We live in a courtyard apartment complex. About two weeks ago we got new neighbors who have a pet rabbit. I know this because they have put it out in the “alley” behind our back doors. This is a walkway about four feet wide that runs from the street, behind all our apartments and ends at the real alley where we put the trash.
Anyway, the rabbit has been outside, in a wire cage about 1 1/2 feet square for the last two weeks. It has food and water and a small wooden tunnel that it could go into, if it wanted, although I have never seen it do this. They have also put an old wooden table top on top of the cage, presumably to give it more shade. They never seem to take it inside at all, nor have I ever seen anyone spending any time with it.
The weather here is mild, and we are currently having the classing “night and morning coastal clouds” but that side of the building faces west and can get really hot on days when there isn’t a lot of cloud cover.
So what do you think? Should I say anything, or mind my own business. I haven’t met the neighbors yet. There’s a man and a woman–who may not actually live there all the time–and a boy of about 12 or 13.
If you’re really concerned, call your municipal ASPCA / Humane Society / Animal Control and anyonymously report it. They may not do anything, but it’s a step you can take.
That’s actually how most rabbits are raised on farms and such, in a long line of such cages. Although typically inside a barn type structure. Rabbits aren’t what you’d call “big space” creatures, being fat rodents.
They kind of find a hidey hole and just dart out here and there.
If they leave it out there under extreme heat and rain, I’d call the ASPCA though.
do a google on “house rabbit society”, find your local chapter, explain the sitch to someone there, then see what they say. have adopted two rabbits through them so far, and they’re the best in town. they will then recommend a course of action.
based on what you’re saying, it could be that the bunny is well and good, but I have issues with lack of exercise, things to chew on, vitamins, and most importantly, the grooming. bunnies need to be brushed and groomed. hope this helps.
Shaolinrabbit is right, that’s how they’re raised on the farm. If the bunny is not exposed to extreme heat or cold, it’s probably OK. (Rabbits are MUCH more sensitive to heat than to cold, and can easily die in really hot weather.) Do the people ever take it out for exercise, petting, etc.? If they seem attentive to it then it’s probably OK. (p.s., I’m not the world’s rabbit expert, but I have had a couple of rabbits who lived in outside cages, and have read a lot about how to care for them.)
Well, if the rabbit has plenty of water and shade, and the weather’s not excessively hot/humid, and the rabbit’s not moving around much, he’s probably not in any danger at this point. He’s clearly not getting ideal care for a pet rabbit, but he doesn’t seem likely to die from it at this point.
What he said.
Good for you for being concerned. In addition to extreme heat the rabbit is also vulnerable to predators if it is outside in a small cage on the ground the whole time. Depending on where exactly you live these could be coyotes, dogs, cats or even owls and raccoons. Domestic rabbits can die from shock from an attack by such an animal, for example if a large dog came and shook the cage or something like that.
Yes, I think my biggest concern would be predators. I have heard of raccoons figuring out how to get into outdoor rabbits’ cages and killing them. For that reason alone I dont think it’s a very good idea to leave rabbits outside unattended.
I know. I just can’t resist stoopid wordplay, and my username rarely comes up in casual conversation.
I love those Warner Bros. cartoons with the baby kangaroo. Especially when Sylvester is convinced it is just a big mouse.
