[lily.]

Originally Posted by Ninastar

really? how do you go about that? we cant leave her out because cats and these massive birds that steal pets fly about our area

Our back garden is fully fenced in and cats are scared of rabbits. Seriously, you know rabbits are the devil, Caitlin.. you should see what they do to cats who dare use our garden as a shortcut.. they chase them down!

The thing about cats is that they like to hunt and kill, but they don't like to be chased. They're used to the things they hunt running away, so when they do the stalking thing then the wee bum-shake-pounce thing and the rabbit not only doesn't run away, but runs towards the cat they get this 'wtf just happened' reaction. It's actually hilarious. If I see a cat come near my garden, I usually wait and watch.... and usually five minutes later the cat is tanking off down the street to get away!

We don't have a bird problem so much, although there are crows the size of cats and the gulls can be a nuisance, but as long as the rabbits have hiding places then it's not an issue. Rabbits are natural prey animals so they see/hear stuff coming long before we do and they take cover. We have 2 old pallets in our garden, and they can scoot under there if they feel threatened. Also, they can get into, behind and under their hutch, as it is left open during the day. They tend to co-exist with the crows... and don't really bother each other.

I think the only threat I would be genuinely concerned about is dogs. But, if a dog appears in the field behind our house, they notice it first. They do the wee meerkat thing and stand on their back legs really still watching and listening.

They've been free-ranging for years now and nothing has happened. They're hardier than people give them credit for. I only lock them away at night because there are a lot more predators at night and bunnies can't see in the dark very well... their vision is best at dusk and dawn.

The family next door have started free-ranging theirs now [they have 5]... at first they were concerned and asked me about it, but obviously seeing that mine have come to no harm, they're doing it too.

I think it makes for happier bunnies, but they're still not soft/cuddly and they're still masters of mayhem.. I agree with what Ammi said... nature made them look so soft and fluffy but they are evil lol