Indoor rabbit life

[bobsmith2002]

I’m planning on getting a pet rabbit to keep indoors. It won’t be free ranged, but rather be kept inside a 2x4ft large rabbit cage with pine bedding. I will also let him have time to play in a dog play pen. When I am at work he will be in the cage. Is that cruel? Or is that okay at minimum standards? When I refer to minimum standards I am talking about people who raise meat rabbits and keep them in small wire cages. If they can keep rabbits in small cages then I can keep a rabbit in a bigger cage.

Also, do I really need to spay/neuter my rabbit? Let’s say my rabbit reaches adulthood, will he/she still remain cuddly and affectionate? Or will she end up biting fingers? Do recommend the following rabbit calming supplement for non-spayed rabbits:

https://www.allthingsbunnies.com/Sit-Tight-for-Show-Rabbits-Cavies-p/fd144.htm

 

[thecatumbrella]

You won't like my answer (and this is subjective), but yes. I think it's cruel to keep a pet rabbit in a 2x4 enclosure for most of the day, especially if it's meant as a pet.

My rabbit had a small room (closer to 5x8) he was confined to when we weren't home to supervise. This let him move around more, stretch his legs, have different spaces for food/drink/litterbox/etc. If we were home, he was out and about in the house with us.

Both my rabbits were intact. The male was fine. The female was nuts and quite aggressive. Still cuddly, but aggressive once you stopped lavishing attention on her.

Hope you're able to find a solution that works. Rabbits are great pets, but I think the standard of care has been raised over the years. If you're stuck with a 2x4 footprint for your pet, look into a Roborovski hamster. A 2x4 enclosure is perfect for them, they'll be very happy with the space, and they'll be active at night when you're home from work.