Good point--I might try letting them outside in the evening, as you suggested. My more skittish rabbit might be hard to catch, though, even if he is in a dog exercise pen.
Uhhh. Well. I know some people who have had success long-term with keeping chickens and rabbits in the same space.
It could be the timothy hay. I'm really allergic to it. My eyes will get all puffy and I'll sneeze non stop. I'm only a little bit allergic to rabbits. Switching to orchard grass may help. It's not dusty and it doesn't make me sneeze at all. Also, wearing a mask, clothes that hair doesn't stick to, and being outside when grooming helps a lot.
Having them fixed makes a huge difference. If they aren't already I would do this. Lennon the Bunny has a few videos on litter training that may help. Having the litter box set up right is important too.
Some rabbits are just picky. Having good quality treats and toys helps. You may want to get them new ones and rotate the toys to keep it interesting.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I appreciate your advice, but having bunnies in the house doesn't work for everyone. My husband built us a great, predator proofed chicken coop and run and he'll do the same for our bunnies. We're planning on a 24-35 square foot hutch with an 8 x 8 movable run for playtime. We're also getting leashes so we can take them for walks in the yard. I feel confident that we will be able to provide a happy life for them even though they will be living outside. Isn't that their natural habitat anyway?
Hmm...then maybe it isn't the best idea. I could let them (one at a time) into an outdoor area with cement on the ground, though.
I also know rabbits are very sensitive to diseases, parasites, medications and other conditions chickens just blow off. I also-also know layer feed is not good for rabbits.
I don't put my bunnies on grass that has had chickens on it regularly or in the last month for those reasons, but I think this is an individual risk assessment thing. You know your chickens, weather conditions, etc, better than me. Like if your chickens went out, it stormed for a few days, then dried out a lot for a week, that's much safer than a consistently muddy location that hasn't had chickens in a few weeks.
I wish it were only the timothy hay, but all the people in my family are allergic to fur and feathers. Non hypo-allergenic dogs, cats, yes, even chickens...
Domestic rabbits and wild rabbits are very different. Wild rabbits will have a much much easier time living outside, whereas domestic rabbits won't. It's like the difference between dogs and wolves.
I have to say that YouTube channel isn’t the greatest if you want your bunny outside. The person always bashes people who do that... I find it quite irritating. I get what they’re saying, but bunnies would rather be outside. Mine hated it inside and love it outside. That YouTube is so wrong!
Oof, I can relate. Allergies suck. I had to take something called SLIT for a few years to even be able to have hypoallergenic dogs. It's basically like a allergy shot but it's just something you spray under your tongue. Thankfully it worked for me but it doesn't work for everyone.
I think that people should do what works best for them and their rabbits, but if free roaming inside is a possibility it often works well. I understand not everyone can do this though.
I mean, IMO as long as they're cared for and not in a tiny cage, they're in a good home. I have seen PLENTY of house rabbits go into cages indoors, or get shut in rooms, and never really cared for... And lots of outdoor farm bunnies get spoiled and loved on every day. Lots of farm dogs live outdoors too... Indoors/outdoors isn't exactly an indication of care quality.
