July 15, 2024, 6:07 am | Read time: 7 minutes
Rabbits are curious, intelligent, and need variety. That’s why they require a sufficiently large enclosure and additional exercise space so they can move around in a species-appropriate way. However, not every owner can give their long-eared pets free-range in their garden. PETBOOK reveals how rabbits may hop around freely and safely when kept indoors.
When considering a rabbit as a pet, it is crucial not to skimp out on their enclosure. Whether a small or large breed, a rabbit requires approximately 10 square meters (about 107 square feet) of floor space, plus an additional area for exercise. If you want to keep rabbits at home, you should know that no matter how large the cage, it is not appropriate to keep these small mammals there permanently. They can neither run, dig, make hooks, nor avoid other rabbits.
Not considering these needs can result in aggressive behavior and other behavioral disorders, potentially leading to injury and conflict. That’s why you should think about how you can arrange your home before you buy a rabbit. This allows them to live together in harmony and in a species-appropriate way.
Overview
Is it possible to keep rabbits at home in a species-appropriate way?
Boredom is the biggest challenge when keeping rabbits indoors. Grandpa’s garden hutch was probably far too small and cramped for the rabbits. We now know more about species-appropriate housing for these small social animals. This means that the needs of rabbits can also be met when they are kept indoors.
The rabbit room
If you have the space, you can give your rabbits their own room where they can run around to their hearts’ content. Rabbits that like to nibble on things or are not house-trained can also be accommodated there. However, it’s important not to close the door behind you and leave the rabbits to fend for themselves. Rabbits are social animals and want to take part in human life. For instance, you could unhinge the room’s door and install a gate, allowing them to observe you. Or you can set up your home office desk there so you have a good view of them (and they of you).
The rabbit enclosure (free-range enclosure)
Partition off part of the room with a high border (80 to 100 cm, which ist about 31.5 to 39.4 inches), e.g., with Plexiglas panels or a small animal or puppy fence. You can also line the walls with Plexiglas or coated wood so that you can wipe off traces of urine. For non-tiled floors, consider laying waterproof PVC flooring, which is also suitable for pets that aren’t house-trained. Although linoleum is more expensive, it is said to be less harmful to the rabbit’s health than PVC if nibbled on.
It is not advisable to use pond liners as a base, as they sometimes have toxic vapors and are harmful if nibbled on. If the rabbits are well house-trained and go to the toilet well, you can also lay carpeting or other soft flooring. Rabbits’ paws do not like hard surfaces because they have no pads and so quickly get sore feet (pododermatitis).
Can rabbits be kept completely free in the home?
Yes, but this completely free form of keeping rabbits in an apartment requires that there are no “destructive rabbits” in the group. Other than that, this way of keeping rabbits is to be welcomed because they get integrated into our everyday lives, giving them the variety that they need.
However, free-range housing in the home must be well planned in advance, as the rooms must be made rabbit-proof in every possible way: Some things need to be protected from sharp rabbit teeth and some things, such as electrical appliances, need to be secured so they do not sustain any injuries.
Also interesting: This is why carrots are unhealthy for rabbits
What protective measures are recommended for furniture?
There are a number of measures you can take to protect armchairs, chair legs, carpets, or sofas, because if you keep your rabbits free in your home, there is a risk that they will damage the furniture.
Chair legs and other furnishings
Rabbits love to nibble. You can keep them occupied with fresh twigs and other things that can be nibbled. Particularly vulnerable areas can be sprayed with repellent spray or wrapped with wire mesh. Transparent adhesive tape would be more discreet. You can also simply pull a sock over the chair leg. Admittedly, it’s not the most attractive solution, which is why opting for furniture with metal feet might be a better choice. Placing a board or a wicker bridge upright in front of the sofa and covering it with a waterproof throw can protect it, as rabbits may occasionally urinate there.
It’s best to offer the rabbits a variety, for example, in the form of a snack box containing straw, hay, and twigs. In the wild, rabbits are constantly nibbling, and they also urgently need this exercise and activity when kept indoors.
Make your own repellent sprays
Objects that rabbits are fond of nibbling can be sprayed or rubbed repeatedly with diluted solutions, such as lemon or onion juice. It is best to fill the liquid into a spray bottle that has a mist function on the spray head. This is so the wallpaper does not soak through completely when you spray it. If the rabbit does not react as hoped, you can try a different scent (essential oils) or buy a special repellent spray in a shop.
Protect wallpaper, walls, and corners
Wallpaper is often gnawed on when your rabbit is bored. Urine also sometimes ends up on the walls and in the corners. A wall protection film can help here, as it may be applied over the entire surface and in corners so it is not visually distracting. Plexiglas panels or wood paneling are more complex and expensive.
Carpets
They are also sometimes eaten by rabbits with the fluff swallowed, which can lead to blockages. Replaceable carpets made of cotton or hemp are recommended.
Removing urine stains
If the rabbit has peed on the carpet, spray the stain with diluted neutral detergent, leave it to soak, and then scrub it out with a damp cloth.
How can you protect your rabbit from hazards in the home?
There are many sources of danger that we humans do not even perceive, but that can be fatal to a rabbit. If you want to keep your rabbit free in your home, you should not ignore the following points:
Sockets and electrical cables
In the wild, every obstacle, such as tree or shrub roots, is cleared away when the rabbit digs. So, of course, in the home, any cable that is in the way will be gnawed on. In the worst-case scenario, the rabbit can get a fatal electric shock.
You can attach cables lying around to the wall with clamps, store them in a cable box or cable duct, or secure them with a cable protection conduit. Fit a child safety lock in unused sockets.
Household appliances
Like cats, rabbits are very curious by nature and like to poke their noses in everything. Therefore, close all appliances, such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers after use. Also check before each use whether a rabbit has crept in.
In the bathroom
A bathtub filled with water should never be left unattended, even if rabbits can swim. The smooth edge prevents them from getting out, and the bathtub can quickly become a death trap.
Windows
Rabbits enjoy the view from a window. You can therefore set up a great viewing area for them on the windowsill. Of course, the window must be closed and not tilted.
Doors
Small animals are often seriously injured or even killed by doors that suddenly slam shut. You can either unhinge the doors completely or use door stoppers to prevent them from slamming shut unexpectedly.
Houseplants
There are harmless, hard-to-tolerate, and poisonous houseplants for rabbits. Find out exactly what they are, or place the plants outside the possible “nibbling range”.
Conclusion
By considering the option of keeping rabbits completely free in your home, you’re likely providing your pet with the best possible indoor life. However, this can also mean certain restrictions for them.
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