It doesn’t matter where you live, your rabbits will be at risk from predators if they are able to roam freely. The most common predators are foxes, but you could also run into issues with large cats or stray dogs that find their way into your garden.
To help prevent the heartache of knowing that your beloved family pet has been attacked and killed by a predator, it’s essential to take steps to protect your animals. In this guide, we’re looking at some of the most common ways you can protect your pets against harm.
Supervise your rabbits
The best way to protect your rabbits is to supervise them while they are roaming free. If you can’t be around, then pop them back in their hutch where they are safe. If your rabbit is able to roam free when no one is around, they may quickly become a target for predators. By supervising your pets, your presence will often be enough to keep large animals away.
Fox-proof your hutch
By purchasing a fox proof hutch, you can limit the chances that your rabbit will be attacked at night while they are sleeping. The key to fox proofing lies in the width of the wire. In fact our hutches all come with 3mm wire.
The most common fox-proof mesh for rabbit hutches is 3mm which should withstand even the most determined fox. A hungry fox will be able to claw though thinner wire and this could leave your rabbit with nowhere to hide.
A raised rabbit hutch will prevent the fox from being able to dig under the outer fence while also preventing the rabbit from making a similar escape.
Use a rabbit run
To provide access to the outdoors without having to supervise at all times, you could consider adding a rabbit run to your cage. You’ll need a lot of space for this, but it can be worthwhile.
A rabbit run will also keep your rabbits from chewing things they shouldn’t, so it has additional benefits. Be aware that foxes can dig under fences, so a raised platform with wire going all the way to the ground may be better for protecting against predators. Rabbits should be moved to a fox-proof hutch at night and not left to fend for themselves in a rabbit run.
Allow them to burrow
If you have a lot of land, you might consider allowing your rabbits to dig. Rabbits have good instincts when it comes to foxes and will be able to dart to their burrow if they feed threatened. By allowing your rabbits to burrow, you can allow them to protect themselves in the way that feels most instinctive to them. This might not be practical for everyone, but some pet owners feel more comfortable allowing their pet to act in a way that feels instinctive to them.
Final thoughts on keeping rabbits safe
The steps outlined above will give your rabbits the best possible chance of survival against the threats that are all around them. It’s important to check your rabbit hutch regularly for signs of damage, as a fox could return night after night and slowly weaken the wire fencing until they are able to gain access.
Foxes are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can also be active during the day if they are hungry enough. They are also active all year round, including in the winter and summer, so there isn’t always an easy way to determine when your rabbits are most at risk. The best thing to do is to assume the risk is always present and act accordingly.