If you’re thinking of getting pet rabbit, questions about a small, medium sized breed or even a large size rabbit will come up. But where are they going to live? If you're firmly in the camp of having an outdoor rabbit, but are overwhelmed with the choice of rabbit breeds, this guide is here to help! It covers what makes some breeds better suited to outdoor living than others and what owners can do to keep their rabbit safe and happy living outdoors.

Can All Rabbit Breeds Live Outside?

All rabbit breeds can live outdoors, some are better suited than others while some are more susceptible to the weather. All outdoor pet rabbits should have adequate housing to protect them from cold, wet and winter weather, and from predators.

Breeds like Lionhead rabbits, Rex rabbits and long-haired rabbits have less protection against wind, rain and cold because they don't have a top coat. They can still be kept outdoors, but need more help to keep warm, particularly during the winter months.

What Are the Best Outdoor Rabbit Breeds?

There are some pet rabbit breeds that are better suited to outdoor rabbit hutches than other breeds due to a natural instinct of self-preservation - they’ve ways to keep themselves warm like thicker fur, fur pads, and long ears to regulate temperature. You may be surprised to find it’s not just large rabbit breeds that can live outdoors. So, whether you plan to rehome a rabbit or buy from a recommended rabbit breeder, these are the breeds that are most suited to outdoor living:

Californian Rabbits

Californian rabbits are a breed that will catch the eye of any rabbit lover with their white fur coat and black-blue markings. Their striking appearance and friendly temperament make them a popular rabbit breed for both companion and as show rabbits. Large rabbits like the Californian need a bit more space than smaller breeds so are better suited to outdoor hutches with large runs.

Dutch Rabbits

Dutch rabbits are one of the most popular breeds due to their gentle nature. They’re a small rabbit breed but need lots of space to exercise in, so would benefit from a large enclosure or access to a secure garden. They're a hardy breed that can adjust to temperature changes outside.

English Lops

English lops, like all lop rabbits, have large thick ears that enable them to regulate their temperature. They also have a very dense coat that protects them against cold weather. They’re generally calm, gentle and quiet, which makes them a popular choice.

Flemish Giant Rabbits

Flemish giant rabbits are known for being gentle giants, they’re a popular choice for a family pet. They have a mild, calm, affectionate temperament, and are very intelligent. They’re big bunnies so need a large outdoor enclosure with plenty of space to exercise and lots of toys, ramps and different levels to stimulate them.

Mini Lops

Mini lops have a dense coat that is medium-length and extremely soft. They may be small, but their coat works wonders to keep them warm during the colder months. They love attention and cuddles so made wonderful family pets. They have lots of energy so need plenty of space to exercise outdoors.

New Zealand White Rabbits

New Zealand white rabbits are highly adaptable and can tolerant both hot and cold temperatures. They have short fur that is easy to groom and they’re docile so are easy to handle. They’re a large breed that need plenty of space in their hutch and run.

Rhinelander Rabbits

Rhinelander rabbits are an uncommon breed with unusual tri-coloured markings. They’re calm, patient and friendly making them easy to handle and bond with – a perfect choice for a first-time rabbit owner! Like all outdoor rabbits, they benefit from a large run to stretch out their long, strong legs.

What Do Outdoor Rabbits Need?

All outdoor rabbits breeds will benefit from a companion. Wild rabbits live in large groups and domesticated rabbits are no exception to this preference. Indoor rabbits are frequently around the hustle and bustle of daily family life and are often interacted with more than an outdoor rabbit.

Outdoor rabbits generally get attention in the warmer months but not so much in winter. Not only does a companion bunny offer the mental benefits of companionship, but it also has physical benefits like being able to snuggle together to keep warm and grooming each other to keep parasites at bay.

Regardless of the breed of rabbit, your rabbit will need a hutch and a run or secure garden to exercise in. Make sure your rabbit’s hutch is leak and draught proof and placed away from direct sunlight, you don’t want your rabbit getting too hot or too cold. Ensure they have plenty of bedding to bury into, particularly during colder weather. Clean the hutch regularly to prevent illness and parasites.

Their hutch and enclosure also need to keep them safe from predators, so make sure there is no way for anything to dig in or out. Make sure their hutch is appropriate to their size – they should be able to stand up, hop around and play. The run should be at least three times the size of the hutch. Having the hutch raised up from the ground slightly will help protect the base from getting damp and rotting.

Make sure your rabbits get plenty of time to exercise outside of their hutch. Having toys, ramps, tunnels and platforms of varying heights will provide entertainment and are a great way to keep your bunny in shape. Make sure there are no poisonous plants in your rabbit’s exercise area like buttercup, foxglove, holly, honeysuckle, daffodils and tulips.

All rabbits need a high-quality diet, consisting mostly of hay and grass, with the addition of vegetables and leafy greens. An outdoors rabbit will be able to forage for some of their food, mostly grass, but less so in winter. Ensure your rabbit has constant access to fresh clean water. Keep an eye out for frozen water bowls or bottles in winter.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Outdoor Rabbits?

Most pet owners have concerns over their rabbit living outdoors in the cold of winter, but we also need to consider the summer months. Temperatures over 25°C put rabbits at risk of heatstroke. Their thick fur is disadvantageous in summer and they’re unable to sweat or pant. You can help you rabbit keep cool in summer by offering lots of water, providing plenty of shade, and by adding cool towels, frozen water bottles, or slate tiles to their run.

Grooming them regularly will also help to reduce the thickness of their coat. Signs of heatstroke include loss of appetite, lethargy, increased breathing rate, floppiness and nibbling around the nose and mouth. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your rabbit has heatstroke.

Other summer concerns include sunburn, grass clippings and flystrike. Prevent sunburn by applying a high-factor baby sunblock cream and ensure there is adequate shade. Grass cuttings quickly ferment which if consumed causes excess gas formation within the digestive system. This can be serious and life-threatening.

Flystrike is when flies lay their eggs on soiled or wet areas of the rabbit’s body. The eggs hatch into maggots which then feed on the rabbit’s flesh. Flystrike can be prevented by keeping your rabbit clean.

All domesticated rabbit breeds can be kept outside, but some are better equipped for the elements than others. To keep your rabbit safe and happy in its outdoor hutch, make sure they have adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, a clean environment, companionship and stimulation in the form of toys, ramps and platforms. Check your rabbit and their enclosure regularly to make sure they’re safe and in good health.

Everypaw Rabbit Insurance

Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your young rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

There are three levels of Lifetime Rabbit Insurance to choose from, and every policy includes a range of additional benefits like Petcall. Petcall gives you 24/7 access to RCVS qualified vets and vet nurses so you can discuss your bunny's health and care whenever you need to.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Lapis – www.vetlexicon.com/treat/lapis 
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