Rabbit Friendly Garden: 6 Tips for Your Rabbits' Wellbeing and Happiness
More and more people are opting for a rabbit-friendly garden, in which their rabbits can roam freely and enjoy the space to move around. Providing plenty of space is great, but it's important to realize that there's more to a rabbit-friendly garden than just size. It is essential to create a safe and stimulating environment in which rabbits feel comfortable, safe from predators and can express their natural behaviour.
In this blog you will discover what you should pay attention to to create a rabbit-friendly garden, so that your rabbits can enjoy their outdoor space safely and happily.
Fence and security
The first aspect to consider is the fencing of your garden to keep your rabbits safe in the garden. Make sure the fence is strong and high enough to prevent your rabbits from escaping. Regularly check for holes or weak spots in the fence.
Also consider protection from predators. Consider digging in the fence or using underground barriers to prevent predators such as raptors and martens from entering the garden.
Keep your rabbits safe and protected from escape and predators with a sturdy and well-maintained fence.
If the garden is not completely covered, it is advisable to have a completely closed enclosure for the night so that predators cannot reach it. Because rabbits are most active during the twilight periods, the rabbits should also have enough space to run around.
Rabbit-friendly Plants for a garden full of nibbling fun
A rabbit-friendly garden is not only about creating a safe environment, but also about maintaining a healthy living environment for these adorable animals. Avoiding the use of toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, is essential. These substances can be harmful not only to rabbits, but also to other animals and even to you!
Create a safe and healthy living environment for your rabbits: avoid toxic chemicals and choose rabbit-friendly plants.
In addition to avoiding harmful chemicals, it's important to be aware of what plants you have in your garden. Some plants and flowers are poisonous to rabbits and can cause serious health problems if eaten. Take the time to examine the plants in your yard and identify any poisonous varieties. Remove these plants and replace them with safe and rabbit-friendly alternatives.
Edible plants and grazing area
For wild rabbits grazing is an essential activity, they spend about 3 to 6 hours a day on this. Also offer your rabbits the opportunity to graze by placing edible plants in the garden. Think of lawns, clover beds and vegetable gardens where rabbits can safely eat. This allows them to mimic their natural feeding behavior.
Choose carefully which plants you place in the garden. Provide rabbit-friendly plant species, such as grass, dandelions, clover, and various vegetables and herbs.
If you don't have enough space in your garden for rabbit-friendly plants, grasses and herbs, don't worry. You can naturally supplement your rabbit's diet with dried herbs.
There are several types of dried herbs available that rabbits can eat as a tasty and natural addition to their balanced diet. Like the Back Zoo Nature Fantasy Field Mix, Back Zoo Nature Garden Discovery Mix or for Back Zoo Nature Herb Garden Mix.
Provide Hiding Places and shady areas for happy Rabbits
Rabbits have a natural need shelters where they can feel safe and retreat. Offering different options, such as shrubs, wooden houses or special ones outdoor cages, is essential to meet this need. Make sure the hiding places are spacious enough for the rabbits to move around and stretch out comfortably.
Create a safe and comfortable environment for rabbits with plenty of hiding places and shady areas in your yard. Use natural elements such as the Back Zoo Nature Corky Tube.
Creating enough shelters and shady areas in the yard allows rabbits to feel safe and comfortable regardless of the weather or environmental conditions. It is an important aspect of creating a rabbit-friendly garden that meets their natural needs and well-being.
Water and food: Essential elements for a rabbit-friendly garden
Make sure fresh water is always available for rabbits in the yard. Place several drinking bottles and/or water bowls in a safe and accessible place. In addition to water, it is important to offer a balanced diet. Provide rabbits unlimited daily hay and a limited amount high-quality rabbit food. Depending on how many fresh plants and herbs the rabbit can eat itself, you can offer a variety of fresh green food.
Create a rabbit-friendly garden with play options and enrichment
Rabbits are naturally curious and active animals. To stimulate their natural behavior and keep them happy and healthy, it is important to provide plenty of play opportunities in the garden. Rabbits are diggers and rodents by nature, so offering a variety tunnels and burrows can provide them with a playful environment in which to explore and hide. Potato boxes and plateaus can serve as platforms for them to jump and scramble on, satisfying their need for exercise.
Stimulate the natural behavior of rabbits and keep them happy and healthy with plenty of play opportunities in the garden.
By a variety of play options and enrichment elements in your rabbit-friendly garden, you give your rabbits the chance to exercise their natural behavior, release their energy and lead a happy and active life. It is an investment in their well-being and will reward you with happy rabbits that can fully enjoy their outdoor playtime.
Regular checks and maintenance
Maintain and check the rabbit-friendly garden regularly. Remove sharp objects, poisonous plants or other potentially dangerous items. Check the fence for weak spots and repair if necessary. Stay alert and adjust the yard as necessary to maintain a safe rabbit-friendly environment.
A Rabbit Friendly Garden: The welfare and happiness of your rabbits come first
Creating a rabbit-friendly garden is a worthwhile investment in the well-being and happiness of your rabbits. By taking into account their natural needs, such as sufficient space, safety, suitable planting and stimulating play opportunities, you can create an environment in which rabbits feel safe and can fully enjoy themselves. And what's more fun to see than happy rabbits that “binkies" to make.
A binky is a joyful leap into the air, often followed by a side kick or body shake all the way back and forth. It is a clear sign that your rabbit is feeling happy and joyful.
Do you want to create a rabbit-friendly garden? Get started with the following steps:
- Provide a secure fence and protection from predators.
- Provide plenty of hiding places and shady areas.
- Choose rabbit-friendly plants and avoid poisonous plants.
- Create play opportunities with tunnels, holes and platforms.
- Always provide fresh water and a balanced diet.
- Check your rabbit-friendly garden regularly
- We would like to emphasize that Rabbits are social animals! So make sure rabbits are always kept in pairs or groups
Following these steps will give your rabbits the ideal environment to thrive. Enjoy the fun of a rabbit-friendly garden while promoting their well-being and health at the same time.
