not become dehydrated. Although not as needy as dogs and cats, rabbits are not entirely self-sufficient and careful monitoring by the owner is needed to ensure they have a safe and healthy upbringing.

If you have an outdoor hutch and expect temperatures to drop, be sure to cover the hutch with a warm blanket or towel at night. In addition to keeping clever predators away, this layer of insulation can go a long way toward keeping your furry friends warm. You may also want to include warm blankets in the hutch so the rabbits can snuggle together at night creating a warmer sleeping environment.

Consequently, when the weather turns hot, it’s imperative that you keep the hutch in a shaded area, as extreme heat can wreak havoc on your well-being. It is also advisable to have fresh, cold water to drink and even wrap a bottle of ice water in a towel and store it in the cabin to keep it cooler.

Large outdoor hutches are great living environments for raising rabbits, and with the right hutch and accessories, you’ll be ready to provide a loving home for your furry pet. Once you have considered all internal and external hazards and made any necessary adjustments, you can safely introduce your rabbits to their new hutch and allow them to become familiar with their new surroundings.