Many people who live in a flat have a rabbit as a pet. It is an easy animal that can be alone during the day. It is nice for the rabbit if he can walk around in the evening and has the space. If you have a balcony, you can easily transform it into a rabbit enclosure, so that your rabbit can enjoy the fresh air. If you do it right, your rabbit may be able to stay there all year round. What should you consider when turning your balcony into a rabbit enclosure?
The location and size
Rabbits are not heat resistant and can easily suffer heat stroke with fatal outcome. If you have a south-facing balcony, keep in mind that it can also get too hot with a sunshade. Only a balcony on the east, west and north is suitable for a rabbit on warmer days. For a rabbit of three kilos you have to take into account a space of at least two square meters. For two rabbits, the space should be at least four square meters. With a little skill you can convert your balcony into a lovely rabbit enclosure.
Security
Also remember to secure the area above the balcony railing. Not only because the rabbit can jump very high, but also because birds of prey, cats and martens like a rabbit and sometimes manage to get onto the balcony. Use a protective net with a small mesh size for this. If necessary, first consult with the landlord whether it is allowed to install a net. You are also not always allowed to drill without permission. It is better to ask for written permission to avoid problems afterwards. Even in an owner-occupied flat you cannot just string a net and keep rabbits out. Discuss this with the neighbors because it is annoying if you have just finished your stay and receive complaints from the neighbors.
The stay
A rabbit is not a rodent, but they do like to sink their teeth everywhere. They can do considerable damage. Therefore, protect wooden window frames and balcony door. Keep in mind that paint on the wood can be toxic. A ready-made rabbit hutch is usually not suitable for cold winter weather and sometimes needs to be adjusted. For example, as protection against the cold, you can install polystyrene foam or wood fiber boards between the outer wall of the house and the loft. Make sure that the rabbit cannot chew on this. Also provide good floor insulation as concrete can be very cold. When it is very cold, you can put another blanket over the loft. Give the rabbit extra hay and straw. It is better to build a loft on legs so that it stands off the ground. Not only because it is less cold, but also because the rabbit can then also use the space under the hutch. Often a balcony is not that big and therefore it is best to use all the surface as optimally as possible. Create a ramp so that the rabbit can easily enter his cage.
The institution
The standard supplies for the rabbit enclosure are food and water bowls and a hay rack. Use heavy earthenware containers so that the rabbit cannot knock it over. They like to throw light containers upside down, so that they can run out of water. You can also use special drinking bottles that you can attach to bars. Metal trays can cause noise nuisance at night. You also need a toilet bowl on which the rabbit can do its business. If he is not so clean, you have to keep the floor clean. This is to protect the rabbit against flies, but also to prevent odor nuisance. Furthermore, the rabbit needs a house in which to hide and possibly some toys. You can protect the wall and balcony door with, for example, thin bamboo sticks or reed.
Let it get used to
A rabbit that is used to indoors cannot be taken outside during a cold period just like that. A sudden change of temperature can make the rabbit sick. To get the animal used to it, you can take it outside for a few hours in the beginning and build this up gradually. Preferably do this in spring or summer. If he has to stay outside at night, do this preferably in the summer. This way he can develop a coat that is suitable for the winter.
Vaccinations
Rabbits kept outside should be vaccinated once a year against the viral disease RHD and twice a year against myxomatosis. Sometimes in certain areas it is recommended to do this quarterly due to additional risks. Some pet stores hold an inoculation hour especially for rabbits every quarter or six months with the vet visiting.