Rabbits should not be confined to a cage or hutch for the entire day and should never be kept outside. Outside, there are many dangers for a rabbit. This includes predators, theft or taunt by humans or animals, moldy plants, poisonous plants, diseases spread by flies and mosquitoes, bacteria in dirt, exposure to sun, exposure to wind, exposure to wet, toxic pesticides, and toxic fertilizers. If rabbits sense predators (their largest threat outside) they may panic and injure or even kill themselves.
Additionally, if your rabbit is confined to a small area you will not be able to make good connections with your rabbit and will not be able to become good friends. Cages are boring for rabbits (especially without a friend) and deprive them of their freedom when much time is spent in it.
To make your rabbit's cage time more enjoyable, you can do many things. First your rabbit's cage should be a place where your rabbit can feel safe and secure in. Provide a place that your rabbit can hide in if he becomes frightened: a pile of hay to burrow in, a piece of wood attached to the wall of the cage to hide behind (and chew on), or a small cardboard box. Second, do not put things in your rabbit's cage that make him mad. If your rabbit rejects a toy or food, do not give it to him again (especially not while he is in his cage). Third, provide interesting activities for your rabbit. These will provide mental stimulation and something fun to do. Click here for a list of rabbit toys.
You can build a run for your rabbit to play in outside while she is supervised. The run should be large enough for high leaps and long enough for jumping in. It should have a cover to protect your rabbit from the sun, rain and other weather conditions. The run should be constructed with wood so that your rabbit can chew on it, and should have a wire bottom so that he can't dig his way out. Wire walls make the structure complete. Each day throw a fresh layer of golden straw on the floor of the run. This makes a nice bed for your rabbit, and he will love playing in it! It also protects his feet from the wire bottom of the run. Toys, food, and water should also be included.
