Allowing pet rabbits to be free in garden

[Alee]

I've rabbit proofed my garden and allow my 2 rabbits to run free during the day then lock them in hutch at night. I noticed sum big hawks or something circling above earlier and I'm now a bit worried Incase they get eaten? Does that happen at all?

 

[John Marwood]

Probably a pair of Buzzards who usually eat carrion

I would advise high vis rabbit vests in pink and purple

 

[Helen Goff]

Probably a pair of Buzzards who usually eat carrion

I would advise high vis rabbit vests in pink and purple

 

[wmrcomputers]

Rabbit proofing wont stop the foxes getting in, and no matter where you live I would NEVER rule it out. If your rabbits mean enough to you then I'd really suggest an enclosed run only.
I kept dozens of chickens before, without any sign of Mr Fox for years! Then one day he took two in the middle of the day. I know it was him as that same night he came and killed THE LOT!

Nice having your garden open for them to explore, but personally I'd still only allow them to do so under supervision.

A friends rabbit was attacked and left dead in their garden a few years back. To this day not sure by what. It was free to roam around the garden for 4 years prior to that day.

 

[Alee]

Surely foxes wouldn't come In the day , would they? I lock the rabbits away at around 4ish.

 

[proactive]

Foxes can come at any time, or not at all.

It's a risk you take...

 

[photography_bloke]

It does happen I'm afraid - both birds of prey and foxes do take rabbits from gardens, including during the day (I know someone who lost 2 pet rabbits to foxes in broad daylight)

Would definitely suggest only letting them run free in the garden under supervision - you're much better off with an enclosed run for them when you're not around

 

[Gramaisc]

The current "England's Big Picture" on the BBC site is a red kite that regularly visits a garden in Gateshead...

 

[Alee]

Thanks all! I'd best get cracking on an enclosure then! The hutch does have a build in run but I just don't think they are ever big enough for rabbits.

 

[staffordjas]

I've seen a couple of foxes (thought one was an alsation at first glance as it was so big) in my garden quite a few times during the day, especially when we had snow last year when they were there several times during the daytime. I was frantically ringing my neigbours to warn them as they have rabbits in a hutch with an open run.

 

[John Marwood]

View attachment 713

Soooo last year

 

[Bob]

Male urine around the perimeter of the garden will deter foxes from venturing in. You say your garden is rabbit proofed but is it possible to fox proof it? If you have a 6ft fence all the way round and presumably someway underground to stop the rabbits digging their way out you should be ok.

Would you garden suit a scarecrow? This may help with foxes and birds of prey.

Good luck!

 

[John Marwood]

I have wild rabbits in mine

Anyone got a pet fox?

 

[tek-monkey]

I'd love a pet fox!

 

[Gramaisc]

I'd love a pet fox!

 

[United57]

My old tom cat was often seen chasing foxes by the neighbours.

 

[hop]

I've seen a couple of foxes (thought one was an alsation at first glance as it was so big) in my garden quite a few times during the day, especially when we had snow last year when they were there several times during the daytime. I was frantically ringing my neigbours to warn them as they have rabbits in a hutch with an open run.

A fox which is like a wolf type dog... hmmmm.. Reminds me of this dodgy video of the 3 little pigs...